The trade-only print group was among three small companies to test the Axa Business Personality Profile, an online questionnaire designed to help small companies improve their business performance.

When completed, the questionnaire gives an overview of five areas of the company's culture and management style and advice on how to grow and move forward.

Abbot chief executive Alasdair Browne said that the tool's main strength was its simplicity, although he said that the tool only catered for a "limited range of scenarios". He added: "The benefits should really be for those that have spent their time concentrating on print and not devoting time to organisation."

Abbot, which has a staff of 46 and a turnover of 2.7m, specialises in printing duplicate/triplicate books, register sets, restaurant pads, and continuous business forms.

Companies wishing to take part in the survey, which was developed by insurance firm Axa and Cranfield University School of Management should visit www.axa4business.co.uk.