EEF seeks autumn action on growth

MANUFACTURERS want an autumn of action from the government on business growth.

Ahead of the publication on Wednesday of Lord Heseltine’s independent review of how government departments deliver pro-growth policies and financial support, the industry group EEF says removing the barriers to investment  and expansion should be at the heart of strategy.

It believes the review must galvanise government action on overcoming the hurdles facing those dynamic companies that have the potential to drive sustained growth through trade and investment.

It is calling for action to get finance flowing, a “systematic attack” on the cost and regulatory burden on businesses and, promotion of export support services to manufacturers focused on new markets.  
 
David Ost, North West region director of EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation said: “Last week’s GDP numbers carried some positive news on the economy but, the outlook is still highly uncertain. This makes it ever more important that the government gets behind every company that is looking to grow its business.
 
“This week’s Review by Lord Heseltine must therefore be the start of a concerted effort by government in the weeks leading up to the Autumn Statement to demonstrate to business that it is getting behind these companies by addressing the barriers they face and ensuring they have access to the right support, especially making inroads into markets overseas.”