Spending Review not a disaster for small businesses, say FSB
The Federation of Small Businesses says there are long-term benefits for companies
Wiltshire's Federation of Small businesses (FSB) has told us of the positives to be taken from the Spending Review.
On Wednesday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced investment into the NHS, defence and housing.
The FSB's Sam Holliday told us the statement was "relatively positive and upbeat", following a budget statement in October that knocked confidence for small companies.
Sam said there could have been some commitment that some of the defence and housing contracts would go to smaller businesses, rather than be gobbled up by larger companies.
"I think there will be inevitable trickle down when these projects are announced. So I think for the for small businesses are in the long game, there may be some benefits," he said.
The Chancellor also announced that the £3 bus fare cap would remain in place, which Sam said was a boost for both getting customers to the high street, but also getting people to work.
He said: "We all know there's that there's not enough public transport to get workers to jobs. So anything that keeps the prices down for the public transport is available has got to be good news."
Sam also welcomed a billion pound push towards training and apprenticeships, saying small businesses are "desperate" to get the staff they need and to get them well trained.
While the long-term benefits are "good news", Sam said the spending review did very little to address some of the more immediate concerns triggered by the Budget last Autumn.
"The government does need to rectify some of the damage that was perceived to have done in the last budget, so maybe that will come about in October when the next statement is."