Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber, said: “The Chancellor’s focus was clearly on fiscal responsibility in the Budget.
“Certainly some measures will be welcomed by business, including the continued freeze on fuel duty, extension of full expensing for leased assets, tax relief for creative industries and extension of the recovery loan scheme.
“It was encouraging to see movement on the VAT registration threshold from £85,000 to £90,000 but some businesses in Dorset will have felt he could have gone much further.
“There was good news for individuals and families, including further cuts in National Insurance, changes to the child benefit thresholds and a new British ISA savings scheme.
“Disappointingly, again there appeared to be little for Dorset when it came to funding for levelling up and regeneration although there may be more in the detail of the Budget.
“A statement of intent on business rates and a commitment to extend Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) would also have helped to inspire more confidence as we look ahead to the forthcoming general election.”