by business editor Trevor Sturgess

South East bosses have urged Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne not to "strangle the golden goose".

While most believe last week's Budget boosted business confidence in the nation's economic prospects, and that he is doing a good job, they regret the absence of an enterprise zone for the region.

A poll by the Institute of Directors, which has thousands of members across the county, found that more than half - 58 per cent - are now more confident about the economy. Only nine per cent feel less confident.

While consumers are battered by tax and price hikes, most bosses believe the government's economic leadership is sound and that the Chancellor's Budget will have a positive impact on their businesses, as well as the wider economy.

But Rodger Broad, director for IoD South, covering Kent and Medway, said: "While overall there is much to welcome, our region, which alongside London is the only net contributor to the Exchequer, has been overlooked for Enterprise Zone status, which is very disappointing.

"The government really must acknowledge that the south east and its businesses also need support if they are to continue to grow and to create the jobs that will drive the UK's economic recovery.

"There is a real risk of strangling the Golden Goose."