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EDITOR: Lei Chan T: 01604 490490
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Waterside House, 8 Waterside Way, Northampton NN4 7XD
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A GOVERNMENT FOCUSED ON GROWTH
With the General Election now behind us, it’s now time to shift the emphasis back on reviving the economy. In my mind, achieving sustainable growth should
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ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE: inbusiness is a bi-monthly publication and digital magazine distributed to 5,000 Chamber members and key businesses in Northamptonshire. The publication focuses on news and information about local companies and the initiatives and advice available to increase the prosperity of county firms. Northamptonshire Chamber welcomes newsworthy articles of business interest, giving preference to Chamber members. As editorial space is limited, inclusion cannot be guaranteed and the editor may amend or reject articles submitted.
be the main priority of any government. Britain needs to stay competitive in a global economy and those at Whitehall need to intervene to create the right conditions for growth and enterprise. So what should we expect from an incoming one? My personal wish for the next government is to
ensure we have measures in place to retain existing talent and develop the skills of the current workforce as well as train the next generation of workers. There are many employees who are working parents and initiatives, which for example give working parents increased financial support to access childcare, allow more businesses to retain their skilled workforce – which will in turn help to drive economic growth. Secondary, growing Britain’s global trade potential
THE VOICE OF NORTHAMPTONSHIRE BUSINESS VIEWPOINT
by removing barriers to trade, building international networks and investing in our export skills base will enable more Northamptonshire businesses to fulfil their global ambitions. Exports is an area where many Northamptonshire firms perform strongly, however, the
‘ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE GROWTH SHOULD BE THE MAIN PRIORITY OF ANY GOVERNMENT’
government can do more to encourage potential exporters in the county to take those first steps trading overseas and reap the benefits from new markets and becoming a global brand. Another action area for the incoming government is to drive down business costs and
taxes. Britain has a business rates system that is no longer fit-for-purpose and instead hampers investment and growth. The main criticism is that it results in firms paying wildly different sums because their properties have different rateable values. It is also an issue that has been raised as a concern in our Quarterly Economic Surveys and my colleagues at the British Chambers of Commerce have set out a compelling case for reform. In March, the Conservative Liberal Democrat coalition government announced a wide-ranging review of the system in the Budget 2015. Let’s hope the incoming government fulfils that pledge. I would also urge the incoming government to give businesses a greater say in local
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decision-making to boost the economies of our towns and Northamptonshire as a whole. It will encourage local authorities to become more sensitive to business issues and costs, and ensure local economic plans are genuinely designed to drive business growth. Here are my final thoughts – securing
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inbusiness is produced on behalf of Northamptonshire Chamber by Kemps Publishing Ltd and is distributed without charge to all Chamber members and other leading businesses in Northamptonshire. The Chamber and the publisher are committed to achieving the highest quality standards. However, views expressed in the magazine are independent and while every care has been taken to ensure that the information it contains is accurate, neither Northamptonshire Chamber nor the publisher can accept any responsibility for any omission or inaccuracies that might arise.
4 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2015 BUSINESS ALLIANCE GROUP PARTNERS
progress is a marathon, not a sprint. It is essential for the incoming government to adopt consistent pro-growth policies fit for the long-term to secure business confidence. Only then can we encourage commercial growth and local prosperity.
PAUL GRIFFITHS Chief Executive, Northamptonshire Chamber
paul.griffiths@
northants-chamber.co.uk
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