Cambs Chamber of Commerce chief says Budget measures to help business will be mostly welcomed

MEASURES in yesterday’s Budget to help enterprise will mostly be welcomed, according to the chief executive of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce.

John Bridge OBE was speaking after Chancellor George Osborne announced a decrease in corporation tax, a reduction in fuel duty and no new regulations for firms with fewer than 10 staff.

Mr Bridge said in a statement: “The announcements will, on the whole, be met positively by business.

“The additional decrease in corporation tax will be welcomed, while the promise of no new regulation for firms with fewer than ten staff over the next three years is equally positive.

“Red tape continues to be an issue for business owners who simply don’t have the time or the inclination to sit down and get their head around onerous new rules and regulation.

“The 1p reduction in fuel duty and deferral of the planned increase is a positive step that shows the government understands the challenges facing businesses and individuals in relation to the high cost of fuel.

“On the whole, a positive, forward-looking budget that signals the Chancellor is starting to listen to the needs of business.”

However, Mr Bridge said it’s not all positive for Cambridgeshire, with no official confirmation of an enterprise zone to help generate funds for the Enterprise Partnership so it can tackle barriers to growth in the county.