Very few MP have extensive business experience and, because of this, fail to understand thei needs of industry, it has been claimed.
According to a study carried out by ComRes and the Industry and Parliament Trust, just nine per cent of politicians have more than ten years of business experience and only 13 per cent have even five year's experience.
Commenting on the research, Phil Orford, chief executive of the Forum of Private Business, said: "The fear shared by many business owners is that the legislators responsible for the red tape that hinders them so much do not even begin to understand their needs.
"Our members are sceptical that politicians care about anything other than clinging onto power."
He added that the new data will only underline the belief among small business people that their elected representatives lack the knowledge required to make a positive difference in the area.
Yesterday, the FPB warned that government plans to abolish incentives for firms that invest in bio-fuels will only serve to further alienate small companies.
