A third of UK firms think improved access to highly skilled workers is “critical” to driving business performance, according to research from Virgin Media Business.

Mark Heraghty, managing director of Virgin Media Business, says: “I expect to see skills become increasingly important, more so than ever before. With the right people in place, companies have the ability to really drive their ambitions in 2011.

“With a greater pool of talent for directors to choose from, as highly skilled public sector workers migrate to the private sector, the dynamic of the UK market landscape is set to change. Coupled with the use of ever-advancing technology, businesses have the opportunity to propel themselves forward this year.”