Branson blast

Billionaire tycoon Sir Richard Branson has criticised the government for failing to promote economic growth.

The Virgin founder, who backed the Tories in the run-up to the 2010 general election, was one of several senior business figures who said the coalition needed a plan to stimulate the economy.

Sir Richard said the government needed to provide “action to back the rhetoric”, boosting support for small and medium-sized businesses and promoting entrepreneurialism to reduce unemployment and boost growth: “To get that growth, we need to get behind the businesses that are the engines of any healthy economy.”