KNUTSFORD: While remaining politically neutral, the The Forum of Private Business had hoped one party would win an overall majority in order to secure swift economic recovery.

However, with the election result creating an uncertain outcome, the Forum is calling for MPs to put aside their differences and create a functioning administration as soon as possible.

The Forum believes small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are crucial to Britain’s economic recovery, with the potential to create jobs and spearhead innovation.

But the organisation is concerned that the uncertainty and confusion caused by a hung Parliament will jeopardise this and hamper business owners’ attempts to plan ahead.

Recent Forum research found that almost three quarters (70%) of small business owners were already finding it difficult to plan for 2010, even before this morning’s general election result.

With a hung Parliament potentially threatening to hold up tax and spending proposals aimed at tackling Britain’s record deficit, this uncertainly is likely to increase further.