Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said: “Although there were measures in the Chancellor’s spending review to be welcomed, concerns from business remain strong.
“While it was encouraging to see funding announced for classroom improvements at Budmouth Academy in Weymouth, Dorset was once again notable by its absence in other major spending announcements.
“However, there may be opportunities once the small print is examined in such areas as AI, innovation, research and development funding, transport infrastructure, rail and training and upskilling young people.
“It is particularly important that many of the world class defence firms we have in Dorset benefit from the spending uplift in this sector.
“It was good to see the Chancellor prioritise affordable housing, as shortages of housing stock and high property prices continue to be a major barrier to economic development in Dorset. We must be able to attract people to this area to support business growth.
“Dorset Chamber will continue to lobby for business to fight for the county’s fair share and will do all it can to support our politicians, leaders and other representatives in this endeavour too.
“Finally, Dorset businesses have consistently demonstrated their positivity, resilience and strength over recent years but many will be concerned about what is coming down the tracks in the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget.
“There must be no more taxes on business faced with ever increasing costs, a difficult labour market and burdensome red tape if the Chancellor is to achieve the growth she so desperately needs.
“While she may have splashed the cash today, she must not rinse businesses for it tomorrow.”