British Chambers of Commerce Director General Shevaun Haviland will today issue a pledge to work in partnership with the next Government to grow the UK economy.
She’ll make the promise at the British Chambers of Commerce Global Annual Conference in her keynote address, when she will also urge the next Government to use the BCC’s Election Manifesto as its ‘day one’ playbook for action. It includes a focus on improving EU trade and better planning around skills.
She is expected to say: “The only factor that matters, is what the Government will do on day one – after six weeks of electioneering, businesses will be looking at the next government and who will be true to their word
“Business wants a long-term sustainable economic growth plan, some call it an industrial strategy, call it what you like, but what we need is a plan for the next 10, 15, 20 years and beyond.
“Firms don’t want handouts; they want government to create the right environment so they can thrive. Whoever wins next week, we are ready to lean in and help our new government power the economy.
“Our plan is to build an economy that has the green transition at its core, with a workforce fit for the future, living in thriving local places and powered by businesses that are globally facing and digitally enabled.
“None of this is going to be easy, none of us can do it on our own, and it’s going to take time. That means we need a real partnership, one that is for that long-term.
“We must stop walking on eggshells and start saying it how it is. The current plan isn’t working for our members. But better trade terms are possible if the UK government and the EU reach agreement in areas of mutual benefit for business on both sides. A better deal is best for everyone.
“Skills are a top concern for our members. It’s time for action to boost investment in skills. It’s not about cutting up existing plans, it’s about making sure the right initiatives are given time to work.
“The labour market is heading in the right direction, as we see the number of vacancies fall, but businesses are still telling us the skills they need aren’t there. We need to ‘Plan Better for Skills’ aligning our ambition and investment to prepare young people and job seekers for great jobs.”
