Sussex Chamber of Commerce CEO Ana Christie responds to Chancellors Budget
New measures introduce additional costs but include positive steps for skills and infrastructure.The latest budget signals a continued emphasis on revenue generation, introducing measures that will increase costs for businesses across several areas. These changes may influence business sentiment, hiring decisions, and investment activity, particularly as many firms are still adjusting to the 2024 budget and its impact on operating costs.
Overall, this budget is unlikely to deliver a significant boost to business confidence or economic growth.
The Chancellor announced a range of new levies, tax adjustments, and regulatory reforms that will affect businesses. The revision to salary sacrifice thresholds represents an additional cost for employers, similar in nature to previous National Insurance changes, and is expected to be challenging for many.
There are, however, positive developments. The introduction of the Growth and Skills Levy and the Youth Guarantee is a constructive step toward strengthening the talent pipeline. Free apprenticeship training for individuals under 25 is likely to be welcomed by employers seeking to develop future skills.
Additionally, the allocation of funding to the Industrial Strategy and Spending Review commitments is encouraging. These investments in transport, housing, and infrastructure have the potential to support long-term regional development.
Sussex Chamber of Commerce welcomes business member's thoughts on the latest budget and what it means for you as we move into 2026. Member feedback helps inform our policy advocacy, providing economic data and insights to the British Chambers of Commerce to influence government. By engaging with government through its Accredited Chamber network, they ensure that business needs and concerns are heard at all levels.