Two out of three businesses say Wednesday’s Budget will have a positive effect on their business, according to research from Reed Finance.

The research also shows more than a quarter of businesses (28%) think that the Budget will have a positive effect on their staffing levels.

Tim Vye, divisional director of Reed Finance, says: “There is a lot for businesses to be positive about in the Budget and our poll of senior finance professionals shows that it has created some optimism, which is crucial for a buoyant jobs market.

“However, businesses remain nervous with only 12% believing that the measures in the Budget will succeed in making the UK the best place in Europe to start, finance and grow a business. Employers need to have confidence in the UK economy and their business’s outlook before signing off on any hiring plans.”