South East businesses are calling on the Chancellor to prioritise tax when she delivers her first Budget, according to the latest data from Lloyds’ Business Barometer.
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
When asked what areas they’d like to see prioritised to support their business, 41% said ensuring a competitive tax system that incentivises growth.
Meanwhile, 35% are looking for solutions to address skills shortages, while a joint 30% want improvement of physical and digital infrastructure, and measures to ensure businesses have access to finance and lending.
To support the prosperity of the South East’s economy more generally, firms most want the Chancellor to prioritise a competitive tax system that incentivises local growth (47%), addressing the skills shortage (36%) and improving physical and digital infrastructure (33%).
And, with the UK pressing ahead with decarbonisation, 47% would like the government to prioritise supporting businesses to make energy-efficient improvements to help them align with the UK national target of net zero by 2050.
Amanda Dorel, regional director for the South East at Lloyds, said: “Firms across the region have said that they are hoping that their priority areas of a competitive tax system that incentivises growth and addressing skills shortages are supported in the Budget.
“These priority areas are seen by businesses as crucial to help drive their operations. At Lloyds, we remain committed to supporting our customers to help to help them reach their growth aspirations.”
