smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

So, what does Chancellor George Osborne have to offer small businesses?

Well first, a lot of hype and soundbites. This was 'a Budget for making things, not making things up', which is intended to 'put fuel in the tank of the British economy'.

All that nonsense aside, the single measure that is likely to be of most help to most businesses is the 1p cut in fuel duty, which comes with a promise to introduce a 'fair fuel stabiliser'. This is what business organisations had called for, and on the face of it, they got what they wanted, although we still have to scrutinise the small print.

More welcome news comes in the form of various attacks on red tape which are supposed to save businesses £350 million, according to the Chancellor. In particular, he is targeting discrimination rules and health and safety regulations, and has also promised to restrict the activities of 'no win no fee' lawyers, which is sure to raise a cheer.

Businesses with under ten staff and 'genuine start-ups' will also be exempt from new domestic regulation for the next three years, although this isn't quite as good as it sounds as it excludes EU-driven legislation – and of course, all the old stuff.

Taxes are also going to be simplified. That's a particularly welcome measure, as it had become a bit of a running joke how complex our tax legislation had become. Forty-three 'complex reliefs' are to be abolished, and 100 pages removed from the tax code.

The final measure that may benefit some is the promise to create 21 new Enterprise Zones. There will be various benefits for businesses setting up in these areas, including exemption from business rates and enhanced capital allowances.

No-one was expecting any big giveaways, but has the Chancellor gone far enough to help struggling small businesses? Give us your verdict by commenting on this article.