Three quarters of UK accountants still rely on desktop software, even though half of their clients say they are prepared for online working, according to research by accountancy software specialist Sage.

A survey by Sage UK found that the majority (73%) of accountants were working largely from desktop software despite 51% receiving interest from clients in collaborative online working. In addition 62% of businesses polled wanted the ability to access their information and apps on-the-go over the internet at any time.

The research suggests accountants in London (39%), central and eastern England firms (39%) are those most likely to be looking to invest online in the next year, followed by firms in Glasgow (33%).

The barriers preventing more businesses moving their processes online identified in the survey include security (41%), a lack of perceived technical experience within the business (20%), and lack of time (23%).

Paul Tooth, managing director, Sage accountants' division, said: 'Our research shows accountants are looking for new ways of working more securely, more closely and more productively with their clients, but may benefit from moving at the speed their clients are pushing for.'

Sage has released Sage One Accounts Extra, a cloud-based online accounting service for small businesses looking to trade internationally.