BRADFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
Lobbying & Representation Bradford
Making sure that people in positions of power and influence understand the business issues of the day – that, and creating a better environment in which business can thrive, is the purpose of lobbying and representation.
All levels of decision-making come under scrutiny to make sure that Chambers really are being the voice of business. Whether through surveys, face-to-face meetings or company visits, gathering information on how government policies are affecting businesses remains crucial to steering the local and national economies back on course. With a government committed to facilitating economic growth through the private sector, Chambers are at the forefront of both setting the agenda and delivering the objective.
Uncertainty in the economic recovery and growth forecasts continually struggling to make anything but negative headlines means that 2012 (and beyond?) will still be a tough year, but Bradford Chamber is providing that voice.
Last summer, businesses were able to outline their frustration on some of the red tape that slows down their operations when two senior government policy-makers from Whitehall visited. The emphasis was on government plans to extend employment rights but the Business, Innovation & Skills officials were warned about the ever- increasing ‘notching up’ of legislation that is hampering growth and job creation.
L-R: Stephen Wright, Chamber President; Dr Harold Robinson, Outgoing President; Paul Mackie, Chamber Vice President
Chamber board member Saleem Kader quizzes airport director Tony Halwood on future air and transport strategy
Three of Bradford’s five MPs also ‘faced the music’ last year when they took questions from members. The MPs said they wanted more frequent contact with business, stressing that priorities for the District included, regeneration, jobs, housing and education. Bradford Property Forum’s decision to survey young people on things they’d like to see in the city centre – a first for the District, it is believed – was widely welcomed, with the findings used as a backdrop to helping formulate strategy and policy going forward. The Forum also held a joint meeting with its Leeds counterpart, bringing together the cities’ two chief executives to discuss closer partnership working. Other sector-based networks, such as Bradford & Airedale Manufacturing Alliance and Bradford Professionals’ Network, are also receiving focused support. On a regional level, the Chamber is working with the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership on its objectives to boost growth and wealth creation.
26 WEST & NORTH YORKSHIRE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE 2011
Gathering information, along with Leeds & York Chambers, on the barriers to exporting has provided useful, while our chief executive sits on two of the LEP’s strategic boards. We also supported the campaign to bring the High Speed 2 rail project into the region.
The government’s desire to return the collection of business rates to local authority was welcomed, albeit cautiously. It is felt that this could provide additional incentives to local authorities to enhance business growth (while rate-setting would still be ‘protected’ at national level). Whether it’s local politicians, LEP leaders or the corridors of Westminster and Whitehall, Bradford Chamber is making sure the local business voice is heard and those decision-makers are taking note.
To get involved in representation and ‘banging the drum’ for Bradford, call 01274 230057 or email
mike.cartwright@
bradfordchamber.co.uk
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