We spoke to companies before today’s budget announcement
Author: Isabel KimbreyPublished on March 3, 2021
Last update March 3rd, 2021
Businesses in the West Midlands are demanding clarity, focused and ongoing support ahead of today’s Chancellor’s budget announcement.
Rishi Sunak faces a difficult balancing act as he sets his budget today – dealing with the black hole in public finances and helping families and businesses affected by the coronavirus.
Many areas of the economy are looked at in the spring budget, with topics like corporate tax, vacation program, and jobs being some of the major topics in today’s announcement.
But what support would companies in the West Midlands want to see to break lockdown restrictions after a busy year?
Laura Randles, owner of Studio81 Events, Worcestershire
“The government has to deal with an industry that is so valuable to the UK economy. We need industry-specific support for both weddings and events
“It’s safe to say that the events and wedding industry has been an afterthought throughout the pandemic.
“We had various scholarships here and there, but if I can’t fully open until mid-June, as a seasonal company I only have four months a year to earn money, so I get targeted support from the government.
“We need more support after the restrictions are relaxed, especially with the vacation program. We only work three and a half to four months and then we said we weren’t entitled to anything – it’s incredibly worrying for all of us in the industry.