More work is needed to make businesses more accessible to people with disabilities, a survey has found.

In an NOP poll published by the Disability Rights Commission (DRC), over 70 per cent of respondents reported difficulties getting into shops on the high street.

Steps at the entrances to buildings as the biggest obstacle by 45 per cent of those questioned, with an inability to use disabled parking spaces coming second at 39 per cent.

The research comes a year before legislation comes into force, requiring businesses of all sizes to improve accessibility for disabled people.

In response to the findings, the Disability Rights Commission has launched a campaign offering information to entrepreneurs via a new website.

"Every business has just one year to make improvements needed to welcome disabled customers," said DRC chairman Bert Massie.

"The DRC is here to help British business be open for all. Small improvements will bring great benefits.

"Businesses will avoid the penalties of failing to make changes and reap the dividends of the £50 billion annual spending power of disabled people."