SMALL firms in Lancashire would prefer to have customers who pay up on time rather than a fortnight's holiday with Pamela Anderson!

According to a survey, nearly half of those questioned by accountants Kidsons Impey put their business needs first - with just 18 per cent opting for a holiday with the film star of their choice.

The survey also revealed that owner-managed businesses in the region were unimpressed by the Chancellor's claim that his budget would help make Britain the 'enterprise centre of Europe'.

Although firms were happy with measures to cut National Insurance contributions and the restrictions on increases in business rates, many said they would have liked to see more tax relief on investments, a reduction in VAT and simplification of the tax system. More than half of those surveyed said they were planning to expand over the next 12 months.

"The fact that the most popular New Year present for the respondents would be for their customers to pay on time reflects their focus on the day-to-day realities of running their business," said Leslie Bury, partner at Kidsons Impey's Blackburn office.

"It is good news for the region to see that North West firms are ending a year on an optimistic note with expansion plans for their business."

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