Today the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) – which includes Essex Chambers of Commerce – has written to incoming Prime Minister, Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP, setting out 15 urgent, immediate steps that the PM must address on arrival in Downing Street to boost business confidence and stimulate the UK economy.
From the critical need to avoid a messy and disorderly Brexit on the 31st of October, to fast action to fix roads and stop endless increases in business costs, the leading business organisation sets out proposals that would make a tangible difference to businesses of all sectors and sizes in the current climate of uncertainty and change.
Commenting on the proposals, Denise Rossiter, Chief Executive of Essex Chambers of Commerce, said:
“The need for the new Prime Minister to get down to business has never been greater.
“Boris Johnson’s first job upon arrival in Downing Street must be to go beyond warm words and take immediate, tangible steps to boost the confidence of UK businesses and consumers.
“He must demonstrate he will go all-out to avoid a messy and disorderly Brexit on the 31st of October, which would be hugely damaging and disruptive for many businesses and communities.
“Boris Johnson must move swiftly and decisively to tackle some of the longstanding domestic issues holding businesses back here at home.
“Many of the things businesses have been calling out for can be implemented at speed, and would send the strongest possible signals to companies and investors grappling with ongoing uncertainty and change.
“The women and men who create prosperity and opportunity in our communities need an incoming Prime Minister and government to demonstrate their unequivocal backing for enterprise and growth.
“In addition to the national priorities set out by the BCC we want to see local needs in Essex addressed such as improving the A12 and A120, the construction of the third Lower Thames Crossing, continuing to upgrade our rail infrastructure on both the Gt Eastern and West Anglia main lines, improving broadband connectivity across the county”
THE BCC’S KEY RECOMMENDATIONS:
BREXIT AND TRADE
Avoid a messy and disorderly Brexit
Step up government planning and enable businesses to plan for all scenarios
Automatic registration for key trade simplifications
Ensure continuity of trading conditions with third countries,
Clarify intentions on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
BUSINESS INVESTMENT
A one-year moratorium on all policy measures that increase business costs
Ensure all businesses benefit from rates holidays on new property builds and improvements
Launch a root and brand review of current business rates system
PEOPLE
Protect funding for education and training
Reform apprenticeship funding and standards
Deliver a light-touch, streamlined immigration system that works for business
INFRASTRUCTURE
Reaffirm commitment to major projects including all phases of HS2 and expansion of Heathrow
Commit to clear UK energy strategy
Back industry proposals to eliminate mobile not spots
Funding to clear backlog of local road improvements
