A new poll has found the SNP is becoming increasingly trusted by businesses in Scotland whilst support for Labour is dwindling.
A quarterly survey found that 48% of businesses believe the Scottish government understands their concerns.
Under the leadership of John Swinney and Kate Forbes, the SNP has retained its lead in Scotland whilst perceptions within the business community will add further concerns within Scottish Labour.
A survey by Norstat conducted in the aftermath of the Scottish Budget showed a sharp decline in support for Anas Sawar's party.
The Understanding Business survey, compiled by 56° North and the Diffley Partnership, revealed that Scottish companies are concerned about the rise in employers’ national insurance contributions.
Mark Diffley, the founder and director of Diffley Partnership, said: “Our new survey reveals some modest uplift in optimism in Scotland’s business community, but this is tempered by their reaction to the UK budget and how that may impact on business conditions in future.
“A plurality of businesses, 46%, have reacted negatively to the UK budget, compared to 29% reporting positivity and the increase in employer’s national insurance has gone down particularly badly."