Chamber reacts to news of flatlined economic growth

Investment in skills, planning and infrastructure are among reform needed in the East Midlands, say East Midlands Chamber after there was no growth to the UK economy in July for a second month.

The estimated figures published by the Office for National Statistics follow GDP growth of 0.7% in the first three months of the year and 0.6% from then until June. 

Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “After two quarters of GDP increasing, to see no rise for two months is a stark reminder that while the economy has been showing encouraging signs of brightening, compared to the position late last year, in the upcoming budget the government needs to clearly outline how businesses will be supported to deliver the growth the economy needs.

“We need to see the new government move at pace to address the continued challenges around skills and recruitment, reform the planning system to make it fit for purpose, and confirm the investment needed across physical and digital infrastructure. The Chamber have outlined exactly how to achieve these in our Manifesto for Growth 2024.”