A business plan to deliver prosperity.

At a recent conference in London, attended by 1000 business leaders, Chambers of Commerce and political leaders, the Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce delivered the business group’s manifesto, entitled A Business Plan for Britain.

We represent just 3% of global GDP. Britain was once, but is no longer, the world’s leading political and commercial power. Whoever forms the next government must aim to nurture sustainable, long-term economic growth if people are to have the prosperous future that they want. A future in which education equips children for work and prosperity, and where the health service satisfies the needs of the community.

The British Chambers of Commerce have set out a “Business Plan for Britain” to boost business as the country navigates through a world full of turbulence, both economic and political. The goals of the Business Plan for Britain are shared by companies in every region and nation of the UK.

A Britain built for growth is a Britain where government decisions are relentlessly pro-growth; business policies are fit for the long term; local business communities are empowered; the machinery of national and local government works with and for business; and those held democratically accountable for outcomes are free to appoint those in charge of delivery.

By implementing the Business Plan for Britain, and by maintaining a relentless focus on policies that deliver prosperity, the next government can help to achieve the following aspirations:

• Develop the talents of the next generation – because preparing young people for the world of work, investing in the skills of those already at work, and nurturing the business leaders of tomorrow are essential to the UK’s competitiveness;
• Support long-term business investment – because promoting access to finance, and backing investors in dynamic businesses will support the rebalancing the UK economy so badly needs and help drive up productivity;
• Grow Britain’s global trade potential –because building international networks, investing in our export skills base and removing barriers to trade will support UK businesses to take on the world;
• Place business at the heart of local growth –because ensuring business growth takes centre stage in local decision-making and procurement will boost the economies of our cities, towns, and counties;
• Rebuild Britain’s business infrastructure –because a world-class economy needs world-class infrastructure, and businesses need certainty that crucial improvements are actually delivered;
• Drive down business costs and taxes –because simplifying the UK tax system, and reducing the taxes firms pay even before they generate a profit, will boost businesses competitiveness, investment and jobs;
• Deliver a new settlement for Britain in Europe –because making the economic opportunities of the European trading bloc work for business, and ensuring clear safeguards for Britain against unwanted further integration, will be critical for our future success.

Businesses and government must work together to craft a better destiny for Britain.

The decisions taken during the term of the next Parliament will have a profound impact on our ability to grow businesses here at home and trade across the world.

- Ana Christie, Chief Executive, Sussex Chamber of Commerce
 

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