General Election 2015: Regional reaction

IT may have been good news for regional devolution as the architects of the Northern Powerhouse, David Cameron and George Osborne, led the Tories to an unexpected victory, but the European question is now ringing alarm bells in the business community.

John Cridland, director general of CBI,  the business group, said: “The Prime Minister must create a pro-enterprise environment, by getting the deficit down, continuing to make the UK one of the most competitive tax environments in the G20, especially for medium-sized businesses, and backing the decision of the Airports Commission.

“With an EU referendum now likely, business will now want to see an ambitious, achievable reform agenda that will make both the UK and Europe more competitive and prosperous for all. The majority of businesses want to stay in a reformed European Union which opens up the world’s largest market of 500 million consumers.”

Darrell Matthews, North West region director at EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, said: “The biggest threat to our long-term economic well-being, however, remains the prospect of leaving the EU. Mr Cameron will be under pressure to call a referendum as soon as possible, possibly bringing it to next year.

“The new administration must move quickly and campaign on the back of a strong and positive case for Britain’s continued membership. Any drift or dithering will mean uncertainty for British businesses, which would be very unhelpful for the long-term prospects of the economy.”

Rob Nicholls, managing director of Plastic Card Services based in Macclesfield agreed: “In terms of the export market, the result leaves a level of uncertainty for small business leaders given the promised EU in-out referendum by 2018.

“Any disruption to the export market will have a significant impact on the UK economy so this challenge will be at the top of the business agenda for some time to come.”

James Menzies,  investment director of Greystone Financial Services in Altrincham also expressed concern over the European question: “We are now looking at an in‐out referendum on UK membership of the EU within the next two years, which could cause more uncertainty and volatility than any concerns around a UK hung parliament.”

Other reacttion

Andy Leach, president of Manchester Society of Chartered Accountants, said he new government should get down to business quickly, focusing on the economy.

He said: “Bringing debt and deficit under control should remain a priority and we would like to see more strategic leadership from a ‘modern finance ministry’.

“We expect the Government to remain committed to regional devolution, as led by Greater Manchester, and honouring of long-term handing over of local powers within the Northern Powerhouse framework.

He added: “We would like to see David Cameron really addressing the skills gap and encouraging a step change in education and business collaboration.”
 
Chris Lever, managing director of Bolton-based company Bindatex – a specialist in the precision cutting of composite materials, said: “When I switched on the television this morning and heard the election result, it was a relief to know that we can now be confident that the business recovery we’ve experienced over the last five years should continue and we can press ahead with our own ambitious growth plans.”

Conrad O’Neill, director of Manchester property firm Canning O’Neill said the Tory victory will be “good news” for the commercial property sector.

He said: “We have already seen from the Conservatives some progressive policies which will benefit the north of England and the voters have clearly shown confidence in the Tories to keep a steady hand on the tiller of the economy – which can only be good news for the property industry. In addition, further reductions in public spending should hopefully see the relocation of more Government jobs and operations to the north.”

Regional senior director at property and commercial services company Bilfinger GVA in Manchester, Mark Rawstron, described the election as “one of the most momentous in recent history”.

“It is a clear rejection of the politics of envy espoused by Labour and a ratification of a wealth creation direction of travel, financial stability and debt reduction.”

Mark Burgess, managing director of Manchester based Capital Properties said: “This has undoubtedly been a vote of confidence in economic recovery and that is good news for the future of Manchester, a city that continues to thrive thanks to business growth and the inward investment that comes with it.

“With increased powers from devolution and the forward thinking of our council, Manchester has firmly established itself as a city where businesses can flourish and where people want to work.”

 

Close