For weeks now, senior figures from the world of business have been at pains to point out just how important this year’s Autumn Statement will be.
The new Chancellor, Philip Hammond, stepped up to the despatch box to give his most significant speech since he took charge of the Treasury during the summer.
If his predecessor George Osborne, now watching from the backbenches, had come to be defined by his ongoing battle to balance the books in the wake of a financial crisis, the start of Mr Hammond’s tenure was always going to be overshadowed by one word. Brexit.
Businesses across the UK – and indeed overseas – were watching closely to see how the Government intends to steady the economy ahead of the UK beginning the formal process of leaving the European Union.
In his opening remarks, Mr Hammond laid out his stall.
“We will maintain our commitment to fiscal discipline, while recognising the need for investment to drive productivity,” he said.
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