The UK’s 2011 Budget for Growth put emphasis on encouraging small start ups and small businesses. Is it likely to succeed? David Molian gives his perspective, drawing on 24 years’ experience of working with growth businesses. He cautions the need for a long time horizon, with only a small proportion of start-ups succeeding in creating significant growth for the UK economy. He considers that the government needs to think carefully about the support measures appropriate for that group of companies.