Government not on our side, say small businesses

Issue No. 288
28th October 2026

Government not on our side, say small businesses

More than twice as many SMEs believe the Government is not on the side of small businesses versus those who said it was (57% versus 28%). This is the headline finding of a survey by Opinium on behalf of the Centre for Policy Studies. Similarly, none of the political parties were perceived by a majority as being truly supportive of businesses like theirs. Companies cited concerns over the likes of energy costs, business rates, employment costs and a shortage of skilled workers. 54% of businesses felt that the level of tax, regulatory compliance and administrative requirements had increased. CPS Head of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Robert Colvile said: "Small businesses make up the overwhelming majority of British businesses, and employ millions of people. When those running them don’t feel that the Government is on their side, politicians need to sit up and listen."

With best regards

Mark Simms, Editor
editor@machinebuilding.net

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