The star of BBC show The Apprentice reportedly said that only 15 per cent of businesses turned down for bank loans had anything to complain about, while the rest were ‘moaners’ who ‘lived in Disney World’.

FSB national chairman John Wright says the comments are extremely disappointing, adding, ‘Despite being appointed by the Government to champion business in the UK, Lord Sugar seems to have no grasp of the hard work small businesses do and the role they play in contributing to more than half of UK GDP.’

Wright continues, ‘Lord Sugar appears to have let his TV personality from The Apprentice take over and the language he has used to describe this country’s small business owners is hardly appropriate given his current role.’

The FSB’s complaints about Sugar are not confined to his latest comments about business lending. Wright claims, ‘Members of the FSB have been in touch to complain about Lord Sugar’s recent performances around the country and we have to call that he resign from his position.’

Sugar attracted controversy after accepting a government role while continuing to star in the BBC’s high-profile business programme.