Election 2010: Chamber calls for forthcoming Government to take action within first 90 days of power
Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, with the support of the British Chambers of Commerce, is today releasing A 90 Day Plan for Business Growth, which outlines the main issues it would like to see the forthcoming Government tackle during its first 90 days of power, to support business and restore the economy.
There are several steps that the Chamber would like to see the Government take within the first 90 days that it believes are paramount to business and economic recovery. It is calling on the Government to focus on issues in four main areas:
Public finances
- Publish a credible plan to reduce the Budget deficit and restore confidence
- Freeze public sector wage bill and reform public pensions
- Outline measures to promote stable access to finance for viable companies
Infrastructure
- Avoid deep cuts to infrastructure projects that support business growth
- Stabilise and de-politicise the planning system, giving businesses confidence to invest
- Deliver a radical plan for next generation business broadband
Employment
- Cancel the planned employers NIC (National Insurance) rise in full
- Pledge not to implement any new employment laws before 2014
- Begin a systematic review of existing regulations affecting employers
Trade and Exports
- The Prime Minister to set out a focused vision for an export-centred economy
- Strengthen UKTI based on the principle of national strategy and local delivery
- Introduce a short-term scheme to address market failures in export credit insurance
Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive of Northamptonshire Chamber, said: “Whilst the issues we have outlined are national ones, they are all relevant to Northamptonshire businesses.
“One area of particular relevance is the avoidance of cuts to infrastructure projects. Northamptonshire has undergone much regeneration over recent years and as an area earmarked for further growth, we need these projects to continue and to generate jobs in the region to support the planned growth.
“I believe that the provision of next generation broadband is also particularly relevant to the local economy. We need to ensure that our local networks will support this provision and will be resilient. The recent theft of phone cables from the Moulton Park Industrial Estate highlighted the impact of the communications networks on our businesses and we need to make sure that we are equipped to do business in the modern age.
“Lastly, I believe investment in skills is an important local issue. We need to carry on investing in the future workforce of this county and encourage a culture of enterprise and support between schools and colleges and businesses. This is where initiatives such as Young Chamber can really help to nurture upcoming business talent.”
Download A 90 Day Plan for Business Growth as a pdf
Posted by: Northamptonshire Chamber
