A Welsh accent is a distinct disadvantage for people who want to succeed in business, according to new research.

Only 11% of business people questioned thought that those with a Welsh accent were likely to be successful.

And 14% perceived them to be less successful than average.

Two hundred UK companies were interviewed in the national survey carried out for the communications consultancy, The Aziz Corporation.

The research found that strong regional accents are a distinct disadvantage to people who want to succeed in business.

Thirty five per cent of businessmen classed a regional accent as a disadvantage, while only 1% thought it an advantage.

Overseas

Indeed, strong overseas accents were regarded more favourably than a UK regional accent.

Ten per cent of those questioned said a European accent was an advantage in business practice.

Khalid Aziz, chairman of The Aziz Corporation, said it was no longer the case that people find if difficult to succeed in business if they did not speak the Queen's English.

But certain accents were still perceived in a negative light, he said.

"These results show that when people hear certain regional accents, subconscious prejudices are triggered," said Mr Aziz.

He said in the light of the survey, he would advise business people to tone down broad regional accents and to avoid localised vocabulary which others may not recognise.