BCC Director General Dr Adam Marshall has called on the UK government to sweep away barriers to business growth and investment at the leading business organisation’s Annual Conference 2020.
In his keynote speech, Marshall praised the determination of British businesses navigating a period of significant change. He called for cuts to the high upfront costs facing UK businesses – and for ministers to take bold steps to improve the business environment following the UK’s departure from the EU.
Dr Marshall welcomed the end of political gridlock at Westminster, the government’s recent commitment to deliver HS2, and its ambition to enhance growth in all parts of the UK.
Coming just six days before the government’s first Budget, Dr Marshall’s speech highlighted the importance of swift action to help UK businesses grow.
In his speech he called on policymakers to:
· Tackle the details that matter to businesses to enable strong future trading relationships with the EU, the US and other key partners around the world;
· Reduce the high cost of doing business in the UK by reviewing and reducing business rates, among other upfront costs.
· Deliver transformative infrastructure projects that will connect businesses to new customers, supply chains and labour markets.
He also urged ministers to consider help and support to businesses and areas affected by the global challenge presented by Coronavirus.
