As the election approaches, we have collated some links to the business priorities that some of our national business networks have identified as critical for the next government.
Here’s a quick summary of those policy priorities along with links to their full manifestos.
We will also be emailing members very soon with our list of business policy questions that we are proposing putting to each of our parliamentary candidates for Hastings & Rye - for their approval and input.
British Chambers of Commerce
The BCC recognises that businesses of all sizes and sectors are craving certainty on which to base their investment and growth plans; to make decisions on hiring staff and creating new products or selling to fresh markets. Their business policy priorities for the next Government are to:
Develop an industrial strategy with green innovation at its heart
To create better skills planning, bringing businesses and training providers together
To reform business rates in order to encourage growth and investment
To improve relations with the EU in order to cut costs for business
To appoint an AI champion for SMEs to spearhead the uptake of new technology
UK Hospitality
UK Hospitality recognises that the hospitality industry is an inclusive employer for 3.5 million people, providing routes into leadership and skill based careers across the country and society. The industry contributes £140bn in economic activity and £53bn in tax receipts to the economy every year. These are their policy recommendations:
Reform business rates to protect our high streets
Reform the Apprenticeship Levy so the sector can train more people
Support businesses with their staff costs
Support green investment in the sector
Reform planning rules, so that hospitality can power regeneration
Reform VAT for the sector to bring it in line with European rivals
Federation of Small Businesses
The FSB recognises that small businesses and the self-employed are at the heart of our economy. They are urging those seeking political office to put forward a compelling pro-small business offer, to support growth, jobs and a brighter economic future. Their recommendations come in the form of five pillars of action:
Foundations for Growth: the right tax environment, properly functioning infrastructure and utilities markets
Future Economic Expansion: helping small business to grow with emerging technology, investment in product and service development
High Streets & Town Centres: the right policy mix to ensure they can thrive
Jobs & Skills: listen to SMEs when it comes to recruitment challenges
Inclusive Entrepreneurship: minimise barriers to entrepreneurship
UK InBound
The UK’s trade association which represents inbound tourism – which is the UK’s second biggest service export sector – has launched its manifesto for growth. It includes seven policy ideas and reforms, highlighting that inbound tourism is an export industry that brings new money into the UK, providing the next Government with growth opportunities. They are calling for the following:
Expand and reform the Youth Mobility Scheme
Extend passport-free travel schemes for under 18-year olds
Create home-grown talent with language skills
Enhance the UK’s competitiveness via a reduced-price five-year visitor visa
Make the Electronic Travel Authorisation more competitive
Boost regional economic growth through the introduction of a new VAT Reclaim Scheme
Reinstate national tourist board budgets to pre-inflationary levels to strengthen international marketing
Confederation of British Industry
The CBI is advocating sustainable economic growth. Their manifesto is informed by hundreds of industry leaders and 70 trade associations representing thousands of businesses UK wide. They have set out a programme for the next government across five missions, with ambitions for its first 100 days, first 100 weeks and first parliamentary term.
These include:
Signalling ambition to make the UK economy the most competitive and trusted destination for investment
Future Proofing the UK’s labour market to drive inclusive growth
Honouring climate commitments to drive green growth for the benefit of all
Demonstrating UK global leadership in high-growth technology and innovation
Delivering resilient public services through a new era of partnership.
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