Over the last couple of weeks, I have been gauging local reaction to the Chancellor's 2014 Budget. This has included talking to local business groups. On 27 March, I addressed Esher Business Guild and heard their views. I also participated in a local business seminar organised by Chartered Accountants, Wellden Turnbull. This morning, I was down in Cobham with their local Chamber of Commerce for a breakfast discussion. I set out the economic progress made to date - on the deficit, jobs, and cost of living - and talked through the key components of the budget, including measures to boost competitiveness and private savings.

As ever, the subsequent conversation was wide-ranging. One strong, common, factor in the local feedback I am getting is the support for measures to back savers. I can appreciate why this is particular popular for families, but it is also important for underlying UK competitiveness - as highlighted by the World Economic Forum's recent competitiveness survey, in its UK analysis section.