Tax policy changes in the emergency budget make the UK an even better place to do business, according to a Sheffield-based tax expert. Garry Meakin, office managing partner at Grant Thornton, said: “There has been lots of talk about the UK not being a favourable tax region for companies. That is a load of tosh. If you are looking to structure an international organisation, the UK is no bad place to operate. He added that the National Insurance holiday for employers was “an attractive opportunity. Hopefully that will boost the economy, especially in South Yorkshire”.

TV motoring presenter Quentin Willson, who will be driving an ITM Power hydrogen-fuelled car at this year’s Brighton to London Eco Rally, has called for tax breaks for the hydrogen fuel industry. Speaking at a visit to ITM’s Sheffield facility, Willson said: “We could be world leader at this, selling the technology everywhere, but we need a clear message that this government will back clean hydrogen transport 100 per cent.”

Sheffield Chamber of Commerce has described yesterday’s Budget as "firm and fair". The Chamber expressed concern about the knock-on effect of public sector cuts, but praised the government’s decision to improve rail links between London and Sheffield. Chamber president Nick Tovey said: “The increase in the National Insurance threshold for lower earners, the extra funding for the Enterprise Finance Guarantee scheme and the gradual reduction in corporation tax over four years should all benefit business.”

Bramall Construction, based in Rotherham, and South Yorkshire dental practice Michael & Margaret Naylor & Associates have been named among the UK’s top apprentice employers by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS). Bramall won the Large Employer of the Year category in the Yorkshire and Humber heats and Michael & Margaret Naylor & Associates topped the Small Employer of the Year category.

The overall effect of tax changes in yesterday’s Budget will benefit manufacturing, says Chris Forrest, head of manufacturing for Barclays Corporate Northern region. Forrest said: “For the vast majority of UK manufacturers, the decrease in capital allowances will be more than balanced out by the incremental reduction in corporation tax, so the assertion by the Chancellor that the overall tax bill for manufacturers will decrease will certainly be greeted with relief.”

Law firm Irwin Mitchell will provide legal advice to Sheffield’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community at the city’s biggest Pride festival on 26 June. The firm, which is sponsoring the Rainbow Weddings Tent, will answer queries relating to civil partnerships, wills, conveyancing, parental rights and IVF treatment.

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Rotherham United Football Club has acquired 4.5 acres of land for its new stadium development site. The land, where the former Gloystarne Distribution warehouse was located, is adjacent to the Guest and Chrimes site. Chairman Tony Stewart said: “This has been going through for some time but, as of last Friday, it has now been completed and will provide us with the additional flexibility for future amenities and access to and from the new stadium development site."

Commercial property tenants have been urged to reduce their fixed and variable rate real estate costs in the wake of the emergency Budget. Eamon Fox, offices associate director at the Leeds office of DTZ, said George Osborne’s announcements will create “uncertainty” among occupiers. He said: “Property represents one of the main cogs in any business and like all the components, its flexibility and efficiency must be correct. The desire remains to do business, so it’s reasonable to assume occupiers will recalibrate their thinking after today’s Budget.”