AS an added bonus, businesses will find out exactly how next Wednesday s Budget affects them at the Huntingdonshire Business Fair at Wood Green Animal Shelter in Godmanchester the following day. In a change to its usual format, this year s timely event wi

AS an added bonus, businesses will find out exactly how next Wednesday's Budget affects them at the Huntingdonshire Business Fair at Wood Green Animal Shelter in Godmanchester the following day.

In a change to its usual format, this year's timely event will include a series of rolling presentations from local experts and business advisers, all of which will be free to attend.

Members of the public, anyone in fear for his or her job and people thinking of setting up in business will welcome to talk to around 100 exhibitors and other visitors, say the organisers, Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses and Business Link.

Barry Jefferd, a partner at Huntingdon-based George Hay chartered accountants, will be providing a topical, no-nonsense guide to Alistair Darling's second budget, spelling out what it means for local businesses, how the changes will affect them on a day-to-day basis and exactly when each of the changes will come into effect.

Meanwhile, representatives from Jobcentre Plus will be highlighting the training services they are currently providing to assist employees at risk of being made redundant, while Business Link East will be giving an insight into the support and training they can offer small and medium-sized firms.

Katie Hart, chairman of Huntingdonshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "The timing of the exhibition couldn't have been more appropriate for a series of presentations on the impact of the Budget - particularly with them being completely free of charge. I have no doubt that business owners will find it a refreshing change to be told in simple terms what the Chancellor's announcements mean for them, without having to wade through the small print for themselves.

"This year, we have also incorporated a meeting room, which businesses can use to meet with business advisers and training providers on a one-to-one basis, something that I am sure will result in both exhibitors and visitors gaining invaluable advice and ideas to assist their companies in surviving the economic downturn."

Steve Clarke, partnership director at Business Link in the East of England, added: "It is very important that businesses don't cut back on their promotional activities at present. They should look to work a little harder to make their goods and services more visible in these difficult times and the Huntingdonshire Business Fair is an ideal event at which they can achieve this - at the same time as getting some further support and advice from Business Link advisers who will be available throughout the day.

"Finding out what business support is available can be a time-consuming job, so bringing together all the information under one roof at the business fair will save business people the time and effort involved in approaching each organisation separately.