West and North Yorkshire Chamber welcomes Reeves measures

The West and North Yorkshire Chamber says expanding our nation’s airport capacity, investing in internal transport infrastructure and streamlining the planning system will all help send the message to business in our network that a brighter future is within our grasp.

However, the Chamber would like to have seen more measures outlined for Yorkshire and the North included in the Chancellor’s vision, most notably around Northern Powerhouse Rail and a new railway station for Bradford which it says would really send the message that the North of England is at the heart of Britain’s future growth potential.

Mark Casci, head of policy and representation at West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “It was encouraging to see the Chancellor talking up our economy with a series of welcome proposals to get Britain's economy moving again.

RECOMMENDED READING:

• North Yorkshire businesses reeling from budget hit, says chamber
• Reeves looks to the skies in search of economic growth with support for Heathrow

• Business groups welcome Reeves’ growth plans but remain ‘concerned’ about Budget

“After a gloomy few months, it was most welcome to see some positive announcements around investments in Britain’s future.

“However, our members would expect nothing less than for our Chamber to urge the Chancellor to go further and focus on commit to the entirety of Northern Powerhouse Rail, a project which would be transformational for our region.

“What is now essential is that Government enacts all of its announcements in full and at pace.”

The chamber’s latest comments follow the business group reporting a slump in business confidence following the Chancellor’s November budget.

In its latest quarterly survey, published in January, the West and North Yorkshire Chamber revealed that budget tax raises and minimum wage rises have led many businesses to expect lower profits, with many also putting recruitment and investment on hold.

The chamber then reported taxation is now by far and away the principal cost pressure facing businesses in the region, with labour costs and inflation also high on business leaders’ agendas.

Mr Casci added this week: “Our nation’s business community still bears the scars of debacle that was the HS2 cancellation, and we must not see a return to broken promises.

“And of course we should also not lose sight of the fact that businesses are still struggling with increasing costs.

“Business rates reform, better export support and an employment rights package that works for firms would all ameliorate these problems.”