THE Chancellor should focus on exporters and employers in today’s Budget, the boss of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry has said.

The chamber’s chief executive, Ian Girling, said the Chancellor could help business by scrapping National Insurance Contributions (NICs) paid by businesses for the under-25s.

The Chancellor announced the abolition of NICs for under-21s in his Autumn Statement last year. The move comes into force in April 2015.

Mr Girling said: “Businesses in Dorset have weathered the worst recession in living memory and are now seeking to move forward with renewed confidence.

“But it is vital the Chancellor gives them the extra support they need to help them expand and secure sustained econ-omic growth locally, regionally and nation-ally.

“Confirming the abolition of NICs is one way but there is also an expectation that the Chancellor may help boost exports through better-focused credit.

“This is particularly important in Dorset where many firms are exporters and sales will help drive economic growth.”

DCCI’s international trade services team approved 11,703 documents on behalf of exporters last year – up on 2012 and 2011.

The Chancellor is expected to introduce measures to boost exports, freeze carbon taxes and extend the Help to Buy Scheme.