General Election 2015: Staffordshire chamber outlines business manifesto

BRINGING the HS2 high speed rail line to North Staffordshire together with improvements to the area’s road infrastructure form the main priorities for the next government in a new business manifesto produced by the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.

The manifesto sets out the priorities of businesses in Staffordshire. It identifies barriers to employment and economic growth. It also recommends action by business and policy makers, both local and national, to stimulate enterprise and ambition.
 
Key Priorities from the Staffordshire Business Manifesto are:
 
• Measures to revitalise local high streets.
• Bring HS2 to North Staffordshire to bring new jobs and investment.
• Invest in roads and public transport links to move people, products and services efficiently
• Fast and effective broadband solutions for all businesses.
• A secure supply of energy, stable energy prices and a business-friendly energy tax regime.
• More support for Staffordshire firms to export goods, services and knowledge across the globe.
• Help for  businesses to find the skills and innovation they need
• Public sector agencies must spend more of their budgets with local firms.
• Access to quality land and premises is needed so that businesses can grow and expand.
 
Jane Gratton, Deputy Chief Executive for Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce said: “During recent weeks, we’ve heard a lot from prospective politicians about their policy priorities, but few seem to really understand what is needed to bring more jobs to Staffordshire.

“As the public sector continues to shrink, it is the SMEs in our local economy who will create the new employment opportunities for local people. The next government has to do more to reduce the cost of doing business.  That means reducing regulation and businesses taxes so that firms can invest, grow and compete in markets around the world.   
 
“In this manifesto, businesses are asking the next government to remove the breaks on our local economy. Businesses are ready and willing to play their part, but policy makers at a local and national level need to work with us to bring about economic growth, enterprise and aspiration in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.”

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