“The Budget may not have been particularly exciting for the country’s prospects for economic growth, though proposed changes to planning represent a promising avenue through which we could enable the greater delivery of housing and infrastructure projects.
This would also depend on resolving the skills shortage, bolstering construction capacity, and introducing more SMEs into the market. These are fundamentals that need to be dealt with alongside the reform to the planning system, in order to boost growth.”
Max Bryan, Head of Science and Technology:
"Support for the delivery of the East West Rail is excellent news for the British economy. The network will combine the region’s strengths so we can reach the critical mass needed for Britain to become a truly global science and technology supercluster.
The government has recognised the immense economic potential of the Oxford Cambridge Arc to drive growth for the country at large, and for this it should be welcomed.”
Giles Dobson, Head of Rural at Bidwells:
“Limiting inheritance tax relief for farms to £1 million is a sledgehammer to the agricultural industry. The 50% relief above this threshold offers little reassurance, heightening uncertainty for the futures of family and tenant farmers and what’s more, this move will undoubtedly be met with wider repercussions on food security across the UK. Once again, rural voters are left betrayed by the government and their broken promises.”
Chris Thyer, Partner, Energy and Renewables:
“The establishment of GB Energy and investing in 11 green hydrogen projects, the first commercial projects in the world, is a commendable step in the right direction, but let’s not kid ourselves: the UK has been dragging its feet for far too long on renewables. If the goal is to make Britain a ‘clean energy superpower,’ then these projects and the infrastructure supporting them need major, sustained funding—not one-off announcements.
Raising the windfall tax and removing the investment allowance for oil and gas is a start, but we should be pushing the oil giants to give back more, especially after years of record-breaking profits. Without aggressive support for renewables and the infrastructure to match, we're simply delaying the transition we all know is essential. Now is the time to fully back clean energy and modernise the grid to ensure the UK’s energy security isn't left in the hands of outdated, polluting industries.”
