MPs across the UK will get a greater insight into the realities of running a small business this summer thanks to new Business Buddy scheme.
The Forum of Private Business (FPB) is inviting every MP, MSP and AM in Britain to take part in the scheme, which will see politicians carry out work experience placements at local companies.
Business Buddy will allow provide first hand experience of the problems facing smaller businesses in the politicians' constituencies, with MPs rolling their sleeves up and 'mucking in' with whatever tasks are necessary during their time with the firm.
Almost 100 MPs have signed up to the scheme so far, with the first Business Buddy visit taking place today. The rest will take place throughout the Parliament's summer recess.
The FPB is asking each minister to spend at least half a day with the businesses they visit and hopes to match ministers with businesses relevant to their roles wherever possible. The scheme forms part of the FPB's new campaign, Get Britain Trading, which focuses on making things simpler for businesses in order to give the economy a boost.
The FPB's head of campaigns Jane Bennett said: "It's all well and good for lobby groups like the Forum to tell the Government about the issues facing small businesses but there's no substitute for first-hand experience. We want politicians to see for themselves what it's like to run a small business - that's why we developed the Business Buddy scheme.
"Of course, in recent years the number of MPs who have owned their own businesses has increased, and that is to be welcomed. However, different types of companies can face very different problems, and the legislation imposed on business is constantly changing, so we hope every MP, MSP and AM is able to give just a few hours of their time to take part in Business Buddy."
She added: "We'd like to say a big thank you to our members who have volunteered to help Get Britain Trading by hosting a visit from their MP. Hopefully, together, we can start to bring it home to decision-makers just how much small firms contribute to the economy and how the country will benefit if we make things simpler for them."