EAST Lancashire accountants Mayes Business Partnership have launched a Budget 2001 Helpline to help businesses keep on top with new measures introduced by the Chancellor.

And according to partner David Mayes, Gordon Brown's budget should inject up to £50 million into the area's economy.

"In many ways, this was a scattergun budget," said Mr Mayes. "There were measures to help almost everybody, from families with children and those on low incomes to entrepreneurs and those who like a flutter.

"The increases in spending on health, education and urban regeneration and the measures to help children with families, will hit the headlines. But it is the impact of the Chancellor's announcements on the region's job-creating small businesses that will determine the long-term impact of this Budget.

"Budgets are now more difficult than ever to assess, but from what we can see there is some potentially very good news for the region's small businesses.

"In particular, we welcome the moves to cut red tape by simplifying VAT and using company accounts to calculate business tax bills. The incentives to encourage pension funds and employees to invest in growing businesses could help to create more wealth and jobs." The Mayes Business Partnership Budget Helpline is 01254 391327.