The shadow secretary of state for DCMS and former gambling minister Rt Hon Stuart Andrew shared his concerns regarding the impact of the recent Budget at Bacta’s National Convention this week, expressing his view that “the Budget didn’t have to be bad for business.”

Former gambling minister Stuart Andrew told Bacta’s National Convention that he shares the industry’s concern regarding the Budget’s impact on small businesses, telling members: “I hope that we can work constructively to try and improve the situation.”

Speaking in his capacity as shadow secretary of state for DCMS, Andrew acknowledged the consultation responses from attendees which formed the backbone of the White Paper, and urged those present to continue making representations to government.

“While I’ve not come here to score some cheap party political points, I have been concerned to hear from some of you the impact that the changes in the Budget present to you in your businesses,” said Andrew. “That budget didn’t have to be bad for business, but unfortunately it took the route of hiking up taxes without really checking with you and consulting with you, and it’s not just some of you that have said this.”

“We know from dozens of business groups, whether it’s the Confederation of Business Industry or the Federation of Small Businesses, or Family Business UK, that as businesses large and small you really do need to be listened to.”

Speaking on the increased rate and reduced allowance for employer NICs, Andrew said:  “This will, I’m afraid, drive up costs of employment, and that does worry me. By reducing the relief on business rates from 75 percent to 40 percent, for retail, hospitality and leisure, the cost of running a premises is also set to increase. I do have serious concerns about this.”

“But I also have to say that I’m concerned that forecasts suggest changes will also drive up interest rates, making it more expensive to borrow and invest – and then of course thinking about how you’ll pass on your business to the next generation is also an important consideration.”

“Whilst I recognise that we did not get everything right, I do hope that we can work constructively to try and improve the situation for you as businesses.”

Despite his concerns, Andrew added his party will now look to collaborate more effectively with the incumbent government, noting “there were good things in the Budget, even if they were drowned out by the bad, and we will support those.”