There has been a call for the government to cut red tape to help support businesses that are struggling to maintain market share and manage cashflow effectively in the current economic climate. In a recent study conducted by the Institute of Financial Accountants, businesses that took part in the study said they are hampered by government guidelines and suggested that lowering taxes and putting more pressure on banks would help them to overcome this difficult period. The IFA said that 'the weak pound, increasing competition, poor exchange rates, lack of government support and lack of funding' were among the threats to businesses and adds to the strain they already feel. IFA chief executive David Woodgate said the body is doing 'everything it can' to help its members from small and medium sized enterprises. But the future does not look entirely bleak. The survey also revealed a positive outlook for the prospects of business with 85% of those surveyed seeing opportunities arising from the credit crunch.