Gordon Brown is looking to America for inspiration in tackling areas of deprivation.

The chancellor is keen to relieve poverty and unemployment blackspots with a raft of business incentives aimed at communities where firms would not normally look to invest.

Based on a scheme in California, Brown wants to create a nationwide network of one-stop shops where potential entrepreneurs can receive low interest loans and extensive services if they keep their business in their local area.

Forum Response: Institute of Directors

A spokesperson for the Institute of Directors told ePolitix.com: "We will wholeheartedly support Gordon Brown's business-led initiative to redevelop deprived communities.

"The IoD has consistently argued that business and enterprise improves the quality of society through wealth creation, which in turn creates jobs and better wages for whole communities.

"Any measures that assist potential employers to locate to unemployment blackspots are to be welcomed and we look forward to hearing more about the chancellor's ideas in his forthcoming budget."