THOUSANDS of small and medium-sized businesses in the region have missed opportunities because of inadequate information and communications technology (ICT), according to research.

The findings showed about 15,000 businesses in the North-East were losing out because they did not have the right knowledge and support to use ICT systems.

Half of those questioned agreed that development could be hindered because small businesses did not have the access to ICT support that larger companies had.

Only a quarter of those taking part in the research, commissioned by Lincolnshire County Council, were up to date with the latest technology and knew how it could benefit their businesses.

"It is concerning that, although the region's small and medium-sized business are recognising the importance of technology, such as advanced broadband, in improving their business, few are acting on this," said Shelagh Coates, of the council's economic regeneration team.

"For businesses working in largely rural areas, having this technology puts them on a par with competitors in major cities, revolutionising their business."

More than half of the region's small business owners said they wanted additional help with ICT.

Three-quarters said they would be more likely to consider running their business from a more rural area if they knew that they had access to the same level of communications technology available in cities and major towns.

"Small and medium-sized businesses employ more than 370,000 people in the North-East and are the engine room of the economy," said Ms Coates.

"Helping them to access and use improved ICT is vital. Our research showed that 85 per cent of businesses believe that ICT is important to the running of their business. However, a vast proportion of these lack access to, or knowledge of, ICT that could help them become more efficient and productive and ultimately, more profitable."