As the Chancellor (pictured) closes his red box for another year, business organisations have been having their say on what the Budget will mean for businesses large and small.

Sam Holliday, development manager of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: ''As with every Budget, the devil is always in the detail but I think it's fair to say there are clearly some positive news announcements here which will help the local small business community.

''We are delighted that the Chancellor has listened to the FSB and others and not tampered with the VAT threshold as had been strongly rumoured.

''The business rates news was also good. The more regular revaluations should stop the often surprisingly high hike that has hit businesses every five years.

''Elsewhere, we are pleased to see support for our local pubs and service industries with no increases on alcohol prices and of course all businesses will welcome the lifting of potential rises in fuel duty.

''With some encouraging news as well about an increased role for small builders as part of the new housing programme and large investments in infrastructure and skills this would seem, on the surface, to be a Budget which represents a real step forward for small businesses.

Richard Laughton, Sharing Economy UK chair and CEO of EasyCar, said: "The Chancellor has repeatedly said that Britain must be at the forefront of the technological revolution and the UK's world-leading sharing economy can play a crucial role in achieving this vision.

"Increasing support available through the Enterprise Investment Scheme and investing in digital skills were central asks of SEUK and will help many burgeoning companies in the sector to thrive. Alongside the introduction of the world's first 'sharing economy tax allowance' there are some important new additions to support growth and participation in the sharing economy.

"The sector is keen to partner with HMRC to ensure that users of the sharing economy pay the right amount of tax. However, there is a risk that shifting VAT liabilities from users to platforms themselves will constrain growth and participation."

Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, said: "This is a budget that balances support for people on squeezed incomes with vital action to help grow the UK out of austerity. But delivery is everything.

"Action on business rates, R&D tax credits, Brexit planning and an extension and increase of the National Productivity Investment Fund will help firms to invest and grow today against an uncertain backdrop.

"Building a skills system that supports the 4th industrial revolution is the right ambition, but the approach needs to be joined-up with the National Retraining Partnership and coupled with apprenticeship levy flexibility.

"The housing crisis is one of the greatest challenges the country faces, so it's right to focus on supply rather than just demand. The ambition to build 300,000 homes a year is essential and stretching - it must swiftly translate into delivery.

"Measures to enhance the planning system, support SME housebuilders and increase the Housing Infrastructure Fund mark important steps towards unlocking housing supply.

"The challenge now is to turn words into action. For Government and business, this starts next week with the Industrial Strategy."

What do you think? How will the budget affect your business in the coming months and years? Email mark@moosemarketingandpr.co.uk