A new Populus survey commissioned by the British Chambers of Commerce has uncovered the lack of faith that businesses have in politicians and political parties ahead of the annual Business Convention in Liverpool.

The key findings of the poll are:

85% of businesses do not believe that politicians understand the needs of business while only 19% believe that the next Government will prioritise the needs of business.

When asked about whether a Labour or Conservative Government would prioritise the needs of business the answer was low for both parties: Labour 14%, Conservative 22%.

When asked what the most important issue that the next Government should prioritise is, 34% said taxation, 29% red tape and 11% transport.

Commenting on the findings of the survey David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said

“These figures paint a depressing picture on the faith that the business community have in politicians. With many having very little practical experience working in business it is unsurprising that MP’s do not come across as sympathetic to the need of business.

“High levels of tax are clearly the number one problem. The main competitors for British firms are no longer in the neighbouring streets or towns but half way around the World in countries that have far lower rates of tax. If we are to remain competitive then the Government must cut taxes for both large and small firms and look at reducing other damaging taxes such as fuel duty.

“The business vote is clearly up for grabs and we will be looking to the politicians to make clear today what they will do to ensure the needs of business are made a priority.

The findings today come on the back of results released over the weekend that showed the credit crunch has not affected the majority of businesses:

Has the credit crunch affected your ability to access fresh funds for your business?

Yes – 26%
No – 57%
Don’t know – 17%

Has the credit crunch made you change any plans you had to expand your business this year?

Yes – 36%
No – 60%
Don’t know 4%


Commenting on these findings In his key note speech to the Convention David Frost said:

"Our members are the backbone of the British economy and they are on the frontline of these intense global challenges.

"What has impressed me over recent months has been their amazing resilience. If you lived your life in London you would often be left with the impression that the economy was about to fall off a cliff. From my visits around the country I can assure you it is not.

"When I speak to them, be it in Aberdeen, Birmingham, St Helens or Rotherham, they not only inspire me with their success, but they tell me that whilst business is challenging they are doing well. They are succeeding in tough export markets. Yes, they understand that the current global credit difficulties will impact, but they tell me that far too much attention is paid to what happens in the square mile and Canary Wharf and not the real economy outside.

"Perhaps this is a reflection of our national pre-occupation with financial services. Yes it is vital, yes London must maintain its position as the centre for global finance, but this should not detract from the contribution to this country of the millions of small businesses who are not involved in this sector.

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