The Institute of Directors (IoD) has expressed concern that the government's super-fast broadband programme is running behind schedule.

A National Audit Office (NAO) report published earlier this month warned that the project is set to finish 22 months later than planned and has failed to create competition between rival providers.

Corin Taylor, Senior Economic Adviser at the IoD, warned that poor internet connectivity is "holding back" businesses in rural communities and said the late running of the scheme is "worrying".

He added that the NAO's review demonstrates that the UK is still "some way away from rural businesses getting the connections they need".

A recent IoD survey illustrated the importance of improving rural connectivity, with 45 per cent of respondents in rural communities stating their dissatisfaction with the download speeds they receive, compared to just 34 per cent that were satisfied.

Furthermore, 83 per cent of business leaders polled by the organisation said faster broadband would boost staff productivity.

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