Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, welcomed positive measures in the Autumn Statement but said the Chancellor could have gone further.
“It is encouraging to see the Chancellor recognise the importance of business in the Autumn Statement.
“The cap on business rates to 2% is welcome along with a full review of the structure of business rates although many of our members would have felt the benefit of an immediate freeze in rates.
“The doubling of small business rate relief for another year and an increase in discounts for high street shops, pubs and cafes by 50% to £1,500 next year will go some way to helping to relieve the burden on those small business suffering the most.
“Our many members who export will welcome a £45m package of support, with a focus on those business looking to trade abroad for the first time.
“It is imperative that this support finds its way to Dorset businesses and we will be looking closely at the detail of the proposed measures.
“The abolition of National Insurance on young apprentices will help our members employ more young people locally but more support is needed to encourage youth employment across the board.
“The extensions of the Funding for Lending scheme and Enterprise Guarantee Scheme also shows promise but must translate into real credit for small to medium businesses in Dorset.
“Other measures to be welcomed are the freeze on fuel duty, a long overdue shake-up of Stamp Duty, research and development tax credit increased for small and medium sized firms, and the phased abolition of air passenger duty for children.
“Investment in flood defences could help boost business and help prevent some of the terrible flooding we saw earlier this year but we need to make sure Dorset benefits from the money available.”
He added: “Upgraded growth for 2014 of 3% is a fillip for business confidence along with changes to personal taxes if they put more money in the pocket of the public and boost consumer spending.
“We will be watching with interest and hope that the positive measures announced do not become hindered by politics in the run up to next year’s general election.”
