Business leaders set Chamber agenda

Chris Fletcher, Policy Director at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce

The state of the housing market, bank lending and business rates topped the agenda at the latest Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Council Meeting.

Business leaders warned that government schemes to help first time buyers would not benefit the construction sector unless builders could access the finance needed to build new homes. It was also argued that the housing shortage could be eased by bringing empty properties back into use.

Government proposals for a Business Bank received a luke warm response, with many attendees feeling it would make little difference to businesses and that existing schemes should be improved first. Many felt the banks had lent to unsuitable businesses in the past, which had led to the current financial problems, and that British banks could learn from the more traditional attitude to lending taken by Scandinavian banks.

The 2.6% rise in business rates was seen as a major issue for small businesses already struggling to keep costs down. While the majority supported the concept of business rates, they felt more should be done to help small and new businesses.

During the meeting, Chris Fletcher, Policy Director at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, provided an update on the Chamber’s Action for Business work.

Chris said: “Once again Chamber members have given a mixed reaction to what has been announced in a Budget statement. We put forward a substantial pre-budget letter outlining what local businesses were looking for from the Chancellor and, to be honest, much of what was asked for has not been delivered.

“Whilst the detail supporting these announcements is still being decided and agreed upon, many business owners still need some convincing about their effectiveness.

“There are some unmistakable signs of early stage growth and recovery but we are not in the clear yet so it is important that any announcements from government are delivered effectively and make a difference on the ground. We will be watching how these initiatives are delivered and make sure that local businesses get action where it's needed.”

The Council is the Chamber’s policy-making body, which decides on the key business issues the Chamber will lobby on. The meeting was held at HSBC, Spinningfields, Manchester.