Six in ten founders say Labour is ‘anti-business’, new survey finds

Nearly two-thirds of fast-growing business founders believe the Labor government is “anti-business”, according to a new study by Helm, one of the UK’s largest networks of small entrepreneurs.

In a poll of 400 Helm members, 63% said the government was anti-business, compared to just 23% who disagreed. 14% said they were not sure.

Even more surprising was the response to whether the government “rewards people for their hard work”: 95% said it does not.

The findings highlight growing anxiety among high-growth founders ahead of the Autumn Budget, amid continuing concerns about rising taxes and the direction of the government’s economic strategy.

Founders feel ‘betrayed and ignored’

Helm members – whose companies generate average annual revenues of £21 million and collectively generate more than £8 billion – have expressed deep frustration at the Government’s approach to business and growth.

Helm CEO Andreas Adamides said members felt “betrayed, ignored and truly frustrated.”

“These are not faceless companies — they are founders who risked everything to build businesses, create jobs, and move the economy forward,” he said. “They wanted to believe that Labor understood them. Instead, they read endless speculation about tax rises and listened to ministerial rhetoric that ignored their concerns. The feeling of betrayal is palpable.”

Adamides said Chancellor Rachel Reeves “still has a chance to turn this around” and urged her to deliver “a budget that supports growth, not one that punishes success”.

Freeze investment and employment until after the budget

An earlier Helm poll in October found that three-quarters of members had put investment and hiring plans on hold until after the budget due to uncertainty over potential tax measures and the broader economic climate.

Business support among founders collapses

The poll highlights a dramatic shift in political sentiment across the expansion community:
• 20% of participants voted for the Labor Party in the last elections
• 0% now plan to vote Labor
• Only 6% intend to vote Conservative
• 15% intend to vote on the reform
• 58% are still undecided

Helm members also showed skepticism about broader political pledges: 70% said it was acceptable for the government to break its promise in its manifesto.

Helm’s membership base contributes more than £1bn in annual tax through corporation tax, employer national insurance and other business charges – meaning founder views provide a great barometer of sentiment among high-growth UK businesses.