Leaders from the UK’s accredited Chambers of Commerce came together in Westminster, today, to urge the Chancellor to back business, cut costs and deliver growth in his Budget.
They gathered near the Treasury building, to highlight the growing cost pressures facing firms across the country and call for action to rebuild business confidence and investment.
BCC analysis shows domestic policy-driven costs facing a typical SME have risen by more than 70% over the past decade, while only 17% of firms plan to increase investment.
It is calling for three immediate measures in the Budget:
- A cut in employer National Insurance contributions for under-25s to make it easier for firms to recruit young people.
- A cut in energy and business rates costs, including government funding 75% of the Renewables Obligation for businesses and lowering rateable value multipliers.
- A consistent, locally delivered export support programme to help more SMEs trade overseas.
Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said:
“Chamber leaders from every part of the UK are sending the Chancellor a clear message that businesses need breathing space.
“Firms want to invest, recruit and grow, but they cannot do that if the cost of doing business keeps rising.
“There have been too many lost opportunities, and this Budget must grasp the nettle to turn that around. Cutting the costs of employing people, keeping the lights on and trading overseas will give businesses confidence to invest in the future.
“Our message to the Chancellor is simple: Back Business. Cut Costs. Deliver Growth.”
More detail on the BCC’s Budget submission can be found here.