St Albans Businesses, a group of companies based in the city, have reacted warmly to the Budget.

On Wednesday, the Chancellor, Philip Hammond, outlined a series of measures to help business, including a business rate discount for certain pubs.

St Albans Businesses said: “We are thrilled at the announcement of the reduction of business rates as this has been the cause of many closures of businesses in the area.

“We were also delighted to hear the government will listen to and support small businesses, as we know small and medium businesses are the backbone to economic growth in the UK.

“More and more people are starting their own businesses and getting that support will ensure that many of them thrive and grow, in turn creating jobs, money, and confidence for it’s team and the country.”