Osborne urged to ‘pull out all the stops’

CHANCELLOR George Osborne has been urged to pull out all the stops in pursuit of growth in next month’s Autumn Statement.

The British Chambers of Commerce is calling for new measures from the Chancellor including a £100m voucher scheme to support business with growth plans.

It also wants a separate export voucher scheme and new in-market support for UK exporters in 18 key global markets.

TheBusinessDesk.com is partnering with Ernst & Young to bring readers comprehensive coverage and analysis of the Chancellor’s plans and what they mean for business in the region.

John Longworth, director general of the BCC, said: “Our message to the Chancellor is clear. Business will lead Britain’s economic recovery, but needs targeted support and a confidence boost from government. Ministers must be bold and take some unpopular decisions, including a shift of resources from welfare spending towards crucial growth measures. It won’t be easy, but the interests of the nation must be put first so we can ensure a bright future for our children and grandchildren for years to come.

“Firms up and down the country have been looking for ways to grow, export to new markets, and take on more staff in the face of weak growth and continued problems in the eurozone. While recent GDP data will give many businesses a confidence boost, the Government still has work to do to ensure that our economic recovery is sustainable over the long-term.”

The BCC is suggesting measures to encourage new house building including a fund focused on improving infrastructure to open up development sites. It also wants the Government to create a £1bn capital allowance scheme to help bring forward large business investment projects.

Mr Osborne is due to deliver the Autumn Statement on December 5.