Government should spark a business boom – BCC’s latest pitch
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is stepping up its lobbying game as the Comprehensive Spending Review rolls around next Wednesday.
They’re calling for a full‑blown cash injection to get the economy moving, and their demands come straight from the heart of the business community – a mix of street‑wise insights and data‑driven research from over five thousand companies.
Key asks
- Infrastructure boost: More transport and energy projects, tighter grid connectivity, and a full‑scale push for Project Gigabit. “You can’t beat AI when half the country is still stuck in broadband night‑mare land,” the BCC argues.
- Long‑term funding for small‑to‑mid‑size firms wanting to jump into Artificial Intelligence to crank up productivity and growth.
- Transfer Apprenticeship Levy funds from the Treasury to the Department of Education so that real training can be funded, not just fancy spreadsheets.
- Expand the Youth Guarantee, opening it up to all 18‑24 year olds and encouraging more employers to plan skills in partnership with local skill improvement plans.
- Digital trade leadership: Give SMEs the tools to export their goods and shine on the global stage. Build on last year’s International Investment Summit to funnel overseas investors straight into the UK.
Why it matters
“The decisions taken today won’t just shape next quarter – they’ll set the tone for the long haul,” says Shevaun Haviland, BCC Director General. “It’s like the government’s got a mid‑life exam to cram for. The answer? Do more for businesses. Think of it as a down‑payment on tomorrow’s prosperity.”
If the government wants steady, strong growth, it must keep pockets of money open for people, infrastructure, and trade. Without that, the future could be as bleak as a foggy London morning.
