John Walker says that small businesses are key to sustaining economic recovery across the UK and urges the government to ensure that the Budget has the needs of small firms at its core.

He calls for such measures as the extension of the national insurance contributions holiday to include existing businesses and the introduction of a fuel duty stabiliser to help firms’ cash flow.

Says Walker, ‘2010 was a tough year, and 2011 looks like it’s going to be much the same as the public sector cuts begin to bite, unemployment remains high and GDP contracts.

‘The UK’s 4.8 million small businesses are best placed to help the recovery, but they need a helping hand. We need to see the Chancellor use the Budget to create a country fit for entrepreneurs by providing incentives for businesses to take on staff and for self-employment to become a viable choice for the unemployed.’