Small businesses have turned to social media to lump pressure on the main political parties ahead of next year’s general election in the UK.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has launched the hashtag #ibacksmallbusinesses on Twitter to publicise its manifesto for entrepreneurs and start-ups.

The main points of the campaign are:

1. Deliver a sustained economic recovery

2. Rebalance the economy

3. Create high quality jobs and full employment

4. Make all markets work better

5. Lower the cost of doing business

John Allan, national chairman of the FSB, said: “This is a unique opportunity for those wishing to win a seat in the next Parliament to talk directly with small business owners via social media.

"Our business manifesto is the product of months of direct engagement with real small businesses. It plainly outlines what the next Government needs to do to support entrepreneurs seeking to start a new business or grow an existing firm.

The group has also created a website to push its message to the next government. See the link below for details.