CHANCELLOR Gordon Brown's 11th budget next week will be a budget for business, he said in an interview yesterday.

The budget, on Wednesday, is expected to be Mr Brown's last and will contain a positive forecast for the economy.

He told the Financial Times: "I don't think people will be in any doubt when they see the figures that Britain has come through the challenges it has faced and that the economy is growing in a balanced way."

But he was reluctant to say exactly how companies will benefit. "Business will have to wait with some patience until next Wednesday," he said.

"We have already cut corporation tax from 33p to 30p.

"We have cut capital gains tax for business assets from 40p to 10p for long-term investments and, obviously, we want Britain to remain one of the most competitive countries in the world."

John Cridland, deputy director general of the Confederation of British Industry, yesterday welcomed the Chancellor's comments.

He said: "A budget for business is exactly what's needed for the UK to continue to prosper. It should focus on a number of issues, but will fall seriously short if it does not include two things in particular.

"First, an acknowledgement that the business tax burden has crept much too high and we are falling behind our principal competitors. Second, an unambiguous commitment to action over the coming years to bring that burden back down.

"If the Chancellor's hint turns into a pledge on Wednesday, he will gain companies' praise."