Business manifesto outlines 5-point Action Plan

Following the General Election on 4th July, the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce has delivered a 5-point Action Plan in conjunction with The British Chambers of Commerce.

The Chamber of Commerce network wants to see:

• An Industrial Strategy with green innovation at its heart.

• Better skills planning, bringing businesses and training providers together.

• Business rates reform to encourage growth and investment.

• Improved relations with the European Union to cut the costs for business.

• A Government appointed AI champion for SMEs to spearhead uptake of new technology.

The five-point plan is part of the BCC’s ‘Future of the Economy’ manifesto. The manifesto includes the biggest ideas from a series of extensive policy documents published this year, focusing on the key economic challenges identified by the BCC. The challenges are: Green Innovation, People and Work, Local Economies of the Future, Global Britain and the Digital Revolution.

The manifesto has been brought together after extensive consultation with the Chamber network, the BCC’s Business Council, external stakeholders, and academics.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC said:

It’s not about rewriting the referendum result, it’s about cutting red-tape and promoting trade.

“The world of AI has huge potential to boost economic productivity. But it’s important that SMEs aren’t left behind, or vulnerable, as new technology accelerates. A Government appointed AI champion will help spearhead a boost in AI uptake by SMEs.

“We believe our 5-point plan creates an immediate pathway to help businesses succeed. When business succeeds, the country succeeds.”

Sarah Bailey, CEO of West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce, said:

“The companies we represent are the drivers of economic growth and the employers of millions of people. Our fivepoint-plan is clear.

“As companies play their part in the UK’s net-zero journey, we desperately need an industrial strategy with green innovation at its heart.

“Firms are constantly telling us they can’t get the skills they need. We need better strategic planning on skills that helps business and training providers work together.

“In local communities, firms are crying out for a fairer business rates system. Over a quarter (26%) of companies told us earlier this year they’d changed plans to upgrade or open premises because of the system.

“The EU is the UK’s biggest market, so we urgently need to get a better trading relationship with our closet neighbour.

“The launch of our Vision 2026 earlier this year highlights four key areas of focus that will enable businesses to thrive:

• Bridging the Employment and Skills gap across West Cheshire and North Wales.

• Promoting International Trade and supporting businesses to navigate the changing landscape.

• Creating enhanced Infrastructure and Connectivity for our region to meet the needs of businesses.

• Focusing on Climate Challenge and the increased demands on businesses to be more sustainable.

“Following the launch of the 5-Point Action Plan, it is clear to see that our objectives align with the wider BCC network. The Chamber of Commerce is warmly welcoming any thoughts or views from businesses on these four key areas and a survey can be completed via the QR code on this page.”