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BUSINESS CHIEFS IN “EXTENDED HONEYMOON” WITH COALITION. BUT ISSUE WARNING ON CUTS POLICY, SAYS POLL

David Cameron is performing well as Prime Minister and his coalition government is strong enough to last for at least four years – that’s the verdict of UK business leaders, according to a survey carried out by ComRes on behalf of Apex Communications.

The findings show that most company bosses believe last month’s Emergency Budget has increased business confidence and that George Osborne has the right ideas about managing the economy.

However, there is opposition to the coalition’s policy on spending cuts with 40% saying that all government departments should have to contribute.  Only 15% agree with Ministers that spending on international development should be ring-fenced and barely a third believe health should be protected.

Most business leaders believe that, of the five Labour leadership candidates, David Miliband would pose the greatest threat to the coalition

The survey of 136 business leaders carried out between 12th and 19th July found that:

• 68% believe that David Cameron is performing well or very well as Prime Minister and only 4% saying he is performing badly or very badly;

• 44% believe that the coalition government will remain in office for a full five-year term with a further 13% believing it will last four years. 24% believing it will last less than two years;

• 53% believe the Budget has improved business confidence in the UK with 24% believing that it had reduced confidence.

• 51% of those that expressed a preference believe that, of the five Labour leadership candidates, David Miliband would pose the greatest threat to the coalition.

• More than 70% believe that George Osborne understands the needs of business, has the right ideas about managing the economy and will be a better chancellor than his predecessor.

• 40% believe that all government departments should contribute to spending cuts with only 38% believing health spending should be ring-fenced and 15% believing international development should be protected.

Commenting on the survey, Sir Robin Young, chairman of Apex Communications and former Permanent Secretary at the Department of Trade and Industry, said:

“It is clear that, as we approach the summer break, business is enjoying an extended honeymoon with the new coalition government.

“There is strong corporate support for the coalition’s economic policies and general confidence that the governing alliance between Conservatives and Liberal Democrats is set to last the course.

“But the Prime Minister and coalition will have to work hard to maintain these high levels of support over what is inevitably going to be a tough two years ahead.  Spending decisions are going to bite deeply and the economic recovery is still fragile.

“Business leaders would be well advised to be cautious, too.  While there is a general sense of relief in boardrooms that the new government has brought with it a new direction and purpose, Ministers will be no pushover with the business community and many of the cuts in public expenditure will have an immediate and severe impact on some companies in the private sector." 

“Understanding what makes this government tick, knowing where its priorities and instincts are, will be vital if business is to ensure its concerns and priorities are properly heard in Whitehall.”

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Apex Research

Over the last four years the Conservative Party under David Cameron has been working towards securing a workable majority in Parliament.

However, as the first few results from key marginal seats came in at 2am on Friday May 7th the people of Britain knew that their country was heading to its first hung parliament in 36 years.

This report analyses the reasons why the Conservatives failed to win an additional 20 seats which would have given them a clear majority over the other political parties.

Why Project Cameron Failed to Get a Majority  

Apex and Get Elected Research:

Election 2.0: Don't believe the Hype

Apex have launched a report into how prepared candidates were for the online General Election battle. Along with researchers from Get Elected, Apex analysed the online presence of candidates in 100 key maginal and battle ground seats to see how they were shaping up just months before the Election. Click here to download

Election Report