幸运飞行艇官方开奖记录查询 Industry backs the Budget but tax rises trigger warning

The ink might only just be drying on Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ first Budget but both the marketing and education sectors have been quick out of the blocks to give their verdict.

First up is DMA chief executive Chris Combemale, who said: “We welcome the Government reaffirming its plans for Skills England to drive growth and tackle skills shortages, as well as its general support for the creative industries.

“Working closely with the Department for Education, our Digital Marketing Strategy Skills Bootcamps are committed to upskilling marketers, and we expect this initiative to be included in the Government’s overall plans for Skills England.

“It was also reassuring to hear the Government maintain its commitment to R&D investment amid wider cuts, which will help further establish the UK’s reputation as a global tech and data hub.

“Finally, the Government has said its investment will enable 2% productivity gains next year, and we expect the recently announced Digital (Use and Access) Bill, which we are fully supportive of, will help achieve this by using data to enable more efficient public services while at the same time promoting data-driven growth in the private sector.”

Julie Oxberry, CEO of creative agency Household, added: “This Budget marks a significant moment, and I was impressed by the firm delivery with a human touch. The first female Chancellor of the Exchequer, well done, RR! Focusing on protecting working people, fixing the NHS, and rebuilding Britain is essential.

“As an SME, we contribute significantly to the UK economy with a mindset that combines creative and commercial value. Our industry, often overlooked, is a crucial part of the economic landscape. So, naturally, Household’s unwavering focus is always on protecting and looking after our best asset; our creative team – our working people.

“The significant increase in Employer National Insurance contributions represents a significant additional financial burden and could be a disincentive to recruitment at a time when the Government is trying to get Britain back to work. On the other hand, the extended support for the hospitality, entertainment, and retail sectors may enable our clients to invest more in our services as brand experience designers.

“Despite all this, as a proud B-Corp and responsible employer, we advocate for fair pay and support the Government’s increase to the minimum wage. This ensures we all prioritise our workers and provide a sense of security and confidence.”

IPA director general Paul Bainsfair said: “At PMQs immediately before the Budget, the Prime Minister reiterated that his Government’s number one mission is growth. And the Chancellor opened her announcement by stating that the only way to drive growth and restore economic stability was to invest.

“Agencies are great growth engines and advertising spend has a multiplier effect on GDP. But the economics of agencies are dominated by payroll. The change to Employer National Insurance contributions represents a very significant increase in the cost base of agencies and threatens their ability to facilitate the growth the Government says it is prioritising.

“More broadly, agencies stand or fall on their talent. Moreover, shifts in employee rights, will significantly affect how agencies recruit, retain, and nurture the creative minds that are essential to our sector’s success.

“The Chancellor also announced increases in CGT and the tax paid on carried interest. We are concerned that this may lead to a reduction in appetite for investment in agency businesses, whether by individuals or by financial sponsors.

“We just have to hope that this short-term pain will, as the Chancellor suggested, ultimately unlock vital long-term growth for the UK economy.”

Over at the Advertising Association, meanwhile, chief executive Stephen Woodford once again reinforced the view that advertising plays a vital role in growing the ecomony.

He added: “Put simply, investment in advertising is an investment in growth. The latest adspend figures demonstrate strong annual growth in UK adspend, well ahead of key European markets. The UK is also a leading exporter of advertising and marketing services around the world, another vital contributor to the future growth of our economy.

“The full Budget confirmed the Government will take steps to transform the Apprenticeship Levy into a Growth and Skills Levy, through £40m investment. Much greater flexibility is something our sector and many others have long called for and we look forward to working with the Government to create more effective solutions for businesses looking to develop new talent in our industry.”

Even so, Mark Pearce, general counsel at digital ad specialist Alkimi, is concerned about the tax implications.

He commented: “This Halloween week, a trio of unfavourable tax changes is set to turn sweet toffee-apples into sour grapes for many impacted. The rise in employer National Insurance contributions, combined with a lower threshold for NI payments, will make hiring staff significantly more costly for UK businesses—particularly affecting the tech sector, which already faces fierce competition for talent from overseas.

“In advertising, the recent rise in UK adspend reflects strong confidence in consumer spending among brands. However, as the latest Budget unfolds, brands should prepare to adapt as consumers potentially realign their financial priorities. Moving into the peak season, transparency and accountability will be key for advertisers to build and maintain consumer trust in an evolving financial landscape. Solutions that can offer a clear, fair value exchange will stand out as advertisers work to achieve sustainable growth while meeting heightened expectations.”

And, finally, the National Centre for Universities & Business (NCUB) says that while the investment in R&D is welcome, stronger support for our universities is vital.

NCUB head of policy and engagement Rosalind Gill said: “In their first Budget, the Government delivered for UK innovation and research and development (R&D). We warmly welcome the Government’s acknowledgement that research and innovation is a vital and critical driver of growth, and its headline announcement of further investment into R&D is a positive step forward.

“We applaud the Government for recognising that UK R&D is crucial for future competitiveness, growth, clean energy goals, healthcare advancements, and national security.”

However, Gill said it is clear that the UK needs to truly shift the dial on private investment, including private investment into R&D and this requires a competitive and supportive environment. The cumulative impact of tax rises will have an impact on investment and could make it harder for businesses to start, scale and grow here, she reckons.

Gill concluded: “Businesses tell us that the strength of the UK’s university system is a significant reason why they choose to invest here. In many parts of the UK, universities are major employers and economic engines.

“This Budget may well have significant unintended consequences for the sustainability of the UK’s world-leading university system. The prospect of increased employer National Insurance contributions will significantly raise staffing costs.

“Just the change in rate to 15% will cost universities well in excess of £150m a year, and the changing threshold is likely to have an even greater impact. Only through more sustainable funding can universities focus on their public mission rather than financial survival. We implore the Government to recognise this, before it’s too late.”