Chamber calls for greater business support following Prime Minister’s speech

Richard Blackmore from The East Midlands Chamber

The East Midlands Chamber has welcomed parts of the Prime Minister’s 11th May speech, which outlined plans to prioritise apprenticeships and build a stronger EU relationship, but said businesses need more support to overcome tough trading conditions.

East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore said: “Prioritising apprenticeships will help in part address the skills gap and developing a closer relationship with the EU is the right approach when it comes to trade as many of our members tell us, but with the sky-high cost of doing business, soaring inflation and fuel price rises resulting from the Middle East conflict, it would have been good to hear of greater support for firms, in areas such as energy and business rate relief, for example.

“With unemployment at 5.5% in the East Midlands and the skills gap meaning employers are struggling to find suitable candidates to fill positions, as reported by as many as 7 out of 10 businesses in our Quarterly Economic Survey, it’s right to highlight the importance of training and apprenticeships. Making schemes more accessible to businesses is key, though, as the process for setting up an apprenticeship is complex, which is why the Chamber’s Framework for Growth proposes solutions like an online skills portal to simplify the process.

“With export as challenging as it is, a closer EU relationship will help but what firms will want to see is international trade become easier and a smoother process for them as quickly as possible, with paperwork and associated costs reduced.

“The Chamber’s landmark publication – the Framework for Growth – outlines policy asks that, if actioned, would alleviate pressure on business in the East Midlands – improvements to infrastructure, regulation, rates and taxation, devolution and skills investment – that would unlock growth in the region.”