Good or bad for business? Autumn Budget 2026 reaction from Business West CEO Douglas Ure

This was a Budget delivered against a backdrop of significant fiscal constraints, but it’s good to see support for businesses through measures on energy costs and business rates relief.

The continued focus on investment, growth and strategic sectors is also welcome, particularly in areas where our region has real strengths and ambitions to grow, like AI, defence and life sciences.

It’s great to see the West of England recognised with £10 million of funding for Bristol Temple Quarter. This is one of Britain’s biggest regeneration schemes, with huge potential to drive investment, create jobs and support economic growth, not just in Bristol and the wider region, but nationally too.

We strongly welcome the Chancellor’s announcements to widen devolution across the South West, establishing Mayoral Strategic Authorities across our region. The South West of England has significant untapped economic potential, and these new authorities can provide local leaders with the powers and funding needed to tackle the region’s key challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth.

We’re also really pleased to see the Government committing to a roadmap for fiscal devolution. Giving local areas more control over their finances, and stronger incentives to support businesses and grow their economies, is really important. The proposals for 100% business rates retention by the end of the decade, with 20% going to mayors from 2027, are a significant part of that.

Of course, the detail will be important, but there's a real opportunity here to give local and regional leaders more of the tools they need to drive growth.