Chancellor George Osborne opened his Budget by saying it would “unashamedly back business". But did he succeed? Here are the views of a range of business leaders and professionals. Phil Smith, managing director of Business West: “Business West is disappointed that the Budget hasn't delivered more for business. We needed a clear statement about...

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Rob Beale, partner a Morris Owen, give his views of today’s Budget. “It was introduced as being tax neutral, with the Chancellor giving to certain sectors and taking from others. There is a proposal for simplification of red tape for those running smaller businesses which will no doubt be welcomed. There was also a...

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SUPPORT FOR BUSINESS Corporation tax cut to 24% from next month and to 22% by 2014 Consultation on simplifying the tax system for small firms with a turnover of up to £77,000 Support for £150m of tax increment financing to help councils promote development Additional £270m for the Growing Places fund Tax relief for...

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INCOME TAX 50p top rate of tax cut to 45p from April 2013 Personal income tax allowance raised to £9,205 from April 2013 New general anti-tax avoidance rule to be introduced Age-related allowances to be removed for new pensioners from April 2013 and replaced with a single personal allowance for all Allowances for those...

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Chancellor George Osborne opens his Budget by saying it will 'unashamedly back business." the Budget will "reward work". Britain "is going to earn its way in the world", he said. Britain is "not immune" from developments in the eurozone, he said. He also said a million more jobs will be created over the next...

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