The 2009 Budget has provided little support for small businesses, says the Forum of Private Businesses (FPB).

The FPB’s chief executive, Phil Orford, said: “The Chancellor has missed a vital opportunity to produce a Budget for business survival and economic growth. We called for a real and sustained support strategy, acting as a catalyst for broader economic recovery, but instead we got a Budget that appears to be focused on the next general election.

“While some of these measures will benefit low-carbon companies and new technology start-ups, they will do little to restore business and consumer confidence and stimulate economic activity.

“Although the long-term unemployed will benefit from investment in job creation and training from 2010, nothing has been done to help businesses retain their existing skilled workforce, which continues to be decimated as a result of the recession.

“While welcoming changes to capital allowances and loss relief, the reality is that these will have only provide limited benefit to smaller businesses. In addition, restrictions to the new credit insurance scheme and the failure to address business taxes remain considerable barriers to business survival and growth.”

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