The initiatives set out in the report are reliant on whether the 2004 budget, to be held next March, contains the same measures.

The pre-budget report covers several initiatives to help improve financial access and training initiatives.

[li] 40% first year capital allowances extended to manufacturers with turnover to 22.8m, providing a cash flow benefit for small firms investing in equipment.

[li] A pilot round of small business investment companies (SBICs) will also be launched.
[li] The company law thresholds for small to medium firms will be increased to the maximum possible under European Union regulations.
[li] The Employer Training Pilots will also be extended for a third year.

The pre-budget report outlined a 190m boost to the Employer Training Pilot programme, although it is not clear how much of this will be put towards printing.
The SBICs were especially welcomed by the BPIF, which would give easier access to growth capital and equity finance for small firms.