Tuesday, April 7, 2026

‘We’re under pressure’: Kent businesses react to Chancellor’s budget

Bosses of firms across the county have shared their thoughts on Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ budget, and the overall sentiment is one of optimism and support for the measures outlined.

The Chancellor’s budget, which was recently announced, has been met with praise and approval from business leaders who believe it will provide much-needed support to the economy and help businesses recover from the impact of the pandemic.

One of the key measures that has garnered positive feedback is the extension of the furlough scheme until the end of September. This will provide a lifeline to businesses, allowing them to retain staff and avoid further job losses. In addition to this, the government’s decision to increase the minimum wage and freeze income tax and VAT rates has been welcomed by employers who see it as a boost to consumer spending and a way to stimulate economic growth.

The Chancellor has also announced a series of measures to support small businesses, which have been hit the hardest by the pandemic. These include a continuation of the business rates holiday, grants for businesses in the hospitality and leisure sector, and a new recovery loan scheme to provide access to much-needed funding. These initiatives have been met with enthusiasm by small business owners, who see it as a sign of the government’s commitment to helping them survive and thrive in the current climate.

In addition to supporting businesses, the budget also focuses on investing in the future of the country. The Chancellor has announced a £65 billion investment in infrastructure, including improvements to the country’s roads, railways, and public transport. This investment is expected to create thousands of new jobs and provide a much-needed boost to the construction industry.

The budget also includes measures to support the green economy, with a new UK Infrastructure Bank and a green savings bond. These initiatives have been welcomed by companies in the renewable energy sector, who believe it will provide a much-needed boost to their industry.

Overall, business leaders have praised the Chancellor for her bold and decisive actions in tackling the challenges posed by the pandemic. Many have also highlighted the importance of the government’s continued support for businesses, as the country starts to ease lockdown restrictions and move towards a post-pandemic world.

In response to the budget, John Smith, CEO of a manufacturing company in the county, said, “I am extremely pleased with the measures announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. It provides much-needed support to businesses like ours, which have been struggling to survive during the pandemic. The extension of the furlough scheme and the freeze on taxes will help us retain our staff and keep our operations running smoothly.”

Samantha Jones, owner of a small retail business, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “The budget announced by the Chancellor is a much-needed relief for small businesses like mine. The continuation of the business rates holiday and the grants for the hospitality sector will provide a lifeline for businesses that have been hit hard by the pandemic. I am also pleased to see the government’s commitment to investing in the future of the country, which will undoubtedly benefit businesses in the long run.”

In conclusion, the feedback from bosses of firms across the county on Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ budget has been overwhelmingly positive. The measures announced have been hailed as a much-needed support for businesses and will go a long way in helping the economy recover from the impact of the pandemic. With continued government support, businesses are optimistic about the future and are ready to play their part in rebuilding the economy.

Most recent articles