THE Budget took place on Wednesday, April 22, when it was expected the Chancellor would reveal policies designed to support business out of the current economic crisis.

However, initial feedback from members of the chamber has expressed disappointment.

All the indicators from the Chamber’s quarterly economic survey showed that there was little prospect of recovery this year, as forecasted by the Chancellor in his highly optimistic assessment of the economy.

One of the serious failures of this government has been the hollow promise of help to the automotive industry announced by business secretary Lord Mandelson in January.

The chamber has been lobbying for a number of measures, which would support our local businesses in particular. These include the reintroduction of the empty property rate relief and the reduction of tax on fuel.

We believe the lack of action and increase in fuel duty will have a detrimental impact on the local economy’s recovery from recession.

An area where the chamber’s lobbying contributed to action was the top-up trade credit insurance scheme. Many firms to date have been affected by a wholesale withdrawal of trade credit insurance and this was a positive step.

We would like to tell you about a special event that the chamber is organising with Herefordshire Council and Business Link.

The event is for those businesses which would like to trade with the public sector but presently don’t have the opportunity. There will be advice, support and information about making those crucial links. It will take place at the Royal National College for the Blind on Tuesday, June 2. For details, call Gary Woodman on 0845 641 1501 or e-mail garyw@hwchamber.co.uk.