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It might not be the most exciting prospect, or a goal that rouses the nation, but as Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey prepare their first Budget, it's what millions of business owners are hoping for.

To help drive economic growth, Britain’s business owners need to feel they can take risks, to grab opportunities to grow and invest in their business. But for many, wait and see has become modus operandi as they delay decision-making and wait for clarity.

As the Budget approaches, the mood is no different. Bibby Financial Services’ latest SME Confidence Tracker, a survey of more than 1,000 small businesses, found that over half are holding back major investment decisions until they see what the Budget contains.

Small businesses need a Budget that lets them plan ahead, ease cash flow pressure and access the finance they need to grow in 2027.

The early signs........

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