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SMEs lose faith in politicians

Mar 08 2010

Small businesses believe that the government has failed them during the last 18 months.

Some 76 per cent of London business owners say Westminster has done little to help, according to research from accountancy firm Shelley Stock Hutter.

Of the 166 polled, 29 per cent say there is no credible contender for the role of Chancellor, while 35 per cent say they are backing George Osborne and just 9 per cent Alistair Darling.

Bobby Lane, partner at Shelley Stock Hutter, says: ‘Start up businesses have been particularly affected with most routes to funding blocked. The attitude of both the government and the banks is clearly stifling Britain’s entrepreneurial spirit. Ultimately, SMEs need to be reassured that they are working in an environment that will encourage them to prosper; maybe then they will put their faith back into politicians.’

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