Chancellor Rachel Reeves has today set out a series of major announcements on infrastructure projects designed to trigger economic growth.

She promised to go "further and faster" than previous governments after years of sluggish growth in the UK.

But what's the business verdict . . . both nationally, and here in Shropshire?

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The Chancellor has laid down a clear marker on her intent to push for growth and these proposals can light the blue touchpaper to fire up the UK economy. 

“Expanding our international airport capacity, investing in modern roads and railways, and rebalancing the planning system all send signals that the UK is building for a better future. 

“These pledges will make businesses and international investors sit up and take notice. They can lift the gloom that has settled over the economy and give firms real confidence.  

“We must also use this moment as a springboard to develop further ambitions around large scale infrastructure. Projects like Sizewell C, additional elements of Northern Powerhouse Rail, the Ely/Haughley rail junctions and the Rampion 2 windfarm must also be greenlit.  

“Well-planned, financially and environmentally sustainable infrastructure programmes boost competitiveness, create jobs and generate lasting economic benefits for regions and the whole country.  

“They increase capacity and reduce journey times, forge stronger business connections, expand labour markets and create opportunities for millions. They are a massive stimulus to their local economies.  

“They support the obvious industries — construction, manufacturing and logistics — but they also feed into retail, hospitality for visiting workers and technical support.  

 “While projects on this scale may take years to complete their economic impact is much more immediate. 

“They give firms involved in their supply chains real confidence to start planning and making their own investment decisions.   

 “But we must make sure the reality does not fall short of the promise. We must have action to back up the words and make sure this commitment sticks. That means getting on with these projects as soon as possible and delivering them quickly and effectively.  

“Many firms will have the HS2 debacle in the back of their minds, so we need continued engagement from Government on problem-solving and support to keep these projects on track. 

“With many businesses struggling with increasing costs, today’s proposals must also be backed up by business rates reform, better export support and an employment rights package that works for firms.” 

Shropshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Ruth Ross said: "It’s all very well to throw around words like action, dynamism and optimism, but this has to be backed up by business-friendly policies – because it’s employers who need to spearhead the UK’s economic growth.

"Businesses in Shropshire feel like they were bashed by the Budget, and the increased costs they are having to bear in areas like National Insurance have undoubtedly diluted their ability or enthusiasm to recruit, diversify or expand.

"Our latest quarterly economic survey revealed some of the most downbeat forecasts from the local business community since the pandemic.

"Asked about the Budget’s impact on the local business community, 72% described it as negative, and not a single employer felt it was positive. That’s not a recipe for growth.

"The proportion of Shropshire businesses now seeing taxation as a ‘fear factor’ in the coming months has jumped by a huge 40%, and there has been a 14% fall in businesses reporting rising sales.

"Workers were told that the pound in their pocket is safe – not so, say businesses in Shropshire."