Contractors will be interested to hear that company owners have been advised that they can grow their firms by using social media.

Michael Murray told the Independent that the way people network is being altered by social media.

Mr Murray said: "The social media revolution led by Facebook and Twitter that has transformed how people stay in touch with each other is starting to take hold in the business community."

Companies can grow both their turnover and head count by making the most of social media.

He pointed out to IT contractors that there are many websites available that say they can support business owners and entrepreneurs, such as LinkedIn. This site has a forum called OpenCoffee, which allows small business owners to liaise with one another, he pointed out.

Alternatively, contractors may want to visit Yoodoo.biz for advice on growing successful start up businesses.

In addition, Mr Murray pointed out as smartphones grow more technologically advanced, social media will be adopted by many more, as location-based social networks can be accessed through a phone's GPS system.

Furthermore, Martin Lyne, director of SME marketing at T-Mobile, recently said that smartphones provide vital technology for small businesses.