At first glance, that headline seems pretty strange. Of course it matters who gets into power – their policies can make the country or break it.
But the reason we’re saying it doesn’t matter is simply because it will make no difference to the five- point election action plan that the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) – of which we at Bedfordshire Chamber are a member – is calling on the new Government to deliver against.
Here’s what you need to know about how that plan will stand up for you and your business, and for the country’s economic growth:
Doing greener business
Our action plan stipulates that the Government must develop and support an industrial strategy with green innovation at its heart – not just on the periphery.
There is a strong case, the manifesto argues, for a new public institution to be created, to ensure effective implementation of agreed long-term objectives on climate policy.
And for companies who are innovating greener products for sale and export, unlocking private finance to underpin their ambitions must become, we submit, a Government priority.
Deeper business and Government partnerships, further climate change policy development, and improvements to the planning system, and grid upgrades, are also must- haves if the UK is to be able to do greener business viably.
The right people, the right skills
Business owners in the UK bemoan the skills shortage – and it’s hardly surprising. BCC research shows that 66% of UK firms face difficulties when attempting to recruit – that’s simply too many.
This is why, in our action plan, we are fighting for increased Government investment in skills, and the bringing together of businesses and training providers to ensure people are taught what employees need them to know, in order to create and support sustainable career opportunities for all.
And it doesn’t stop with young people preparing for their first role. Technology, digitalisation, automation, and the sustainability agenda are all moving fast, and so investment in upskilling and reskilling existing workers is also central to our plan.
A Government local business support service, long-term commitment to the LSIP (Local Skills Improvement Plan) scheme, tax breaks, and a prestigious kitemark for companies investing in training are just some of the deliverables to which we want the Government to commit.
Supporting what’s local
In our manifesto, we argue that the new Government must take urgent measures to give local communities the additional support they need to work, live, thrive and generate wealth.
This includes reforming business rates to reduce costs and to incentivise – rather than penalise – growth, and creating local business support bodies with more autonomy over local policy, planning, and investment.
It also covers integrating business membership organisations into these structures to share and debate community strategy and decision-making with business audiences.
Tax breaks and much-simplified sources of funding are also key to our manifesto recommendations.
Doing business globally
Export and global trade represent a huge and often untapped opportunity for many UK businesses and help secure our standing on the world stage.
This is why our manifesto argued for improved relations with the EU – our largest trading partner – and reduction of the costs involved in doing business with them.
In the action plan, we urge the new Government to work in partnership with the UK’s world-class logistics sector to ensure goods reach their markets efficiently, to up the tempo on trade agreements, and to make funding more accessible to British companies to avoid ‘capital flight’ to other countries.
Leading digital change
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) present significant opportunities for businesses across the UK to operate more productively and gain competitive advantages – but many businesses just aren’t engaging with it.
What’s to blame for this? Lack of understanding, investment costs, reliability issues, and risks around scams or privacy all conspire to make the digital revolution something that is passing many British businesses by – and that cannot be allowed to happen.
Accordingly, our manifesto spoke about the urgent need for the improved broadband availability and access necessary to underpin uptake of these technologies. It also argues that com- prehensively strengthened security throughout the supply chain is a must to convince businesses of the value and integrity of AI.
We’re recommending that the Government appoints an AI champion specifically for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). We’re also urging it to reposition the UK as a world leader in 5G connectivity through the development of underground infrastructure, business rates relief, and the delivery of nationwide, full-fibre broadband that could boost UK productivity by £72bn.
Standing up for business in Westminster
The action plan and manifesto are just another example of how BCC, and its member Chambers like us in Bedfordshire, are rooting for businesses like yours, and championing the benefit they bring to our economy, at the top table of Government.
As BCC’s Director General, Shevaun Haviland, said:
“We believe our five-point plan creates an immediate pathway for a new government, of whatever party, to help businesses succeed. When business succeeds, the country succeeds.”
Now what business owner wouldn’t vote for that?
For more information on how to join Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, visit www.chamber-business.com, or call our friendly team on 01582 522448.
Justin Richardson
CEO, Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce
