George Osborne’s budget comes under fierce scrutiny in Wellington this evening. ITV West assembled a panel of businesspeople from the town to discuss their reactions to the tax and spending changes for the coming year.
Reporter Karen Griggs moved from table to table in the Old Sale Rooms teashop asking the guests for their views. Relyon MD Andy Murdoch welcomed the cut in corporation tax as helping manufacturing companies like the bed-maker.
Estate Agent Nick Maddocks was pleased to hear about the incentives for first-time buyers, especially the no-interest loan towards a deposit but was disappointed not see a change in stamp duty.
Ian Stock, chair of Wellington Business Association saw the Budget as broadly flat in the current year with few direct incentives for growth.
And Jane Osborne, owner of the Old Sale Rooms, predicted that she was going to have to diversify in a variety of ways to keep her business growing.
ITV West regional news 6.00pm