Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce
Turning government ambition into local business growth
Justin
Richardson CEO
Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce
T e Government’s new Small Business Plan promises to put SMEs at the heart of national economic growth, with the aim of making the UK the best place to start and grow a business. Its measures range from tackling late payments and cutting regulatory costs, to boosting access to fi nance and opening up more opportunities in public procurement. In short, it’s being presented as a roadmap for unlock-
ing small business potential. T e British Chambers of Commerce has called it an
‘important step forward’, welcoming the focus on getting the fundamentals right, while warning that delivery speed and practical implementation will be critical. For many fi rms, immediate pressures such as skills shortages, energy costs and tightening credit remain front of mind. Here in Bedfordshire, the plan has the potential to make a real, tangible diff erence - if the promises translate into action.
What’s in the plan T e commitments are wide-ranging: legislation to tackle late payments, a 25% cut in the cost of regulation, expan- sion of Start-Up Loans, new Business Growth Service hubs, investment in high street regeneration, and measures to help smaller fi rms access government contracts. T ere’s also a focus on skills, including leadership development, digital adoption, and training in green technologies. For Bedfordshire businesses, these changes could
create a more stable and predictable environment to invest, hire and innovate. T e plan’s focus on modernising tax systems, streamlining planning rules and revitalising our high streets aligns closely with the priorities our members have shared. Our diverse business base, from
retail and hospitality to manufacturing and tech, is well placed to seize the opportunities these initiatives could bring, provided they are delivered eff ectively.
From dialogue to delivery Ambition alone won’t be enough. T e benefi ts will only be felt if these commitments become practical improvements on the ground. Our members take a pragmatic view – they are ready to embrace initiatives that genuinely help them grow, but they want clarity, speed and hands-on support. T at’s where the Chamber plays a vital role in ensuring
Bedfordshire’s businesses are informed, prepared and positioned to make the most of new opportunities. We’ll also continue to feed members’ experiences directly into the British Chambers of Commerce’s national lobbying work, making sure local voices shape how the plan is rolled out. T e strength of our local business community lies in its
ability to adapt, collaborate and innovate. From networking events and skills workshops to member-to-member refer- rals, the Chamber off ers the connections, knowledge and visibility needed to turn headlines into tangible results.
From plan to progress The Small Business Plan sets the direction – now it’s about making it happen. With a strong, local business community, a proactive Chamber network and a commitment to collaboration, Bedfordshire is ready to turn national ambition into local success. Bedfordshire businesses have a strong track record of
making national policy work locally. T e Small Business Plan gives us another chance to do just that - together. Let’s turn ambition into action, and action into success.
To learn more about joining the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, visit
www.chamber-business.com or c all 01582 522448.
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