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Government regulation and the total tax burden are the two top problems facing small businesses in the UK according to a NatWest survey.

The health, education and leisure sectors are feeling the tax burden heavily. The survey implies that hotels and pubs also feel the tax burden because of duty on alcohol.

However the workload generated by regulatory requirements is felt most heavily. The smallest firms in particular find it burdensome.

General economic outlook hower is improving and is now only considered fifth as a problem, down from first in 2003.

Wales and the West Midlands are the most optimistic.

Pete Ferns, Director of NatWest Business Banking, said: "Small firms are clearly still feeling the pressure when it comes to dealing with government regulations and it is concerning to see the shift in opinion regarding the total tax burden. That said, with the improved economic condition and the optimism about sales and employment, the future looks bright for the UK's small business community."

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