Chambers chief urges swift government support to boost business confidence

The director general of the British Chambers of Commerce told a business audience in Liverpool that the Government must quickly deliver “the three Cs” of clarity, certainty and confidence in order to boost business confidence.

Speaking at the AGM of Liverpool Chamber, held at the Athenaeum Club, Shevaun Haviland said most businesses are currently reluctant to invest for the future due to a lack of guidance from policymakers.

Haviland said: “We are calling upon the Government to urgently provide certainty on rules and regulations and clarity over what measures are to be taken to alleviate current pressures.

“Only then will businesses have the confidence to invest for the future. Those three Cs are pivotal to delivering on the Government’s ambitions for economic growth and stability.

“Many businesses are determined to face up to the challenges ahead and find solutions themselves, but they need support. Local economic prosperity, or levelling up, will only be achieved if the Government recognises that spirit of enterprise in the UK and turbo-charges it through effective policy and communication.

Shevaun added: “That means meaningful action on the issues businesses truly care about, such as skills shortages, improved infrastructure, clear planning rules and the impact of energy costs.”

Earlier in the AGM, Alison Lobb, managing partner of Morecrofts Solicitors, was officially appointed as the new chair of Liverpool Chamber, alongside Chris Waine, director of Hive Projects, as vice chair.