Survey reveals millions of self-employed voters are yet to make final decision

According to a snap General Election survey conducted by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), millions of small business owners and self-employed people are yet to make a final decision on their preferred party for polling day on July 4.

The survey indicates that 96% of small business owners plan to vote, but 20% are undecided about which party to support, while another 33% have a tough choice but remain open to changing their minds.

Concerns among small business owners include potential rises in business taxes and the costs associated with employing people under the next Government.

Over half (53%) are worried about energy costs, and more than six in ten (61%) express concern about inflation over the next five years.

These findings coincide with FSB’s publication of a manifesto for small businesses and the self-employed, outlining priorities aimed at driving economic growth and restoring the small business community to its pre-pandemic size of six million within the next Parliament.

FSB’s policy chair, Tina McKenzie, said: “Small business owners and the self-employed are a shrewd and motivated part of the electorate. They’re used to weighing up competing offers when running their businesses, and it’s clear from our research that when it comes to the election they’re looking for which of the parties has the most compelling pro-small business offer.

“Small businesses are the key to securing economic recovery, driving innovation, and creating jobs in all parts of the UK. Our small business manifesto sets out the measures needed to create the conditions for that to happen, many of which do not involve additional spending.

“We’re looking to all of 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 we have new legislation to protect small businesses on crucial issues such as late payment.”