First business show for Devon-wide organisation

Stuart Elford, chief executive officer of the newly-formed Devon Chamber, welcomed the chance to bring people together

More than 100 businesses have come together in Plymouth for the Devon Business Show.

It is the first major event held by the newly-formed Devon Chamber - which supports businesses across the county.

The Devon Chamber came into existence on 1 October and was created in a merger of the Devon and Plymouth Chamber together with the Exeter Chamber.

Business bosses welcomed the opportunity to meet up at the Plymouth Life Centre and spoke about unease in the business community ahead of the Autumn budget.

Stuart Elford, chief executive of Devon Chamber, said: "We have 125 businesses from all over Devon and beyond exhibiting. It's bringing together the fabulous businesses we have.

"Business does business with people - it's getting people together again, it's face-to-face meetings, it's building relationships."

Mr Elford said lots of businesses were in a "wait and see mode" before the government reveals the budget.

He said: "I think we are concerned about tax rises, businesses are just pausing on investment, pausing on recruitment and just wanting to see what's going to come out."

Annette Stone is from tax consultants Azets said a lot of people were concerned about the changes the Budget may bring

Treasury officials are reportedly exploring National Insurance on employer pension contributions to raise revenue as part of the Budget.

Annette Stone from tax consultants Azets said: "There's obviously a lot of concern as we get closer and closer to that big date.

"Obviously for those smaller businesses in particular, with any increase in employer's National Insurance contributions, that impact can make a difference between offering someone another job, growing their business or having to put up their prices."

The Treasury said it would not comment on tax speculation outside of fiscal events.

Gemma Patton, a senior consultant at Reed Recruitment, said developing local contacts was really important

Gemma Patton, from Reed Recruitment, said developing local knowledge at events like the Devon Business Show was hugely important.

Regarding the possibility of National Insurance increases for employers she said: "If there are increased costs for the employers those costs have to be passed on and factored in somewhere within the business."

Rebecca Severn, is head of operations at Clearly Business Law, said any additional costs for small businesses in the region would be a challenge

Rebecca Severn, head of operations at Clearly Business Law, said it was still a "challenging" environment for small businesses.

She said: "For small businesses in the region any additional costs are always going to be a challenge.

"I think with small businesses they are always worried about an increase in rates or an increase in costs - if you're older than five years and you've survived that's a good thing."