A petition urging the Government to put the country's smallest businesses at the heart of decision-making has been posted on the 10 Downing Street website.

The petition, put up by the Forum of Private Business (FPB), coincides with the launch of the organisation's Think Smallest First campaign, which is designed to champion the most vulnerable small firms.

It calls on MPs to "make a difference" to small firms by considering their needs when introducing new regulations or tax policies.

"This is the perfect opportunity for the owners of small businesses to make their voices heard on the issues that really affect them," said FPB campaigns assistant Jane Bennett, who drew up the petition.

"I urge all owners of small businesses to sign the petition to help get the FPB's Think Smallest First campaign off to a flying start," she said.

The petition is available at www.thinksmallestfirst.org.