CHAMBER NEWS
Chamber reacts to Midlands Engine announcement
Reacting to the Midlands Engine Strategy announcement, Chris Hobson, Director of Policy at the Chamber, said: “We welcome this first proper strategy for what the Midlands Engine – a concept launched almost two years ago – will do. It would seem at first glance that Government has been listening to business across the region, and that’s very positive. “The headings chosen by Government reflect the
concerns raised by us on behalf of our members and other businesses in recent years and appear to support a consensus that the Midlands is the heart of the UK economy, and not merely by its position. They also reflect work that partners and the Chamber are already progressing and it is essential that, as this strategy is further developed, it adds to, as opposed to replicates, this activity.
“The East Midlands, in particular, is the home of
many large international manufacturers such as Rolls- Royce, Bombardier, Toyota, JCB, Caterpillar and Walgreen Boots Alliance, each of which has established supply chains and an existing business support ecosystem that the Midlands Engine Strategy must support.” The Government’s announcement states:
“Stretching from Shropshire to Lincolnshire, with the M1, M6, and most of our major railway lines running through it, the Midlands sits at the very heart of the UK economy. “Building on our modern Industrial Strategy, the Midlands Engine Strategy sets out the actions we are taking to address productivity barriers across the Midlands, enabling businesses to create more jobs, export more goods and services, and grow their productivity.”
‘Businesses in the East Midlands will play an integral part in ensuring the UK makes a success of the coming years’
It adds: “The Midlands is essential to our national
economic success. The region is responsible for over a fifth of the UK’s total manufacturing capability. The services sector in the Midlands accounts for over four million jobs and is worth around £158bn a year.” Chris added: “It is vital now, as we embark on
negotiations for leaving the EU, that the Government’s words are translated into positive actions to drive growth across the Midlands and for our towns, cities and counties to work together to make sure potential global investors know and buy- in to the advantages offered by the Midlands region. “Businesses in the East Midlands will play an
Rolls Royce is one of the region’s top manufacturers
integral part in ensuring the UK makes a success of the coming years.”
New director tasked with driving Chamber’s growth
The Chamber has appointed David Pearson (pictured) to the newly-formed role of Director of Partnerships and Membership Services. David, who joined the Chamber in 2015, will work in
partnership with Head of Membership Yvonne Pennington to drive the Chamber’s membership growth forward by establishing new and rewarding partnerships across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. David had previously held the role of the Chamber’s
acting Head of International Trade as cover for maternity leave, before becoming its Head of International Trade for Partnerships. His background is in Commercial Banking where he
has held several roles focused on working with SMEs to improve their performance. He has led a variety of teams throughout his career and spent a number of years specialising in International Development. He has accompanied clients on overseas market visits and trade exhibitions and has been responsible for creating
some of the key networks in the region. David is a qualified banker (ACIB) and a
Certified International Trade Adviser. He lives near Newark with his wife and two children. David said: “I am delighted to take up
the role of Director of Partnerships and Membership Services at what is an exciting time for the Chamber. “As the region’s leading business organisation,
productive relationships with a wide variety of regional, national and international stakeholders is extremely important in ensuring we offer maximum value to our 4,000+ members. “I look forward to working closely
with both colleagues and external organisations as we look to continue our mission of enhancing East Midlands businesses.”
business network April 2017 17 Philip Hammond
Chancellor backs down on NI changes
Chancellor Philip Hammond has dropped his planned increase in National Insurance payments for the self-employed that was announced in the recent Budget. In a letter to Conservative MPs,
he said there would be no increase during this Parliament. Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at
the Chamber, said: “The increase was very unpopular with the self- employed and its announcement in the Budget caused a massive backlash which included claims that it broke a promise made in the Conservative Party manifesto not to increase National Insurance Contributions (NICs). “The NICs rise, together with the
cut to dividend allowances, was not viewed favourably, so this latest move is welcome. Mr Hammond needs to look at business and employment taxation in the round to ensure it is competitive and equitable. “At a time when UK plc needs to
be encouraging entrepreneurialism, the NIC increase was seen to do exactly the opposite and it’s good for the self-employed, for the economy and for UK plc that Mr Hammond has reversed his decision.” Further Chamber reaction to the
recent Budget can be found at
www.emc-dnl.co.uk/news
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
