ISME survey: 59% of business owners say Budget was fair

There has been a slight improvement in business owners' satisfaction with the government.

According to a survey conducted by ISME of over 800 small and medium enterprises, 59% believe the Budget was fair.

However, banking and business cost issues still evoke the greatest negative sentiment.

ISME CEO Mark Fielding said the rating of minus 74, clearly shows how frustrated businesses are with the banks: "It demonstrates felt by business, that they're not playing their part in the economic recovery.

"It indicates the negative input of the bailed out banks over the last year."