Independent businesses are often the hardest hit when times are tough.

Unlike national and multinational companies, they do not have the reserves to fall back on or the cash to pay for specialist advice.

So tax breaks for smaller firms come as much needed relief for traders who have suffered at the hands of the recession.

But the move, announced by the previous Government, means more than protecting jobs and money.

Oxford is a city world-renowned for its rich cultural heritage and diversity – a reputation enhanced by the independent shops of Cowley Road and eclectic gems such as the Covered Market.

And across the county small businesses are struggling as towns cling fiercely to their identity.

Rooted in the community by their owners, staff and customers, they form the cornerstone of the “big society” lauded by Prime Minister David Cameron.

It is the small business that so often buys a new kit for the struggling junior football team or fundraises for a valuable community group.

The coalition’s mantra is “we are all in this together” but they need to remember which end of the business spectrum got us to where we are.