Tories and Labour working to get small business votes

FOUR in five bosses of small and medium-size businesses are still holding out to be wooed Thursday's General Election.

- Alex Daniel

Insurer Simply Business found the majority of the 5.5 million SMEs could be won over.

The Tories have long sold themselves as the party for entrepreneurs but runaway inflation, the cost of living and Brexit hangover have changed that.

Labour has pledged to reform business rates, introduce a new industrial strategy and cut late payments. Emma Robson, who runs corporate hamper firm Stort Valley Gifting in Essex, is desperate for business tax reforms.

She moved to bigger premises in Harlow but said: "If we wanted to move again, we can't afford the rates. It's a barrier to growth." The one-time Tory voter is encouraged by the lack of detail.