Encourage growth in the Queen’s Speech, urges Black Country Chamber

THE Government has a real opportunity to encourage growth, rebalance the economy and support the private sector in today’s Queen’s Speech, the Black Country Chamber of Commerce is arguing.

It is also re-iterating the case for making better use of Birmingham Airport.

At today’s state opening of Parliament, the Government will set out the draft legislative plans for the 2012-13 parliamentary session and Chamber president Paul Bennett believes there are a number of critical issues likely to be on the agenda, not least the future of regional airports.

 “The Civil Aviation Bill is expected to be a high priority and this will be of great interest to regional businesses which rely on the development of connections to trading partners and emerging markets,” he said.

“Consequently, the Government must ensure that all of the UK’s strategic airports are exploited to their existing capacity, not only those of the South East airports and specifically Heathrow. This would play a vital part in rebalancing the UK economy and creating jobs.

“Birmingham Airport has the capacity to double its passenger numbers immediately at a fraction of the time and cost provided surface access links via road and rail to regional airports are improved. This would provide enhanced competition between airport operators and would relieve pressure on airports in the South East.”

Bennett accepts that many of the challenges facing the UK economy are outside the direct control of Government.

“However, stagnation is a major threat, and could undermine both deficit reduction and efforts to reduce net debt. Therefore, the Government must act decisively to enable British businesses to drive growth domestically,” he said.

“There are low-cost and no-cost steps that must be taken immediately to make Britain a more business-friendly country. Following through on commitments to reduce regulation, to deliver substantive reform of the planning system, and improving public procurement, as well as finding a way to release private money for major infrastructure projects, are all critical.

“However, all of this must be underpinned by access to affordable finance for businesses. New and innovative ways must be found to make the financial sector work for SMEs rather than continue to act as a barrier to growth.

“A government-backed National Investment Bank would provide a solution, as it has done in numerous countries around the world.”