Sunak’s budget needs to focus on business investment, not just government spending

Without fit and competitive firms, there will be no lasting recovery from the Covid crisis

• Economy at the crossroads before lockdown ends
• Firms plead for further support in run-up to budget

Each year, people like me will tell you that the upcoming budget is the most important in living memory; that the government must grab the bull by the horns to deliver economic growth for the country. Well, after 11 months of businesses driven to the lowest of ebbs, this one is indeed a big deal. In spite of all this, I'm optimistic that better times may be around the corner soon.

The prime minister set out a pragmatic, common sense roadmap to easing lockdown this week. Yes, we might not be as quick to reopen as some may have hoped, but it is data driven with caution as the watchword. Firms are now hoping Rishi Sunak's budget will be the second half to this story. The roadmap sets out where we want to go and the budget will determine what shape business will be in when we get there.