Millions of voters who run their own businesses have yet to make a final decision on who they will back on election day, according to an early general election survey by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
It reveals that 96 per cent of small business owners intend to vote, but one in five (20%) have not yet decided which party they will choose, while one in three (33%) have a good idea. who they will vote for but they could still change their mind.
FSB research found that 90 percent of small business owners are concerned that business taxes could increase under the next government, while 92 percent of small employers said they are concerned that a future government could increase taxes. costs and risks associated with employing people.
More than half (53%) say they are worried about small business energy costs over the next five years; More than six in ten (61%) are worried about the level of inflation over the next five years.
The findings come as the FSB publishes a manifesto for small companies and the self-employed – a plan for whoever forms the next government aimed at boosting economic growth and increasing the small business community of 5.5 million to its pre-pandemic size of six million within the next Parliament.
FSB policy chair Tina McKenzie said: “The small business owners and the self-employed are an astute and motivated part of the electorate.
“They are used to weighing competitive offers when running your businessesand it’s clear from our research that when it comes to elections, they’re looking to see which party has the most compelling offer for small businesses.
“Little Businesses are the key to ensuring economic recovery.driving innovation and creating jobs across the UK.
“Our small business manifesto sets out the measures needed to create the conditions for that to happen, many of which involve no additional expenditure.
“We are waiting for all those seeking to form the next government to show their commitment to the millions of hard-working voters who run their own businesses, including through a Small Business Act so that we have new legislation to protect small businesses in crucial ways.” . issues such as late payment.”