The CBI employers' body is calling on the chancellor to simplify the business tax environment in his Budget speech this month.
Taking a more conciliatory tone than in previous years, Digby Jones, CBI director-general, said Gordon Brown had shown an understanding of the importance of enterprise in previous Budgets.
But he warned that further rises to business taxation would do "immense damage" to relations between business and the government. "In recent weeks there have been encouraging signs that the Treasury is getting our message," Mr Jones said ahead of the CBI's submission to the Budget today.
"Now we need a real commitment to a simplified and low-tax business environment with a plan to roll back the business burden over the medium term."
