According to the survey, 38% of the near 1,000 businesses surveyed said that they planned to invest more in marketing in the next year, but 40% said that they were "likely or very likely" to bring it in-house.

Beth de Avila, HP UK Officejet brand manager, said that the concept of bringing work in-house was a result of businesses cutting costs.

She said: "The survey results highlight how businesses are looking to reduce external costs through bringing printing requirements in-house, with the ability to produce professional quality print material themselves, rather than through an external supplier."

Print remained an important part of companies' strategies with 40% of respondents saying it was the "primary" form of advertising and 60% favouring online. In addition, 13% spend more than 80% of their budget on print, with 27% spending more than half.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said the results of the survey showed how "adaptable and flexible small businesses are".

According to FSB statistics, more than half of small businesses are quite confident about their future prospects and a third of firms are "planning on investing in marketing and new products and services in the next six months," a spokesperson said.