Tea with the Treasury

Director of Policy at the Chamber, Chris Fletcher

Chamber members got a chance to quiz a leading Treasury Official when Jeremy Pocklington, Director of Enterprise & Growth, visited the Chamber last Friday (13/07/12).

He found time in a busy schedule to spend 90 minutes with a small group of members in a roundtable session. Badged as looking at barriers to growth, the discussion covered a wide range of issues from excessive rail fares, to the lack of impact of government funding schemes for business.

Neil Smith MBE, Chamber Vice President, said: “The meeting highlighted some key issues about business finance and the banks’ approach to companies, which were supported by examples from members in the room, and were all acknowledged by Jeremy.

“All the attendees recognised the importance of taking time to speak face to face with senior officials from the Treasury. With a commitment to return to the North to review progress, we look forward to a further visit from Jeremy’s department in the autumn.”

Antony Popadich from Antony For Hair said: "It was really great to speak directly with a senior official from The Treasury about the challenges we face as a hairdressing apprenticeship provider, and the barriers to accessing funding as a small business that wishes to grow, but faces many obstacles."

Tim Gresty, MD of Cognitio, said: “In a world where Westminster’s corridors of power are populated by so many marginal operators and special advisors, it was good to meet with someone whose hands are so clearly on the controls at HM Treasury.”

Director of Policy at the Chamber, Chris Fletcher, said: “Members felt it was a worthwhile and valuable meeting. It seemed that some of the messages hit home, especially around the current barriers that businesses are facing when trying to access funds to grow. It seems that government is aware that more must be done, but it needs to be done in a different way. The suggestion that funds stop going directly into the banks and a mechanism whereby loans are centrally underwritten, seemed to resonate well. We will be looking to arrange a follow-up meeting in the autumn to keep the line of communication open and the actions live.”