Helen Miller, Director at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, dissects Rachel Reeves's budget, highlighting £26bn in tax rises and a larger fiscal buffer despite a looming debt. Steve Rigby from the Rigby Group shares family business perspectives on missed growth opportunities and the impact of rising minimum wages. Richard Fletcher, Business Editor of The Times, provides insights on market reactions and critiques the absence of substantial tax reform. The discussion shifts towards AI's potential to enhance productivity ahead of the election, leaving listeners with a surprising note of optimism.