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As the dust settles on the General Election result and the Labour government’s newly appointed cabinet sits around the table in Downing Street, county business leaders have shared their ‘wish list’ for Lancashire.
The wide range of issues they have raised gives an indication of just how big the challenges ahead are for the new administration when it comes to guiding the economy in the right direction.
It’s a long list. From energy transition to planning, skills and the ongoing impact of Brexit, our leaders are crying out for positive action and policies that will support the county’s economic ambitions.
Among the wishes is an overhaul of the planning system which cuts the red tape, investment in key infrastructure and action to address labour challenges.
There is no doubt one issue that must be addressed quickly is Lancashire’s devolution.
The calling of the election halted progress on the deal on the table, just as it looked as if things were finally done and dusted, much to the frustration of its supporters.
As campaigning got underway, the leaders of
the three local authorities driving devolution forward issued a joint statement saying: “We remain committed to securing a devolution deal for Lancashire.
“We are convinced this is a good deal for Lancashire and one that builds the foundation for additional deals in the future.”
The county’s business community will be looking for an early indication from the government that devo can now move forward without delay. The message to Downing Street is clear: We need to get on with this.
figures, which also feature in this issue.
Our annual look at the county’s most profitable SMEs shows the total revenues of its companies down from £2.1bn last year to just short of £2bn, while total profit before tax fell by seven per cent.
The figures may have headed in the wrong direction but the performance of the Hot 100 companies is still impressive as they continue to demonstrate their resilience and agility, which have been vital in navigating all the uncertainty.
The county’s business community will be looking
for an early indication from the government that devo can now move forward without delay
The need for long-term economic planning is another issue raised. Commitments to energy transition, regional skills planning, business investment and a clear industrial strategy are all on Lancashire’s wish list.
So is stability. The impact of the economic uncertainty and volatility witnessed in recent times can be seen in this year’s Hot 100
And there are positive signs on the horizon. Falling inflation and the anticipation of an interest rate reduction suggest potential improvements.
Our sincere hope is that the new administration makes the right decisions needed to ensure those improvements. Stability and strategy will be key to moving Lancashire’s economy in the right direction.
Richard Slater, chairman
richard@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295584
Stephen Bolton, managing director
stephen@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295583
Lancashire Business View is written, designed and produced in Lancashire by Northpoint Publishing.
Rachael Brighouse, marketing & events director
rachael@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295586
Joanne Hindley, sales director
joanne@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295585
Lancashire Business View and LBV are registered trademarks.
The views expressed by our columnists are not necessarily shared by Lancashire Business View.
Ged Henderson, editor
editor@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295585
Tim Aldred, online editor
tim@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 297870
Photography: Clive Lawrence, Liz Henson Photography
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Northpoint Publishing East Park Lodge, East Park Road, Blackburn BB1 8DW
Olivia McCaughran, assistant marketing manager
olivia@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295587
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adam@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 07515 396873
t: 01254 297870 ISSN: 1757-479X
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