BRITAIN'S biggest study of entrepreneurs has revealed a healthy and confident small business sector.

The Federation of Small Busi-nesses study, Lifting the Barriers to Growth in UK Small Businesses, received more than 18,000 responses five times more than the Government's own Omnibus surveys canvassing small business opinion.

The FSB survey revealed that FSB members employ 1.25 million people, and more than two out of five members reported an increase in employment since 2002, while only 16 per cent had had a decline.

The biggest bugbear is red tape, according to the study, which was carried out by the University of Strathclyde.

FSB policy chairman John Walker said: "Entrepreneurs have large expansion plans, positive forecasts and big ambitions but they are still critical of the cumulative effect of red tape.

"Collectively, this snapshot demonstrates the strength and confidence of the small business sector."

FSB western regional chairman Marion Parker, who runs three businesses in Melksham, said: "Yet again FSB members have stood up to be counted.

"Business is not easy, but we work hard for our rewards and all we expect from the Government is a business environment where businesses feel confident to expand.

"High taxation and regulation will thwart growth in the economy and the prosperity of the nation."

Other findings in the survey were that more than half of small businesses are aiming for moderate or rapid growth in the next two years while only five per cent want to down-size.

And 57 per cent report sales volume increases in the past year, while half report an increase in profitability.