Alastair's latest effort wasn't meant to be a "give away" but there are a few crumbs of comfort :

· The Annual Investment Allowance is increased from £50,000 to £100,000.  This means that with effect from 1 April 2010 companies will obtain 100% tax relief on capital expenditure of up to £100,000.  Expenditure above £100,000 only qualifies for a maximum 20% allowance.

· Entrepreneurs’ Relief reduces the amount chargeable to Capital Gains Tax on the sale of business interests and business assets.  The effect of this relief is to cut the rate of Capital Gains Tax from 18% to 10%.  The lifetime limit is raised to £2 million for disposals made after 6 April 2010.

· Corporation Tax rates remain unchanged:

    -    Small companies with profits under £300,000    21%

    -    Profits between £300,000 and £1,500,000     29.75%

    -    Profits over £1,500,000    28%

· Enhanced capital allowances at 100% are available on ‘green’ plant which appears on the lists published by the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

· Business Rates Relief is increased for a temporary period.  Eligible businesses occupying properties with a rateable value of up to £6,000 will pay no business rates for one year from October 2010.  There are also significant reductions for small businesses in properties with rateable values up to £12,000.

Of more interest, no doubt, will be the second budget of the year from Messrs Darling, Osborne, and or Cable depending on how we all vote in May.