Once upon a time, Spring Statement day was fun. Now, as an early-stage entrepreneur, it just fills me with dread, writes Michael Martins in today’s Notebook

An early-stage entrepreneur’s dream Spring Statement

I used to love Spring Statement Day. During my first job at the Institute of Directors, we’d take bets on which Cabinet career was ending, argue over the optics and the politics, then hammer out a press release – no Google Docs, no Microsoft Teams, just speed, instinct and exceptionally talented colleagues. We were usually the first business voice in the media.

Fast forward to today, and Spring Statement day fills me with a different emotion: dread. As an entrepreneur, I watch not for big ideas, but for the next tax hike. Which incentive is about to be kneecapped? Which line item will quietly torch my return on investment? Which tax hike will definitely “save the NHS” this time?

Most business owners could fill a whiteboard with tax complaints. But if the Chancellor........

© City A.M.