"Back small firms. Boost enterprise. Be on the side of everyone in this country who wants to create jobs, and wealth and opportunity."
This was the mantra adopted by David Cameron in a bullishly pro-business speech to the Conservative party conference this weekend.
The prime minister reiterated his view that entrepreneurs and enterprise are the engine room of Britain’s economy, and pledged to do everything possible to “make it easier for businesses to grow, to invest, to take people on.”
Cameron added that the government is taking on “the enemies of enterprise,” such as petty bureaucrats, and procurement managers who squeeze small firms out of public sector contracts.
Speaking about the Conservative commitment to business, Cameron claimed his was a party of "builders and businesswomen; electricians and engineers; roofers and retailers."
However, the prime minister’s speech has come under heavy criticism from the opposition.
Shadow chancellor Ed Balls accused Cameron, and his right-hand man George Osborne, of offering “empty words but precious little action,” adding:
"If David Cameron wants to know who is the real enemy of enterprise and growth in Britain today he only needs to look next door at his own chancellor.
"It is George Osborne's reckless plan to cut too deep and too fast, which has seen the economy go into reverse."