Politicians can pull levers to clear path for businesses
IT’S been an exciting start of the year for the CBI here in the North East.
Last month CBI CEO Rain Newton-Smith visited our wonderful region and met with business leaders from a range of sectors, to understand the challenges faced by firms in 2024 and beyond.
With a General Election looming, and the mayoral elections just around the corner, there’s no doubt this will be a decisive year for businesses and politicians alike and it was great for Rain to have our regional priorities front of mind for her upcoming conversations with the government and the opposition.
Firms see the region’s growth potential clearly – but there are obstacles standing in the way of realising our opportunities.
Time and again, businesses tell us that they are struggling to get the people and the skills to meet the demands of today – and that of the future. To ease some of that pressure, it’s crucial we provide the UK’s workforce with the skills needed to thrive.
One of the levers politicians can pull to make that reality is to introduce meaningful flexibility of the Apprenticeship Levy.
But we also need to have an honest conversation about immigration: we have to make sure that the UK’s visa rules support our economic ambitions, rather than relying on short-term fixes.
Firms are also looking for a business environment that fosters long-term confidence, including on planning.
The CBI is calling for a reform of our planning system, to make sure that those projects that bear great potential for the UK economy can get off the ground more easily. And there’s more to be done – to come through on long-standing decarbonisation plans, firms require action on grid connectivity.
To tackle that, businesses would like to see a strategic prioritisation process for grid connections. A reliable backdrop will encourage firms to accelerate their efforts to transform our economy and set us on the path to sustainable growth.
Businesses here in the North East have their eyes on Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Spring Budget taking place on March 6.
The CBI has submitted its Budget submission, reflecting the views of firms in the North East and across the UK – and we’ll continue to champion the voice of business in this momentous year.
Finally, this is my last column as regional director for the CBI, and it is super to be leaving in such a positive vein.
After nine incredible years I am moving on to take up a new opportunity but continuing to represent and champion the region. Thank you for reading our columns and stories – and for all your support, insight and challenge.
I look back with respect and admiration for so many people who work tirelessly to create a prosperous society for all, and it has been a source of real pride to play a small part in that. I know we’ve been at our best when working collaboratively across the private, public and voluntary sectors, and I look forward to seeing what devolution unlocks from here.