PBR (5): Reactions from small business groups

The small business community and other interested groups began to voice their reaction to the Chancellor's proposals as soon as he sat down.

Here we summarise some of the comments.

Missed opportunity - FPB

Nick Goulding, chief executive of The Forum of Private Business (FPB), said: "We are bitterly disappointed that there was very little in it to encourage smaller businesses to invest in themselves and grow.

"Britain is fast becoming the poor man of Europe - down to 18th place in the EU table of growth according to Eurostat, the European statistical agency.

"The Chancellor has missed the opportunity to reinvigorate the UK's economy by reducing the burden of taxation on business. Only by creating a low tax environment, which allows business to grow, can we expect an upturn in wealth and jobs creation which will drive spending."