Chamber Manifesto

Chamber Manifesto -together, we can drive economic growth and create opportunities for all

By Nick Hyde, policy manager at the NWL Chamber

As the sun sets over the Palace of Westminster on 4th July, the future of the next five years for government will be uncertain, but one thing is for sure, it will be a new dawn for politics in the UK.

As this article goes to print, it could any of a few ways; five more years of Conservatives, a landslide Labour victory or a mishmash of deals done behind the scenes following an election campaign full of passionate speeches, soon-to-be-forgotten photo opportunities, babies being kissed and placards being waved.

There really is nothing like a General Election to bring out the best (and worst) of UK politics.

Yes, a summer election was a surprise to many. Rumours were that an autumn poll was more likely so when it was announced in May that 4th July was the day, thousands of printers across the land sprung into action. Posters printed, leaflets laid out and manifestos made.

And it’s the final one of these documents which is the most important for businesses in Lancashire.

For the past few months, the policy team at the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce has been engaging with businesses across the county to find out the issues which affect them the most.

A 20-page document, it outlines what the business support organisation would like from the incoming government once the polls close and the new powers of Whitehall are created.

Based on five key pillars – Connectivity, Skills & Training, International Trade, Responsible Business and Business Environment – the Business Manifesto has been written following in-depth discussions with Chamber members, various stakeholders and the members of the policy committees.

It has been presented to candidates at a series of husting events across Lancashire in the run-up to the general election and will act as a lobbying document once a new government is in place.

From cutting red tape for businesses, the legacy of Brexit for global traders in the county, the issues surrounding infrastructure, the increasing skills gap and the welfare of employees, the manifesto is the voice of business for the county.

Jane Cole, president of the Chamber, says the manifesto represents one clear message from the businesses of Lancashire – to work towards a fair and prosperous business environment.

“At the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, we believe in the power of businesses to drive economic growth and create a thriving community,” she added, “We are committed to advocating for the needs and interests of our members, and to create a fair and prosperous business environment.

“This manifesto outlines our key priorities for addressing crucial issues that affect businesses in North & Western Lancashire and beyond.

“We have spent several months engaging with our members, getting to know what affects their growth and prosperity and asking how the new government can help when delivering new policies.

“This manifesto represents the voice of business in Lancashire, and we will use it to lobby at a local, regional and national level to ensure that they are heard in order to create growth opportunities for all organisations.”

The seeds of the manifesto were sewn in the creation of new policy committees which hold bi-monthly meetings, bringing together decision-makers and key stakeholders to discuss the issues relating to five key sectors – finance and economy, transport and infrastructure, energy and environment, skills and recruitment and trade.

The Chamber’s council has also been consulted on the manifesto.

Data from various quarterly economic surveys – which have hundreds of respondents from businesses across Lancashire – were also analysed, as well as surveys and through engagement with the Chamber’s membership team to bring elements of the Business Manifesto together which was published in the weeks leading up to the election.

But as well as a document for addressing policy matters in front of Westminster candidates, it will also be used to hold MPs to account once elected.

Jane adds that Lancashire has all the elements at its disposal from its diverse economy in order to prosper but needs the powers that be to listen to the voice of business in order to make it happen.

She said: “Our businesses possess the necessary assets, mindset, and skills to make a greater impact on the national economy, but often they face obstacles which hinder their success.

“By creating a fair and prosperous business environment, Lancashire will have the clout to shape its own future and engage in global business ventures. It will boast strong connectivity, enabling businesses to flourish.

“The region will be competitive, attracting acknowledgement as a prosperous area for business establishment and growth.

“Moreover, it will be a region of opportunity, where everyone can contribute to the economy, access career and training opportunities, and embrace global talent.

“By collaborating closely with the Government and other stakeholders, we can create an enabling environment that nurtures businesses, sparks job creation, and drives economic resilience.

“Together, we have the power to unleash the true potential of our economy and foster a thriving and prosperous nation. Together, we can drive economic growth and create opportunities for all.”

The British Chamber of Commerce released its Business Manifesto back in May, based on a five-point action plan following the publication of its Future of the Economy. The manifesto includes the biggest ideas from a series of extensive policy documents published this year, focusing on the key economic challenges identified by the BCC. The challenges are: Green Innovation, People and Work, Local Economies of the Future, Global Britain and the Digital Revolution.

Its Local Economy of the Future report was launched at Thwaite’s Brewery, organised by the North & Western Lancashire Chamber in February.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: “The companies we represent are the drivers of economic growth and the employers of millions of people. They need to know that politicians have got their back. Once the votes are counted – we want government to know how to help business.”