Andrew Scott, MD of Purplex Marketing and Insight Data, discusses a cautious Budget that offers warm words for entrepreneurs but little meaningful relief, leaving business owners determined to push on and hold the Chancellor to her promises.

Business owners have spent weeks thinking about the Autumn budget. Investment has been put on hold, recruitment paused and decisions delayed.

Rumours of potential National Insurance on property rental income, a drop in the VAT threshold, and even an exit tax on wealth creators were all rife.

But while these rumours didn’t materialise (for now) this definitely wasn’t a budget to stimulate economic growth.

Reeves made a raid on investors and entrepreneurs too, with an increase in dividend tax and splitting out property income with an increase in tax rates here.

True, the chancellor gave some kind words for entrepreneurs and praised risk takers, but we don’t need words; we need a culture that encourages growth, incentivises risk taking and celebrates success.

Entrepreneurs are the driving force of the UK economy, creating the enterprise and innovation that allows our country to grow and prosper, but it’s clear no-one is coming to help us, not least the government.

So we have to stop hesitating, stop listening to the bad news, and we need to put our foot on the gas, invest in growth and have the courage and belief to go for it.

Because while other companies hesitate, this is your time to get ahead of the curve and capture market share.

2026 is just around the corner, and I’m investing in my business, in my team and in the future of our country. You should, too.