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Government must act for country to prosper


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The future success of our economy depends not just on the Brexit negotiations, but on a number of big economic decisions that need to be made.


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Joining forces with the 52 other accredited British Chambers, this is the message we sent to the Prime Minister – urging her and her government to set out a compelling, pro- enterprise and pro-growth vision for the future, and a bold set of domestic policies to make it happen. In our letter, we make it clear that it is


time to tell business communities across the UK how the Government will act – fast – to stabilise the faltering training and apprenticeship system and give clarity on migration rules, as businesses face unprecedented labour and skills shortages. It is time for visible action to rebuild our


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rutted and potholed roads, to use the resources of the state to build more homes, and to speed up the delivery of airport, rail and energy upgrades. It is time to eliminate the significant gaps in mobile and digital connectivity


‘Business as usual is not good enough at a time of significant uncertainty’


that continue to strangle business productivity and UK competitiveness – the central theme of our ‘No More Not Spots’ campaign. It is time to set a new mandate for HMRC and economic regulators to support,


rather than pursue and punish, the small and medium-sized firms that can drive future growth, and focus their enforcement activities on the small number of companies pursuing questionable practices that are ultimately paid for by the rest. It is time to tackle the huge costs and complexities of the UK tax system,


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which actively discourage investment, risk-taking, and the stronger export performance we all want to see. And it is time for Government to deliver a far more explicit blueprint to support economic growth in all regions and nations – including greater local decision-making, away from the centralising instincts of Westminster and the devolved administrations. Business as usual is not good enough at a time of significant uncertainty. A concerted drive to ‘fix the fundamentals’ would unlock business confidence and investment – and set the UK on a path to long-term growth, alongside a comprehensive settlement between the UK and EU.


PHIL SMITH MANAGING DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS WEST


JULY/AUGUST 2018 insight 3


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