Family business owners are increasingly distrustful of politicians, with nearly half of respondents to a recent poll expressing no faith in any political party to support their companies' growth. The survey, conducted by Whitestone Insight for the Jobs Foundation, revealed that 'none of the above' was the most trusted party, with 43% of family firms indicating no trust in any party. This sentiment is particularly notable given the Conservative Party's 20% support and Reform UK's 16% support. Labour and the Green Party tied for third place with 6% each. The poll, which surveyed 1,150 family businesses, was conducted in the aftermath of Rachel Reeves' budget, which faced criticism for its impact on family firms. Among the critics was billionaire Sir James Dyson, who lambasted changes to Business Property Relief (BPR) as 'ignorant' and 'egregious acts of self-harm'. The government's plans to place a £1 million lifetime cap on BPR from April this year have sparked skepticism among business leaders. While the chancellor justified the move as necessary for public service investment and fiscal stability, 68% of family businesses disagreed with the claim that 'growth is the number one mission for this government'. This distrust extends to the government's priorities, with 45% of family business owners unaware of restrictions to BPR coming into effect this April. Business leaders express concern that recent changes to BPR are already influencing planning decisions across the economy, and question the government's commitment to long-term growth and stability. The Jobs Foundation, established by Tory peer Lord Matthew Elliott, aims to champion the role of business as a force for good, but the poll highlights a growing divide between politicians and family business owners.
