Run by the Forum of Private Business (FPB), the Business Buddy scheme was launched last month. A number of SMEs took up the offer, including Crowborough-based Consortium Publishing and cabinet office minister Oliver Letwin who has visited Bridport Gourmet Pies in his West Dorset constituency today (16 September).

However, Cameron believes that more MPs and SMEs should be taking advantage of the scheme.

He said: "The coalition government is committed to making the coming decade the most entrepreneurial and dynamic in Britain’s history.

"To make this a reality, we need to understand the real issues that small businesses face on a day-to-day basis and use that information to help ensure that entrepreneurs are given every opportunity to successfully start and grow their businesses."

"I would encourage all members of parliament to take advantage of this opportunity to find out what it is really like to run a small business and to gain a better understanding of the many issues faced by small businesses across the country."

The scheme was created after FPB research revealed that 74% of members surveyed called on their elected representatives to focus on small businesses in their constituencies.