WNY Chamber responds to King’s Speech

Responding to today’s King’s Speech, Mark Casci, Head of Policy at West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: 

“The King’s Speech did contain some positive news for Yorkshire businesses.  

“The Northern Powerhouse Rail Bill will take us one step closer to vastly improved east-west connectivity in our region. 

“We also welcome bills to tackle late payments, simplify trade with EU member states and strengthen apprenticeships.  

“These steps can make a real difference to cashflow and confidence on the ground.  

“However, there will be many businesses who will see the speech as another missed opportunity to tackle big issues such as Business Rate reform, which is something employers have been crying out for now for some time. 

“With the Middle East conflict ratcheting up cost pressures, this was a critical opportunity to deliver meaningful change and give companies the certainty they urgently need.  

“While measures on simplifying regulation and resilience are encouraging, firms need to see faster progress on grid reform, infrastructure and planning.  

“Our members want to work hand-in-hand with ministers to help deliver economic growth and the best means to do this is to listen to our calls for reduced overheads, attract investment and boosting our productivity.”