Warehouses in Bristol call on chancellor to promote growth

Business leaders from the West and the Black Country are urging Chancellor George Osborne to use next week’s Autumn Statement to generate growth and rebalance the economy.

In a letter to the Chancellor, the Chamber stated: “Business has faced a difficult environment, both domestically and internationally, however in he wider West Midlands we have risen to the challenge, almost doubling our exports between 2009-2011, with all signs pointing towards continued growth.”

The West has excelled economically in the last year compared to the rest of the UK and with further help from the Government, the West argues that it can continue to creating jobs and bringing investment.

Our businesses have become ever more internationally focused, moving away from a traditional over-reliance on Europe. Indeed China has recently overtaken Germany as the West Midlands’ second most important trading market and our businesses have posted growth in export sales well above the national average.

“However more must be done.  Businesses are still reporting being held back by various forms of taxation, a lack of infrastructure and regional connectivity that does not fit the needs of 21st Century businesses.”

The Black Country Chamber of Commerce has also called on the Chancellor to create the optimum conditions to promote growth, enterprise and innovation ahead of next Wednesday’s statement.

Chamber president Paul Bennett has called on George Osborne to create a pro-business environment, to allow firms to grow without the fear of anti-competitive tax levels and red-tape.

He said ‘British manufacturing has clearly suffered in recent decades. However, there is potential for the sector to recover. The Government must do more to help revive the industry, which is a vital source of skills, jobs and economic prosperity in the UK.

With this issue being pushed by businesses in the West it is encouraging for the area as a whole. Promoting a future of prosperity that would benefit everyone.

Source: The Business Desk