Ahead of the forthcoming budget, Christopher Nieper, managing director of Alfreton clothing manufacturer David Nieper said the government could do more to help firms take on staff and George Osborne needs to deliver a “three-point plan for jobs, growth and skills”.

He said: “I’d like to see the Chancellor relax National Insurance, which is effectively a tax on jobs. I would also like to see it made easier for firms like us to access apprentices.

“Why can’t we return to the old-fashioned system where people could make a difference to a company’s future and acquire the skills that delivered long-term employment? Exempt employer and employee from all tax while adding skills and give £2,500 for each new training programme. Employing apprentices was once a simple process.”

Read the articles in the Derby Telegraph, Derbyshire business needs a break, and the Telegraph’s Business Club, Small firms finding deals hard to come by