Around 63% of business founders said the government is “anti-business” and 95% said it does not ‘reward hard work’ in a poll carried out by one of Britain’s biggest business networks.
When 400 members of Helm were asked in an online survey: “do you believe the government is anti-business?” 64% said “yes,” 23% said “no” and 14% said “don’t know.”
The survey carried out between 18 and 19 November also asked, “do you think the government rewards people for working hard?” with 95% saying “no,” two per cent saying “yes;” and 3% saying “don’t know.”
Asked, “do you think it is ever acceptable for a government to break a manifesto pledge?” 70% said “yes,” 23% said “no” and 6% said “don’t know.”
Some 20% of respondents voted Labour at the last election while 49% voted Conservative, 9% voted Reform and 6% voted Liberal Democrat.
Asked who they planned to vote for at the next election some 6% said Conservative, 15% said Reform with 0% saying Labour. Some 58% were undecided.
Helm members are founders of scale-up businesses, those that have moved beyond start-up and are experiencing rapid growth, with average revenues of £21 million per year and a combined revenue of more than £8 billion.
Helm members’ businesses collectively contribute £1 billion annually in tax revenues through corporation tax, employer National Insurance contributions, and other business taxes.
Andreas Adamides, CEO of Helm, said, “Our members feel betrayed, ignored, and genuinely let down by a government that promised growth but has delivered nothing but uncertainty and indifference.
“These aren’t faceless corporates—they’re founders who’ve risked everything to build businesses, create jobs, and drive the economy forward.
“They wanted to believe Labour understood them. Instead, they’ve read endless speculation about punishing tax rises and listened to ministerial rhetoric that dismisses their concerns. The sense of betrayal is palpable.
“Rachel Reeves still has a chance to turn this around. We need a Budget that backs growth, not one that punishes success.”
A poll of Helm members in October revealed three-quarters had frozen investment and hiring plans until after the Budget.
