IAN Malcolm, managing director of Redcar car parts maker ElringKlinger (GB) thought the budget was "a huge disappointment."
He added: "I felt it didn't do anything for UK plc or for manufacturing. He doesn't look like someone who knows where he is going. Where was the sense of urgency? Most of what he promised was delayed and procrastinated.
"We heard today that the growth figures have halved - yet again - but he seems to be tinkering around the edges rather than tackling things head on.
"Yes, there were a few positives such as measures for small businesses and corporation tax but I can't see them having much of an impact. He needed to do something bold that would boost business, jobs and investment now and from what I can see he missed that opportunity."
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