Business groups have given a mixed, though overall positive reaction to the pre-Budget statement.
Analysts were expecting a quiet statement, given that it is almost certainly the last one before the next general election.
The chancellor did indeed steer clear of the much debated measures affecting businesses, while announcing a broad number of sweeteners for bosses. These included measures on skills, research and development (R&D), regulation and help for under-privileged entrepreneurs.
Groups including the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) applauded these updates, but were less impressed by a promise to extend leave and funding for working parents.
British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) president Bill Midgley said: "We are encouraged that the Chancellor has listened to [businesses] on deregulatory measures, inspection enforcement and on elements of tax simplification.
"We welcome the measures we have called for such as the national roll-out of employer training pilots and the review of R&D tax credits, as well as other measures on enterprise.
"However we have concerns about the impact the extensions of paid parental leave will have on business, particularly small businesses. A business with limited resources and staff who multi-task will find this very tough."
On the same subject, Simon Sweetman, vice-chairman of the FSB's taxation committee, added: "All absence from work comes at a cost and small firms are hit the hardest from the increases in costs associated with providing temporary cover.
But he also said: "We are pleased that the Chancellor has not resorted to gimmicks and has resisted more tweaks to the tax regime that would have led to further confusion for Britain's entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, the Centre of Economics and Business Research took the chancellor up on his optimistic view of UK economic growth and public spending plans.
Angus McCrone, an economist with the group, said the report was "notable for forecasts on economic growth and public borrowing that already look past their sell-by date, and for a shaky defence of his own ability to meet the Treasury's 'golden rule' on government finances."
