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Introduction
The Thames Valley is one of the UK's most exciting business areas.
It covers the counties of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.
It is a dynamic, fast moving and profitable area in which to conduct
business. The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group represents
business of all shapes and sizes in every business sector and our
fundamental objective is to ensure that the Thames Valley continues
to thrive.
The main areas of consistent concern to members are economic stability,
transport infrastructure, skills, regulation, red tape and business
crime. "Putting Business First" highlights these areas of
concern and recommends to Government, local authorities and other
bodies the priorities for our members.
The Thames Valley Chamber supports the recommendations and priorities
set out in the British Chamber of Commerce document "Empowering
Business".
The Thames Valley Chamber Business Manifesto "Putting Business
First" sets out the key issues to business and establishes the
priorities we expect Government to deliver to ensure the success of
our area.
The Chamber Board, Area Committees and members have been consulted
in the production of this document to ensure that it represents the
key business issues.
Thames Valley Business Priorities
The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group will lobby Government
at all levels to:
1. Maintain a stable macro-economic policy
2. Reduce Business Taxation
3. Cut business payroll costs
4. Reduce and simplify regulation and red tape
5. Support business training to NVQ standards
6. Invest in transport and infrastructure
7. Modernise the planning system
8. Drop workplace parking charges
9. Ensure that business support is business led
10. Commit to reducing crime against business
Economy
Stability is the first priority. Low interest rates, low inflation
and a favourable exchange rate are essential to good economic performance.
Thames Valley Chamber is calling for a reduction in the tax burden
in line with our key trading partners, and a reduction in
Government spending as a percentage of GDP.
Economic stability enables business to plan for the long term.
We support the independent role of the Bank of England and of the
Monetary Policy Committee, a review of efficiencies in Government
departmental spending, and the introduction of private sector finance
wherever possible.
Regulation
Regulation hurts business, creates inefficiencies and stifles entrepreneurship.
A reduction in red tape will allow businesses to grow.
Regulation should only take place after consultation with business.
The maxim "think small first" should be applied to all regulations.
Proposed regulations should be subject to an assessment of their impact
on business and their cumulative effect on competition and productivity.
The business environment established by Government should support
business development. Such an environment should impose low taxes,
limit regulatory costs, encourage productivity and allow fair competition.
In other words, Government must provide an environment in which business
can thrive, increase productivity and deliver prosperity.
People - Training, Education and Learning
The Thames Valley continues to suffer from skill shortages. Training
is one of the keys to business success and we call on Government to
support business led training. Government must provide appropriate
support to train our people.
Skill shortages push up employment costs and act as a disincentive
to business to locate in Thames Valley.
Commitments to literacy and numeracy for all must be a priority.
Support for young people in schools to equip them for work should
be encouraged and we would like to see emphasis put on communication,
team working and interpersonal skills especially in later school years.
Infrastructure - Transport and Planning
High quality, efficient and reliable transport and infrastructure
are essential to the economic success of the Thames Valley. Although
business is investing heavily in new technology via the internet and
web it still requires world class transport systems to deliver goods
and services.
The Thames Valley is ideally placed geographically to benefit from
the increase in world trade but our road, rail and air infrastructure
is unable to cope. The lack of appropriate public transport provision
is hindering business development.
A clear regional transport strategy is long overdue for the Thames
Valley. The Thames Valley Chamber supports public transport schemes
but they must be introduced in advance of changes to motor car use.
We oppose workplace parking charges and road tolling.
The planning process no longer meets the needs of business and is
regarded as archaic, inefficient and a major block on business efficiency.
The current public enquiry system is inappropriate for a modern, dynamic
and fast moving economy. The government should seek out the world's
best practice with the aim of making UK planning the most effective
and efficient in the world.
Crime
Crime damages business and the economy by increasing the cost of
goods and services. It de-motivates staff and stops the business from
focussing on its core activity. The Government should ensure that
crime is regarded as a top priority for every Police service.
Targets for business crime reduction should be introduced and clear
lines of accountability should be established. Business Watch schemes
should continue to be supported by the local Police service.
The Police force should be adequately funded to meet the needs of
the local community and should be able to respond to business demands
for high profile policing.
Business Support
The Government supported business support agencies should be business
led and business focused. They should exist to support local business
initiatives and not act merely as suppliers of government services.
Business support should not duplicate existing services but instead
compliment and fill gaps and add value.
Conclusion
The Thames Valley is one of the powerhouse areas of the UK economy.
Its continuing prosperity is crucial to the success of the nation.
The issues identified in this manifesto touch upon every area of business
and the community. Government has a duty to ensure that it provides
an environment for business to thrive. "Putting Business First"
identifies the priorities of our Chamber members.
Local Member's Representatives - Presidents of the local Chambers:
- Phil Smith- Aylesbury Vale
- Richard Knight- Bracknell
- Steve Painter- West Berkshire
- Keith Slater - Oxfordshire
- Geoff Poland - Reading
- Jane Masih - Slough
- Derek Hampshire- Wokingham
- Dave Granshaw- Wycombe & South Bucks
President and Chief Executive
The President of the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group is
Jane Masih of Owen White Solicitors.
The Chief Executive is Paul Briggs - email: Paul Briggs
For further information on the Business Manifesto "Putting Business
First", or to add your comments, e-mail Policy.
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