Eight out of ten business professionals believe biscuits improve the quality of meetings.

The success or outcome of a meeting could be determined by the humble biscuit, a survey of 1,000 business professionals has revealed.

According to a poll by Holiday Inn, part of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), 80% of respondents believe the better the biscuit presented to staff or clients, the more successful the meeting.

Chocolate digestives were voted the best choice – particularly when bad news is being delivered, followed by shortbread and oat varieties such as Hob Nobs. Jam rings and bourbons were also in the top five.

Individuals from the legal profession – 67% of those polled – were most likely to be influenced by a good quality biscuit, followed by sales, media or marketing professionals (65%).

Crumbly varieties were deemed a no-no, with almost 30% stating they wouldn’t opt for this kind of biscuit.

Additionally, biscuit etiquette was a priority, with 50% saying they would only take a maximum of two during a meeting and 52% revealing they would not consider dunking in their tea or coffee.

When it comes to digging in first, nearly a quarter (24%) would wait until someone more senior had taken one.

Chris Hale, IHG’s Vice President Marketing & Communications, said: “The results show a good quality biscuit can have a weighty impact on business proceedings, while biscuit etiquette is high on the agenda. It’s incredible to think that important decisions might be made based on a crumbly biscuit.”

According to another poll conducted in April 2008, the custard cream is the nation’s favourite biscuit – with 93% of 7,000 respondents plumping for the sandwich style snack.

By Natasha Piscitelli