Despite a period of great business growth and a stable economy, UK firms are disappointed with what Tony Blair has done for business in his ten years in power.
Almost half (49%) of small businesses surveyed by Orange said they do not feel that Britain has become a better place for business under Tony Blair’s rule.
Furthermore, half of businesses do not feel that Gordon Brown will have a positive impact on business either, should he succeed Blair.
Only 39% of businesses believe Tony Blair’s impact on business was positive, with an even lower figure of 29% looking forward to Gordon Brown’s leadership with optimism.
Neil Laidler, vice president, Orange Business Services UK, said the results showed “that the small business community feel they could have been better supported during the last ten years of government, despite the fact that it has been a positive decade for business growth with an extremely stable economy.”
“The results of the poll show that Gordon Brown would have work to do to win over this influential business group, but he clearly has a great chance to start afresh by demonstrating his support of business in the UK.”
Perhaps more surprisingly given the UK’s economic stability, firms have also criticised Gordon Brown’s impact as chancellor on business. Only 37% believe he had a positive impact on business, compared to 49% who disagree.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2007
