The British Chambers of Commerce and Legal & General have published a major report detailing how best to boost investment in our towns and cities across the UK, how they face barriers to investment, and how unlocking any further investment will help growth
The report, titled Building the Towns and Cities of Tomorrow, looks in detail at eight cities across the country, and finds that despite the positives associated with urban regeneration, the complex issues facing our towns and cities require action across many fronts. The economic weight of London brings challenges and opportunities; an entrenched problem is the real or perceived lack of prospects – with post-industrial towns not providing or showcasing the opportunities for ambitious careers.
Find out how the High Value Manufacturing Catapult could support your business with the resources needed to innovate and grow.
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.
Find out how the High Value Manufacturing Catapult could support your business with the resources needed to innovate and grow.
While it will be a relief to some businesses in England that select critical workers can be exempt from self-isolation, it will leave many more still facing critical staff shortages and lost revenue as the number of people being asked to isolate remains high.
Responding to the announcement of the new UK approach to the Northern Ireland Protocol, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “Businesses in both Great Britain and Northern Ireland need durable, workable, negotiated solutions on compliance with the Protocol to ensure the continued two-way flow of goods East-West and North-South. The UK Government and EU need to work together to find solutions which work for business."
The UK government should seek to expand trade opportunities for UK businesses in the switch to greener technologies and practices.
Hard-pressed companies will need further support into next year as they adjust to this new phase of the biggest change in trading terms with the rest of Europe for half a century.
