Often SME staff will lack the resources and financial knowledge to deal with many issues and accountants therefore play a vital role in small business finance.

The research showed that a fifth of SMEs felt the most important thing they looked for in an accountant was the ability to help them secure finance.

Another 78 per cent suggested their accountant offered the best, unbiased financial advice available.

A great number of SMEs (68 per cent) expect their accountant to advise them on invoice finance.

Accountants have a pivotal role to play in advising SMEs about the many funding options available, especially those that exist outside of high street banks.