Small businesses need a go-between to help them rebuild ailing relationships with the banks, according to research from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
More than 70% of FSB members responding to a poll in the run-up to the Budget on April 22 thought a corporate mediator would help to build better relations between banks and small businesses. The corporate mediator would act as an independent go-between, brokering agreement on decisions which are currently at a stalemate, including bank lending to small firms, the FSB says.
Earlier this month, south-coast haulier Startruck Logistics ceased trading because of a combination of restricted bank credit and the collapse of four key customers. The case shows how reduced lending since the credit crunch is hitting 
the road haulage industry.
FSB research suggests that around a third of small businesses consider their bank to be less helpful than before the downturn. But 60% say there has been no change in the banks' attitudes to providing finance in the form of loans and overdrafts, despite the difficult economic period.
While more than half of small firms prefer to communicate in person with their bank, rather than by letter, online or over the phone, many have seen their relationship with their local branch manager deteriorate over the past few years.
The FSB is calling for the government to put in place a corporate mediator to resolve these problems, represent both sides in disputes and discussions, and de-politicise the issue of bank lending. The FSB believes this would re-establish trust between banks and businesses during the recession and guide the economy into recovery.
Meanwhile, the 
government is also expected to introduce a credit insurance scheme for medium-sized haulage firms during next week's Budget.
Read about what the Budget means for the road haulage industry on the Road Transport website next Wednesday.