Bishop & Sewell
Flower

It’s about time that a prominent business leader stood on a public platform and said what we’re all thinking. There’s little point my speculating here who the party to form the next government will be, we’ll know within the week, but three cheers to the Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce for telling the incoming Prime Minster who one of the top priorities on his To Do list needs to be, writes David Little, a partner in our Corporate and Commercial Law team.

At the annual BCC global conference in London, Shevaun Haviland said that the UK must forge closer ties with the EU and the next government should focus on improving trading relations to grow the economy.

The British Chambers of Commerce have pledged to work in partnership with the next Government to grow the UK economy.

She made the promise at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Global Annual Conference 2024. In her keynote address, she also urged 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.

“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.”

Emphasising the importance of improving EU trade in growing the UK economy, she also said: “I’m not here to look backwards, I’m here to help build a better future for our business leaders and entrepreneurs. 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.”

Hear, hear. What a shame she is not up for election. Who wouldn’t vote for that.

 

Contact our Corporate & Commercial Team

David Little is a Partner at Bishop & Sewell in our expert Corporate & Commercial team. If you would like to contact him, please quote Ref CB480 on either 07968 027343 or, 020 7631 4141 or email: company@bishopandsewell.co.uk.

The above is accurate as at 27 June 2024. The information above may be subject to change.

The content of this note should not be considered legal advice and each matter should be considered on a case-by-case basis.


Category: News, Blog | Date: 27th Jun 2024


David Little

David Little's Blog

Learn more

Mark Chick's Blog

Mark Chick's Blog

Leasehold information

Learn more

Technical updates

View by

Home