8 IN VIEW
John Chesworth Continued from Page 7
“While the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) have been beneficial, there is a pressing need to simplify the process and enhance incentives for investors.
“By reducing bureaucratic hurdles and increasing tax benefits, we can foster a more vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, helping to stimulate economic growth and position the UK as a global leader in innovation.
“I’d encourage the government to simplify the planning process for both small and transformational large development schemes. The current system often hampers growth due to its complexity and lengthy timelines.
“By streamlining regulations and reducing administrative burdens, we can expedite the approval process, encouraging more innovative projects and significant
Rob Binns
developments. This benefits local communities and attracts substantial investments, driving economic prosperity.”
He adds: “The government should prioritise further devolution of powers and expand the levelling up agenda for the north. By transferring more decision-making authority to local governments and providing additional funding for infrastructure, education, and healthcare, we can address regional disparities and promote balanced economic growth.”
Frank McKenna, of Downtown Lancashire in Business’ first ask is to get the county’s devolution deal done.
He says: “There may be a temptation for a new government to go back to the drawing board and start negotiations about a Lancashire Combined Authority and devolution from scratch.
“I hope this option is resisted, that the deal that was agreed last year can go ahead, and we can
HOW TO BE BETTER THAN YOUR BIGGEST COMPETITOR
Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to serve as a judge for both the Burnley Business Awards and Red Rose Awards.
I always value experiences like this, as it allows me to peek behind the curtain at the inner workings of some of the most forward- thinking companies in industry.
But even more, it offers me a moment of profound realisation about what it truly means to excel in business today.
The calibre of entrants was nothing short of remarkable. Each submission was a testament to the innovation, dedication and sheer willpower driving our local businesses forward. In every application, I saw the heart and soul of entrepreneurs deeply committed to making a difference in their industries.
Why does this matter? Engaging in competitions like the Burnley Business Awards and the Red Rose Awards is about more than just accolades and recognition.
It forces you to look outside your four walls, to measure yourself by the broader canvas of industry standards and
you risk missing out on the most important competitor of all: ourselves.
To truly succeed, to break barriers and redefine what’s possible, our biggest challenge should always be to outdo ourselves. To wake up every day with the mission to be better than we were yesterday; to start truly evolving.
Neil Burrows
innovations. It’s about pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and, most importantly, acknowledging that success and innovation can come from any corner, at any time.
Acknowledge, praise and learn from it.
But here’s a little nugget of wisdom I’ve gathered from all this – while competing against others is crucial, if you’re not careful,
nburrows@burnley.ac.uk
These awards opened my eyes to the incredible feats being achieved by businesses right now, it also reinforced a fundamental truth of industry and personal growth. The real growth, the kind that changes the game, comes from an unyielding commitment to surpass your own benchmarks.
To every entrepreneur, leader and dreamer out there, remember this: celebrate the wins, learn from your peers, but always, always aim to be in competition with the person you were yesterday.
That is how we ensure our businesses and our industries have a bright future – keep reaching for new heights.
Frank McKenna
then build from there. A further delay would be a kick in the teeth for the local business community, who overwhelmingly supported the deal.”
Secondly, he also calls for planning reform. Frank says: “We need to see urgent action from the government to cut the red tape and bureaucracy surrounding planning applications, regeneration, and infrastructure projects.
“If we are to grow our economy, then investment into housing, construction, and major transport projects is essential – and can only happen at pace if we seriously reform our approach to planning in this country.”
He is also calling for a new deal with the EU. He says: “The trade barriers that have been erected since Brexit have had a hugely negative impact on the county’s importers and exporters. We need a new, practical, and pragmatic trade deal with our nearest, largest trading partner.”
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