The broadcaster and farmer raised concerns on the main stage of the Conservative Party conference, questioning why anyone would launch a business in the UK under current conditions.
Mr Clarkson said he was considering opening another pub—just not in Britain.
His remarks have found strong support among business leaders who say the environment has become increasingly hostile to enterprise.
Steve Perez, hotelier and chief executive of Global Brands, said: “He’s absolutely bang on.
“I mean, this government in particular has had a smash-and-grab on business.
“They just see it as a cash cow to get more money for their schemes.”
Mr Perez pointed to national insurance and inheritance tax changes as evidence of policies making life harder for businesses and family-owned firms.
He said: “There’s no way I would buy another hotel or pub because it’s just not worth the hassle.
“I think Rachel Reeves got it all wrong; she didn’t really understand business.
“And as Jeremy Clarkson said, they didn’t really know what they’re doing.
“I really hope John Healey will have some common sense and understanding of business.”
Matthew Elliott, president of the Jobs Foundation, said: “Jeremy Clarkson has asked why anyone would set up a business in the UK, and anyone who has watched his show will struggle to answer.
“Hospitality is often the first rung on the jobs ladder, so with even the likes of Clarkson under pressure, it’s no surprise that nearly a million young people are stuck in their bedrooms.”
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Jeremy Clarkson (left) and shadow environment secretary Victoria Atkins on stage during the Conservative Party conference at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham. (Image: Stefan Rousseau)
Andreas Adamides, chief executive of Helm, which represents more than 400 founders of high-growth companies, said: “Jeremy Clarkson has put his finger on a problem I hear about from founders every week.
“A £146,000 national insurance rise is not a problem unique to a celebrity’s pub, and thousands of growing businesses face the same pressure.”
Mr Adamides said the increased costs often hit businesses just as they become profitable.
He said: “For a scale-up, higher employers’ national insurance can mean hiring five people instead of ten.”
The regulatory and tax environment has also led to a high-profile exodus of wealthy individuals.
Analysis shows that billionaires with an estimated £120bn in assets have left the UK since Labour took office, with critics warning of further departures to come.
Luke Johnson, entrepreneur and co-owner of GAIL’s Bakery, said: “It is a disaster for the country that big taxpayers and important investors are leaving.
“They help fund public services and create jobs, and their exits will create a growing hole in the national finances.
“We should be attracting talent and wealth, not alienating it.”
Hugh Osmond, the former Pizza Express entrepreneur, added: “It’s what we all said would happen and Labour didn’t believe it.
“Too high tax – big taxpayers leave.
“Obvious.”
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