More than half the organisations questioned for the annual study reported no increase in company volunteering despite the 2005 Year of the Volunteer campaign, and 40% said they found it difficult to attract corporate volunteers.

But 73% of those organisations that had attracted volunteers said their support had allowed them to undertake projects they wouldn’t otherwise have been able to do, and 63% confirmed professional support had become more important over the last five years.

The research was commissioned by charity Heart of the City. “There’s a huge demand for support from city businesses outside the cash box,” said chair Gerry Acher. “As community gain increasing exposure to business expertise, they are becoming more sophisticated about accommodating skilled volunteering into their strategic plans, and developing interesting and innovative projects for their business volunteers.”

The study, funded by the City of London Corporation, revealed that London’s charities and voluntary organisations most desired volunteers with skills in marketing and communication, business planning and public relations. They most frequently receive support from accountants and lawyers.