Budget and small business

As a property developer and portfolio landlord, we were disappointed with the lack of anything specific for the real estate sector in the chancellor's budget.

Small private landlords are the lifeblood of the British housing sector. With high taxes, poorer terms for gaining possession, and a anti landlord rhetoric throughout the country firing all cylinders, it is no wonder many are choosing to sell up. This is only going to result in higher rents and more homelessness. The government has unfortunately not done enough to attract investments back into the rental sector.

Most landlords find the budget disgraceful in its lack of consideration for the sector altogether.

Once again small and micro businesses are getting stung for the recklessness of the decisions made during COVID. So-called 'greedflation' costs as well as the hit of increased Corporation Tax to 25% will have a massive effect on my ability to invest further in my company and create jobs. I still fail to understand why there is no tiered Corporation Tax based on profit bandings.

The large companies can ride this out but I've thought about potentially closing my business down because it isn't worth the long hours and stress to be constantly stung by the Government.

With no review of business rates which unfairly affects independent shops, even with online presence, compared to the online big boys the Budget gives no incentive for small businesses like ours to expand. If we cannot plan our costs for the next medium to long term it's too big a risk in the current climate...

Yesterday yet again no support for high street retailers, and small businesses that are the backbone of this country. Businesses like us needed VAT cuts, private commercial rent stabilisation, a fairer business rates system that reflects the current business types in the UK and bespoke and tailored schemes to help us thrive and bring more money into the economy. Helping us to develop our entrepreneurial skills,

We didn't get as much help as other sectors during covid which has led to many bridal boutiques closing their doors and decreasing this cottage industry which is memory making for many.

Yesterday, I had been hoping to hear about energy support for small businesses, I have avoided putting the heating on in my shop, but the prices are still far higher than last year.

I was also hoping to hear about what is happening with Business Rates. It would be great to know what I will be paying in two weeks when my April Business rates are due!

It's great that there is a prediction that we might not officially go into a recession, but that doesn't mean that customers will automatically feel that they have money to spend. It's been tough on the High Road, with bad weather, transport strikes and more to battle with. We need to have customers who can happily turn up and buy what they want to without worrying about the cost of living crisis.