SMALL businesses have used more than 100 'work experience' visits by politicians to share their fears over the state of the economy.

The Business Buddy project, organised by the Forum of Private Business, allowed politicians to get a hands-on feel for life in a small firm, while entrepreneurs were able to discuss the main obstacles standing in their way.

Business owners who took part completed a survey about their experience of the project and the vast majority – 87% – highlighted the state of the economy as the major area of discussion during the visit.

Meanwhile, 66% also discussed local business issues and regulations, while 61% talked about consumer and business confidence.

Tax, health and safety, skills, finance, employment law and pensions were all topics that were also up for discussion.

FPB head of campaigns Jane Bennett said: “One of the biggest complaints entrepreneurs make is that the politicians who create the policies and pass the laws that affect them do not understand what it’s like to run a business.

“Many MPs, MSPs and AMs (Welsh Assembly members) have never owned a small business or even worked in one.

“Business Buddy aims to address this by giving elected representatives first-hand experience of life at small businesses within their constituencies, hopefully helping to build relationships that last.”