Lobbying Government

The BCC continues to talk to government to press for the implementation of policies to help small and medium sized business cope during this difficult period. 

In March, the BCC launched its National Business Recovery Plan.  The Plan is a strategic framework that outlines policies the BCC believe are required to alleviate the worst impact of the recession in the short term and stimulate growth in the medium and long terms. (link to plan)

The BCC participates in a range of government groups to represent business.  These include:

• Small Business Finance Forum, established in November 2008 by Lord Mandelson to monitor the lending practices of banks to small businesses.  The panel meets regularly bringing lenders and the business community together to review the availability of lending to SMEs. 
  
  
• Regional Economic Council, established in October 2008 by the Prime Minister to ensure that the issues and concerns of each region, particularly those of small businesses, in the UK are heard and acted upon across government.  Jointly chaired by Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alastair Darling and Business Secretary Peter Mandelson, the Council meets quarterly to drive regional action on issues that impact upon the national economy.  The Council’s membership includes leading figures from the government, the regions, businesses and trade unions.
  
  
• Small Business Forum, is a pre-existing group chaired by Baroness Vadera to provide an opportunity for government and the business community to discuss issues relating to SMEs.
  

The BCC regularly meet with officials and Ministers outside these formal groups to discuss the economic situation.  It also provides briefings to the Bank of England on the results of the Quarterly Economic Survey ahead of the relevant MPC meetings.