Companies in Bath are missing out on a combined £1.8 million every day due to the city's poor broadband infrastructure, it has been reported.

Research conducted by Gradwell, the Bath-based broadband provider, indicates that a fifth of small businesses suffer an internet outage on average once a month.

And the productivity and direct revenue lost as a result quickly adds up, the firm said.

Gradwell found that of the 300 Bath companies surveyed, just 28 per cent had a plan for coping with broadband failure.

Dr Peter Gradwell, Managing Director of the broadband provider, commented: "We were really surprised by the survey results.

"Most respondents claimed that staff use broadband for more than three hours each day, for business critical tasks, yet few had a back-up plan."

He said that as more businesses begin to use broadband, they must take responsibility for ensuring that their connection is secure and reliable.