Scott Bros

Bob Borthwick, a director of Teesside-based recycling experts Scott Bros, said: “The main encouragement is that inflation is expected to fall below 2% over the next two months which, together with individual tax cuts, may translate into more vibrant economic conditions which stimulate demand.

“The Chancellor was severely constrained financially in what he could achieve, so the Spring Budget contained little that is groundbreaking or has not already been announced.

“However, I do welcome the fact that the 5% increase in fuel duty will be frozen for another 12 months, although this does nothing to reduce our current operating costs. I also support the additional £120m investment in green industries, including offshore windfarms and carbon capture and storage, as part of the UK’s transition to a low carbon economy.”