Infrastructure and Innovation

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Over a third of businesses don’t believe that the UK’s road and rail networks are meeting their needs, according to the latest research by the British Chambers of Commerce .

The results, based on a survey of over 1,100 business across the UK, found that 39% of firms don’t believe that UK’s rail network meets their needs in accessing new and existing customers, suppliers and employers, compared to 34% that do.The survey also found that over a third of businesses (36%) believe that the UK rail network is less reliable than five years ago, compared to only 17% that say it’s more reliable.

BCC, in partnership with the Port of Dover, finds that over a third (36%) of traders rely on the just-in-time delivery of material and components, but that many are not preparing for changes to customs procedures after Brexit.

Nearly a third (29%) of companies believe they will be impacted in terms of administration, costs or operations by delays or congestion at UK or European ports after Brexit but still aren’t yet planning for it.

The planning system in England is more complex, costly and difficult for business than it was five years ago, according to a major report published by the British Chambers of Commerce.

The BCC report says that five years after the introduction of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which was designed to make the system less complex and more accessible, businesses are experiencing too many delays and barriers to investment.