Looking behind the headlines of the recent Budget, one of the themes was the need to support businesses, to help our economy to grow, which is, of course, what we need to get the economy growing again.

Two years ago, sceptics doubted whether businesses could create more jobs, yet they have created 1.25 million new jobs. The Chancellor said on 20 March that for every one job lost in the public sector, six have been created in the private sector.

That is a real tribute to the enterprise and initiative of the people who run our businesses. British business is competing globally, as many employers in Buckinghamshire will agree. We need to give them the conditions in which they can flourish and create wealth for us as a nation.

The crucial stage for many businesses is when they want to expand. From 2014, there will be a new £2000 Employment Allowance.

In practical terms this means that businesses will be able to take on one extra member of staff (at a salary level of £22,400) without paying any National Insurance. 450,000 small businesses – which is one third of all employers – will pay no jobs tax at all.

What is more, the jobs tax will be cut for charities and community sports clubs too.

There was an increase in the number of small and medium sized enterprises in the UK last year – 250,000 more. Overall, there are 4.8 million private sector businesses in this country. The increase last year was the largest on record.

Corporation tax is going to come down to a rate of 20 per cent in April 2015. A fall to 23 per cent was already planned for April 2013, which is going to be the lowest rate among the G7 group of global economies.

The planned reduction for April 2015 will mean that the UK has the lowest rate in the countries who make up the G20.

There are also measures to foster research and development by larger companies and to encourage bank lending to companies which are seeking to grow.