Political priorities
As next month’s general election approaches, EHN asks hirers and suppliers what the next government should focus on to help our industry.
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John Freeman, MD of Hire! Freeman, Telford My first hope is that we do not find ourselves back
in 1970s mode, with weak leadership, over-strong unions running the country, inflation out of control and interest rates through the roof. What we definitely do need is a strongly-led, united government to lead the country through the Brexit negotiations for the benefit of us all. After that I would like to see close scrutiny applied to the layers of legislation that have accrued, and repeal all that are unnecessary. I would personally like my enforced role as tax
collector, pension organiser and the like lessened. For a small business, it just increases my working hours, and on having to deal with the bodies in question, my blood pressure! Also, the scenario whereby my business pays more corporation tax in a year than some global operations in this country needs to be addressed.
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Douglas Anderson, MD of GAP The new government should be less
helpful and accommodating to minority pressure groups whose only ‘achievement’ has been to slow the economy and make UK plc less competitive in the world. An easy example is our torturous planning system. We need a Planning Minister with power to sweep aside the tree huggers and the Nimbys, and instruct the planners to grant applications within three months. The developed world’s most important
asset is its infrastructure. Without it, the health, education and welfare services, and every aspect of daily life, simply could not function. We need a trebling or quadrupling of the infrastructure spend, and a slashing of the time from project approval to actual ‘spade in the ground’, again to three months. Maybe the Planning Minister could do both jobs. Now that would be efficient!
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Carl Banks, fourth from left, MD of P.E.T. Hire, Crewe
“ With Labour’s intention of introducing
four extra bank holidays, I hope they don’t get in if they can’t come up with anything more creative to help Britain through Brexit. Our leaders need to concentrate on cutting the best deal with Europe on the imports that we are so heavily dependant on. They also need to address cheap imported labour that many UK companies rely on, but who then let the taxpayer pick up the tab for housing, income support, welfare and schooling. I believe that increasing minimum and
living wages are good for the economy and workforce but, in turn, should be
accompanied by reductions in welfare for people who are out of work. “
Ray Neilson, MD of Altrad Belle
“ Altrad
Belle views the future with great excitement. With major infrastructure projects such as HS2 and Hinkley Point, there is a great deal in the pipeline already. It is a priority for the UK, and our industry, to build more houses to prevent prices becoming more unaffordable, and this will be positive for hirers and ourselves. We are hoping to see a government that is positive on growing the economy for the benefit of all.
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Neil Graham, MD of The Hireman, London What our economy needs most is a period of stability. We need to be
able to move quickly in our negotiations with the EU and in our own parliament. We also need a strong and, frankly, credible opposition. Assuming the Conservatives win convincingly, my hope is that the dominance of the SNP is muted and that Comrade Corbyn finally steps aside. We’ve got a lot to get done in the next two years and, if we’re not united and nimble, confidence in our economy will falter. Other than that, the average traffic speed in London is now at an all-time low of 7.8mph, which will also affect growth if ignored.
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Tim Garland, Director, Elvington Plant Hire, York Investment in major infrastructure projects and continued
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investment in the housing market are a must for our next government. It’s been done time and time before and always boosted our industry, but it must be done in such a way that we don’t saddle the economy with massive, unserviceable debt again. The next government has a real opportunity to substantially reduce the ‘red tape’ burden we all face and make our country an attractive place to do business. Do this and the international investment will flood in - single market member or not! Our next government must also tackle the skills crisis which is really starting to hit home.
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