CHAMBER OPINION
CHAMBER OPINION REPRESENTATION
THE POLITCAL POLICIES THAT AFFECT THE REGION
Kevin Foster MP visits the Brain Tumour Research centre, Plymouth
MP shows support for
tumour research centre MP for Torbay, Kevin Foster, has visited the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence at Plymouth University along with constituents of his who are affected by the condition. The South West has the highest rate of
brain tumours diagnosed in the UK, so it was with particular interest that Mr Foster toured the laboratories at the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence at Plymouth University. Mr Foster praised the work of the Centre,
saying: “It is brilliant to see this happening in the South West and giving people hope.”
Have your views on
apprenticeships heard Regional employers will have a louder voice in the national debate about apprenticeship reforms as Devon training provider Skills Group appoints a specialist adviser. Chris Jeffery will be responsible for
promoting and representing the interests of local employers at a national level regarding the reforms, as well as the proposed introduction of an apprenticeship levy.
Understanding new
health and safety laws New sentencing guidelines for health and safety offences in England and Wales came in to effect on the 1 February. Among the significant change made is a
move from penalties based on profits to penalties linked to turnover. In a nine-stage process, magistrates and judges will have to consider issues including aggravating and mitigating factors, levels of culpability and harm. The guidelines create a matrix into which
the details of the offence, the circumstances and turnover of the offender are plotted. This process then dictates the punishment. In this new regime fines could exceed £10m for serious health and safety breaches or £20m in corporate manslaughter cases, and even more for very large companies.
10 Chamber Profile September/October 2016
Life after Brexit - the Chamber’s view
Devon Chamber outlines the priorities for the Government ahead of the UK’s impending exit from the European Union
The decision to leave the European Union taken on 23 June as a result of the EU Referendum will fundamentally shape the British economy in future years. However, no one yet knows the precise term for Britain exiting the EU and therefore currently nothing fundamentally has changed and business shall mean business as usual. At this stage the decision has triggered an underlying nervousness and uncertainty. This is being felt most in the construction and property sectors where some projects are being delayed and cancelled. On the other side of the coin a low value pound is making UK exports cheaper and more attractive and the Chamber has already noticed an upturn in demand for Certificates of Origin for exporting companies. The Chamber has undertaken a number of
consultation events with members about what is needed to ensure business and the economy remains strong.
The priorities for Government to address are: • Replacing the European funding that will be lost – very important for infrastructure provision and agriculture
• Securing access to European and other markets
• Ensuring any new immigration policy does not hurt business
• Providing stability in the stock and currency markets
• Minimising regulatory change
These views are being shared with British Chambers of Commerce and decision makers in London.
George Cowcher, Chief Executive of Devon Chamber of Commerce said: “Having met with businesses across the county to discuss the impact that Brexit could have on the local economy, a number of key issues and actions have been identified. The feedback that has been received will be taken up in the Chamber’s future dialogue with decision makers to ensure that Devon takes advantage of the opportunities afforded by Brexit and mitigates any risks.”
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