Theresa May has insisted it is "right" the government listens to business, as Boris Johnson failed to deny he used an expletive to dismiss their fears over Brexit.
The prime minister used a speech on Tuesday to try and reassure business leaders, following attacks from her top ministers on those who voiced concerns about the government's handling of Brexit.
Speaking at The Times CEO summit, Mrs May declared "business is at the heart of how we are going to develop this country".
"We want to ensure we are listening to the business voice because business provides the backbone of our economy," she added.
"It's right that we listen to the voice of business."
The prime minister declined to say if she reprimanded Mr Johnson, who reportedly said "f*** business" when asked about the fears of some business leaders over the nature of the UK's exit from the EU.
Very shortly after Mrs May's backing for business, Mr Johnson did not deny the remarks during an appearance in the House of Commons on Tuesday.
Asked if he could justify the alleged outburst, Mr Johnson replied: "I don't think anybody could doubt the passionate support of this Government for business.
"And it may be that I have from time to time expressed scepticism about some of the views of those who profess to speak up for business."
As well as Mr Johnson's reported remarks, Mrs May has also seen other ministers hit back at Airbus for going public with their Brexit fears.
The major plane manufacturer warned over the weekend it could consider pulling out of the UK with the loss of thousands of jobs.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt claimed it was "completely inappropriate for businesses to be making these kind of threats" as he warned against anything that would "undermine" the prime minister in Brexit negotiations.
Business Secretary Greg Clark has since issued a stern rebuke to his Cabinet colleagues by reminding them businesses are "entitled to be listened to with respect".
Labour's Emma Reynolds asked Mr Johnson if he agreed with Mr Clark, as she highlighted how British car manufacturers have now warned more than 850,000 jobs are at risk because of Brexit.
The foreign secretary replied: "Of course I agree with that. To cheer you up I point out that today it was confirmed the UK is still the recipient of the biggest share of inward investment in Europe and indeed that our share is growing."