Key facts
- A survey of UK scale-up founders was conducted.
- Only 6% of founders believe Prime Minister Andy Burnham backs the private sector.
- Many founders anticipate business conditions will worsen.
- Founders fear potential tax increases.
- Tax increases are feared to fund government pledges.
A survey of UK scale-up founders has revealed a prevailing sense of pessimism regarding business conditions under Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The findings indicate that a mere 6% of these founders believe Prime Minister Burnham is genuinely supportive of the private sector. A substantial number of respondents anticipate that business conditions are likely to worsen during his tenure. These concerns are largely driven by fears of potential tax increases, which founders suspect may be implemented to fund various government pledges and initiatives. The survey highlights a significant gap between the government's public messaging on business support and the actual perceptions held by those at the forefront of the UK's innovation and growth economy. This skepticism could impact investment decisions and the overall growth trajectory of the scale-up sector.