Businesses in Bath look to save money thanks to the Chancellor's 2014 Budget.
A £7 billion package to cut energy bills for manufacturers, an increase in the amount companies can invest tax free, increased lending to exporters and a continued freeze on fuel duty were all music to the ears of financial experts and business leaders in the city.
During his fifth Budget speech George Osborne said the growth forecast for the economy had been raised to 2.7 per cent for this year and the budget deficit reduced to 6.6 per cent.
But the Chancellor remained cautious.
"Our country still borrows too much. It's still not investing enough, exporting enough or saving enough.
"In this budget we make sure hardworking people keep more of what they earn and more of what they save."
Partner of chartered accountants Monahans Dominic Bourquin said the Chancellor had delivered a lot of good news.
"The Government has talked a lot about balancing the economy but the measures to help manufacturers save on their energy bills and the extension to the Annual Investment Allowance will both help businesses and increase the business they do.
"He talked a lot about x million for this and x million for that, but that's just a drop in the ocean when you consider the £7 billion package he has made available for energy bills.
"We are disappointed there was no business rate fall - the system desperately needs reforming."
Executive director of Bath Chamber of Commerce and the Initiative in B&NES, Ian Bell, said many of the measures announced by Mr Osborne would benefit the city's economy.
"There were several pieces of good news for businesses in the Budget, in which the Chancellor regularly stressed that he saw the need for a resilient economy and pledged to back those businesses who invest and export.
"It was clear that lobbying by organisations such as British Chambers of Commerce had an impact.
"For example, it was welcome news that he is doubling the amount of money available to exporters at a reduced rate of interest and interesting to hear he is encouraging flights to more destinations from regional airports such as Bristol. That could make it easier for business travellers flying out and in to this area."
Other announcements included the point at which people start paying income tax will be raised to £10,500 from next year, 1p will be cut from a pint of beer, duty on spirits and ordinary cider has been frozen and the threshold for 40p income tax has been raised from £41,450 to £41,865.
Bath MP Don Foster said: "What is striking about this Budget is that it is clear the Lib Dems are working hard in Government to deliver a stronger economy and a fairer society.
"We have brought down the deficit by a third and the economy is now growing faster than any other advanced economy.
"We have worked hard and have delivered on jobs with 1.3 million more people in work. Most importantly for Bath, we have delivered a £800 tax cut for 36,940 workers in Bath."
However, partner at Thrings Malcolm Emery, said he was disappointed with the Budget.
"The Chancellor indicated this year's Budget was one for building a resilient economy, and with the recovery gaining momentum but not yet secure, he had an opportunity to provide further stimulus by reducing the standard rate of VAT. It is therefore surprising he did not take this opportunity."
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