The Chancellor’s pre-Budget statement has sent a positive message to small businesses in the motor industry.

The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) welcomed Brown’s commitment, but with some caution.

“Small businesses could benefit if the tax and Health and Safety regulations changes proposed by the Chancellor were really introduced in the next Budget,” says Matthew Carrington, chief executive of the RMI.

“'Small businesses in the UK have to deal with a myriad of rules and regulations not really intended for businesses at their level, and any simplification would be welcomed, if they do come to pass,” he continued.

The commitment to improve give those aged 16 and over in unwaged training an increase in benefits and paid-for training was also welcomed

“By extending to young people support in the form of funding for training and extra benefits, the Government would be offering significant support to the cause of vocational training.

As the biggest training provider in the retail motor sector, ReMIT, the training arm of the Retail Motor Industry Federation, would welcome this as it could make all the difference for many young people so that they could train for a career and so build a future for themselves,” Carrington says.