A number of positive steps have been taken by the UK government to support British business in the first parliamentary session since the election. However, there are still areas of concern that remain unaddressed, says the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC), one of the UK’s largest and most influential business groups.
As Parliament rises for the summer recess, the BCC has today published a review of the government’s progress in meeting business priorities during the 75 days since it was elected.
Before the General Election, the BCC published its ‘Business Manifesto’, which sets out seven core areas where businesses wanted to see government action to help boost their growth and the UK economy as a whole.
The BCC reviewed the government’s progress against each priority area for business. They found that while there is a strong commitment to keeping Britain open for business, there is more ministers must do to address the Britain’s ailing infrastructure and its global trade position.
John Longworth, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, says:
“There is no question that this government has a strong commitment to business growth. It has started to take a number of practical steps that businesses will welcome, such as stronger support for companies seeking to invest. However, to be remembered as the government that turbo-charged great growth it must do much more, particularly to boost exports, further improve access to finance and to ensure that the right infrastructure is in place.
“Ministers must maintain their momentum, and take more tough and radical decisions — including on airport capacity — over the coming weeks and months. They’ve made a positive start, but there’s much more to do to secure Britain’s growth and prosperity for the long term.”
Amie Filcher is an editorial assistant at HRreview.