The chancellor is predicting that Britain is well prepared for the turbulent economic times ahead.

In a speech to the Social Market Foundation on Monday, Gordon Brown is set to mount a new offensive to restore confidence in his management of the economy.

Following the economic downturn and the stock market slide, Gordon Brown will say that "the true test of economic policy is whether it can cope with difficult as well as good times".

Forum Response: Business Services Association

Norman Rose, director general of the BSA, said: "As the representative body for many of the largest companies working with government to deliver modern public services, we find much to applaud in the chancellor's words. In particular, we welcome his recognition that ideological positioning must not be permitted to dominate over the development of pragmatic solutions."In a society of pluralistic service provision, it is not enough to say that 'what matters is what works'. What works is only what delivers."For too long, ideological differences have diverted attention from the delivery of high quality services to the public. Hopefully the chancellor's clear comments today will refocus the debate where it belongs - on the real needs of the end-users."

Forum Response: Institute of Directors

A spokesman for the IoD told ePolitix.com: "We of course welcome the chancellor's commitment to increase competition across the economy.

"However, what the economy could really do with right now is a reduction in the tax and regulatory burden on businesses.

"With plunging stock markets and declining optimism the business community needs action not words."