BUSINESS chiefs have put cutting taxes at the top of their most-wanted list from the Budget at the end of November.
Forty-five percent of firms are calling on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to slash their tax bill to help investment and growth plans.
Some 51 per cent of small businesses and the same amount of micro business are demanding action from the Treasury.
The figures are revealed in the Barclays Business Prosperity Index which surveyed firms on the ongoing economic challenges and rising energy costs.
Entrepreneurs are also looking for help when it comes to investment opportunities, infrastructure projects and up-skilling their workforce.
The study found that nine in ten firms are looking towards AI to solve key business issues over the next two years, driving their staff towards boosting skills to harness growth.
Forty-two per cent now plan to hire for AI roles with twenty per cent of firms creating new positions specifically dedicated to AI.
In good news for Ministers, firms plan to increase investment by more than 5 per cent over the next 12 months.
Nearly 90 per cent of business chiefs are confident in their own prosperity chances.
The study also found that seven in ten business leaders believe that the UK has the skills on hand to be a world leader in AI.
But against a challenging economic backdrop, energy costs continue to hold back businesses.
Matt Hammerstein, Chief Executive of Barclays UK Corporate Banking, said: “It’s encouraging to see an intent to invest from UK businesses, with many turning that into action.
“Against a backdrop of global uncertainty, there’s more to do to build confidence in the UK as a place for businesses to grow and scale.
“Our research suggests that AI is becoming a key tool to drive innovation, encourage investment and upskilling to lift productivity and build confidence in the UK as a global business hub.”