With British businesses under pressure from rising costs, taxes and weak investment, the government faces calls to deliver confidence‑boosting measures in the upcoming Budget. The Financial Times is hosting a live Ask an Expert Q&A with John Gapper, the FT’s chief UK business columnist, to discuss what companies need from the chancellor to encourage investment and hiring. The text‑based session runs from 1pm to 2pm BST on Thursday September 17.

Readers can submit questions in advance via the online box or during the live conversation. This event is part of the FT’s weekly Ask an Expert series, which gives subscribers direct access to FT journalists on key policy topics. For more sessions, visit the Ask an Expert page.