By Oliver Bruce

As a business owner and angel investor, I know first-hand how difficult it is to start a business, let alone sustainably grow one.

The Chancellor’s proposed measures, I fear, are the final nail in the coffin for the average person and for businesses alike. The role of the Chancellor is clear: drive economic growth, stimulate spending and increase GDP.

Right now, she is fundamentally failing at all three. If these decisions didn’t directly affect me, my colleagues, and the thousands of businesses trying to survive, Reeves’ lack of awareness would be laughable.

In March 2025, the Prime Minister committed to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence. While this is a sensible ambition on paper, it is fundamentally flawed if GDP stagnates.

A 0.1% increase in GDP in Q3 2025 is hardly grounds for celebration. My concern is that pending tax rises, the scrapping of the two-child benefit cap, which will cost working people an additional £3.5bn a........

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