A government study has shown that some 53 per cent of SME owners believe their business is affected by others' unfair sales practices.

The report, produced by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR), found that of those who believe their profits to be affected, one in ten think that it costs them more than a fifth of their revenue.

Consumer affairs minister Gareth Thomas says that the government's new Consumer Protection Regulations will cut red tape and better protect those suffering from the effects of 'underhand tactics'.

Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses John Wright welcomes the new law.

'These regulations will create a level playing field for all, allowing businesses to thrive based on merit and not on who is best at duping or pressuring consumers,' he says.

Examples of unfair sale practices include fake prize draws, aggressive doorstep selling and bogus ‘closing down’ sales.

BERR is intended to promote business growth and expand Britain's "enterprise economy".