More than 70% of members surveyed said they thought that an independent go-between would help build better relationships with banks and boost lending to small businesses.

The FSB has proposed that a mediator would act as a point of contact for entrepreneurs and small firms struggling to secure loans or overdrafts, as well as facilitating discussions between the two parties and providing regular feedback to the government.

John Wright, national chairman of the FSB, said: "The future health of our economy depends on mending the relationship between small business and the banks – small firms and entrepreneurs need confidence to take the risks to innovate, grow and create jobs and take us out of the recession."

A similar scheme is already in existence in France and Belgium.

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