BCC: Autumn Statement gives hope to business 

Reacting to Chancellor’s Autumn Assertion, Shevaun Haviland, above, Director Normal of the BCC, stated:  “We’re happy the Chancellor has listened to our calls to assist companies cope with the present financial challenges. Our Chamber community referred to as on Jeremy Hunt to supply ‘a lot wanted options to Britain’s funding downside’. 

“Immediately’s assertion supplied some welcome cures at a time when companies of all sizes want certainty and safety from the Authorities within the tough months forward. The choice to make full expensing everlasting will be a increase to firms wanting to take a position. Our analysis exhibits that 34% of companies have already benefited from the coverage, rising to 47% for producers.

“We have now lengthy referred to as for the electrical energy grid to be upgraded to assist firms transition to net-zero. In our current net-zero survey, greater than a 3rd (37%) of companies instructed us they weren’t getting what they wanted from the grid, when it comes to vitality provide and connectivity. If we will we cut back grid connection occasions it would make an enormous distinction.

“We welcome the planning reforms and funding introduced by the Chancellor at this time to assist deal with this enormous infrastructure downside. Companies attempting to put money into a low carbon future will now be on the lookout for a speedier path to grid connection. 

“Smaller corporations might be relieved to see a bundle of measures that alleviate the cashflow issues they face, resembling continued enterprise charges aid for hospitality, retail and leisure, and new guidelines to assist them receives a commission on time.

“The Authorities’s plans to assist individuals again into work have the potential to assist develop the economic system. There are just below one million unfilled vacancies within the UK and three quarters of companies inform us they can’t get the employees they want. Plans to assist individuals struggling unwell well being might make an actual distinction, however there have to be a concentrate on getting them into work that matches their capabilities and potential.  

“Enterprise funding is the lifeblood of native economies, creating jobs and supporting public services. The Chancellor has at this time taken a step in the best route, however nothing could be taken as a right and we should all proceed to concentrate on encouraging firms to develop.”