A new poll has found that last week's Budget has been badly received by the UK's small business insurance customers.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) surveyed more than 300 companies and found that many criticised chancellor Alistair Darling's announcement.
Almost 80 per cent of small business insurance holders said that the 2p increase in fuel duty will have a negative effect on them, while 71 per cent predicted it will cost them up to £30 a week more.
In addition, nearly 70 per cent of small business insurance customers claimed they do not feel support by the Budget, although 29 per cent admitted it had good elements, such as investment in building projects and loss-making companies being able to reclaim tax on profits for longer.
John Walker, FSB national policy chairman, commented: "Small businesses are the engine room of the British economy, but they have been choked by the Budget with increases in fuel and alcohol duty incurring extra costs."
Another poll, from the Forum of Private Business, discovered 97 per cent of small business insurance holders believe the Budget has not alleviated their burdens.
