The relationship between business and government is not easy at the best of times. But it has been particularly difficult when it comes to the delicate matter of the state handing out money to support the nation's entrepreneurs.
The trouble is not with the sums of money on offer. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) doles out up to Ј1bn in business support each year, ranging from advice services to multi-million pound regional selective grants.
The pot has also increased. Since taking office in 1997, the Labour government has increased funding through its small business service from Ј171m to Ј405m.
Company bosses are frustrated, however, with the complexity of the rules for getting their hands on funds, the amount of time involved in applications and the confusing array of support schemes available.
