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Flourishing high streets are vital to local communities

December 16, 2011 in Economy, Policy, Legislation with Comments Off

Commenting on the launch of the High Street Review, by Mary Portas, Phil Smith, Managing Director of Business West said: “The report’s recommendations on how to improve the high street are welcomed.  Business plays an important role in local communities, and a strong vibrant high street is key to this offer.  Consumer trends have changed markedly over recent years, and there is an obvious need for the high street to evolve its offer in order to reflect this changing economy.

“We fully support Mary Portas’ call for councils to use more discretion when applying business rates, particularly for start up companies, as these are a significant barrier for many businesses. Indeed, we believe that If the government really wants to see businesses flourish and create much-needed economic growth, it must go further and reduce the punishing, anti-growth rate rise facing all businesses in 2012.

He added: “However, whilst there is much to support in the report, we should not forget that across the area there are localities where some of the initiatives put forward in the review have been in place for some time.   Where there are good working models of high street and centre management, it is important that such partnerships continue to receive and benefit from necessary support.”

On the detail of the report, Tessa Coombes, Policy & Communications Director at Business West, commented: “It is good news for business that Mary Portas has recognised the need to improve and support town centres and high streets by recommending the introduction of some quite simple measures such as encouraging a reduction in parking costs and ensuring a town centre first approach in planning policy.

“We are keen to work with local businesses to ensure our town centres flourish but the same commitment is needed from local and central government, to ensure businesses and communities have the tools they need to succeed.”

For further information see the BIS website

BRISTOL BUSINESS COMMUNITY LAUNCHES 2050 VISION

December 8, 2011 in Bristol, Economy, Environment, Ethics, People, HR, Policy, Legislation, Transport with Comments Off

A blueprint for Bristol’s development over the next 40 years has today been published.  The publication is the culmination of a two-year project known as Bristol 2050 and is thought to be the first of its kind in Europe.

Bristol 2050 has brought together business leaders from across the region, led by Business West.  Together they have looked past Bristol’s current overall prosperity and have discarded the very English penchant for the status quo – to test the boundaries, think boldly and keep growth concerns at the absolute forefront of future policy thinking.

The findings of the project have today been published in a hardback book, known as ‘High in Hope’, authored by Dr John Savage CBE and with contributions from influential town planner David Lock CBE.  Among its recommendations, High in Hope advises that up to 6,000 hectares of land may need to be developed by 2050 to deliver much needed jobs and houses.  It also seeks to address the need to create an efficient and comprehensive public transport system.

Other specific ideas seen as critical to the future growth and prosperity of the region include the development of an Avon Barrage, extending High Speed Rail to Bristol and a greater ability to levy local taxes and use the funds.

Commenting on the project, Dr Savage said:

“The Bristol region is already attractive to people and businesses but there is uncertainty about where it is going and why; there is no longer-term vision, no overall leadership, no sense of a shared direction.  By ensuring that the business voice is heard and championing Bristol as the place to do business and to live, we believe that we can achieve a tangible and improving return on public investment, with a significant increase in the gross domestic product of the city-region.  We must make a statement to both local and national government about the importance of the city region and the desire for change and strong leadership.”

Phil Smith, managing director of Business West said: “The book is only the beginning; the primary reason for publishing the 2050 vision now is to start a debate, raise aspirations and illustrate the benefits of long term strategic thinking.  We have involved the wider business community from the start of this project and for it to be a success there needs to be an ongoing debate and a continual flow of new ideas.  To facilitate this we’ve set up project groups and are encouraging the wider business community to participate and take ideas forward.”

Cautious optimism, but still much to do

November 30, 2011 in Bath, Bristol, Economy, Policy, Legislation, Transport with Comments Off

Phil Smith, managing director of Business West welcomes much of the content of the Autumn statement and believes it will have a positive impact on business. He commented: “However, we do share general business concerns about the ongoing challenge of our current economic situation. The revised forecast tells a bleak story for business.  Rapid implementation of the new schemes proposed by the government around credit easing and infrastructure investment is now needed so together we can make a difference.

He added: “Our members will particularly welcome the Chancellor’s renewed commitments to reform employment law and simplify the planning system. Businesses will support the aim of credit easing, but will be watching carefully to ensure that companies can access the finance they need to grow.”

Other highlights from a business perspective were a greater emphasis on tackling youth unemployment, the extension of the business rate relief holiday, reducing legislative burdens on employing staff and an increase in the UKTI budget to help SMEs, all of which will be welcomed by the business community.

Phil concluded: “It is now crucial that the government does everything possible to put these initiatives into place on the ground and help the private sector create jobs as quickly as possible.”

Nigel Hutchings, Director of Bristol Chamber of Commerce said: “A significant announcement for the Bristol area was contained in the proposals around the National Infrastructure Plan. Funding has now been secured for the South Bristol Link, something Bristol Chamber has been lobbying for over the last 20 years. This is a much needed improvement to the transport infrastructure of the city, supporting improved accessibility for business and communities alike.”

 

SW Regional Growth Fund success safeguards 23,000 jobs

November 2, 2011 in Policy, Legislation with Comments Off

South West Regional Growth Fund success safeguards 23,000 jobs, retaining vital expertise.

Commenting on the announcement made by Nick Clegg on the second round of the government’s Regional Growth Fund, Tessa Coombes, Policy and Communications Director  at Business West said:

“With only 7% of approved bids providing benefit to our region compared to 20% for the North West and North East, we are naturally disappointed and we would urge the government to consider its approach for future funding opportunities.  We believe there is more benefit to be gained by investing in areas like the West of England, Gloucestershire and Swindon/Wiltshire where there is a good track record of delivering private sector jobs growth.”

Phil Smith Managing Director of Business West also commented:

“We fully support the projects that have been approved and the jobs that have been safeguarded are fundamentally important to this region.  But the speed at which this funding is delivered will be fundamental to the success of the Regional Growth Fund. The projects supported by the fund must be started as soon as possible.

“The Regional Growth Fund on its own is not enough to stimulate business growth. In his Autumn Statement, the Chancellor must introduce further measures that will deliver confidence to businesses, in particular small and medium-sized companies. The government must develop a strategy that encourages infrastructure development, reduces red tape and provides additional trade finance support to help firms export. Only then will companies have the confidence to expand, invest and create jobs, and get the UK’s recovery back on track.”

South West successful bidders were: Universal Engineering, Mulberry Company, DTR VMS, Airbus Operations, Geothermal Engineering, The Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly LEP, City of Bristol College, North Somerset Council and one bidder that remains unnamed for commercial reasons.

Giving more power to councils over business rates will boost economy

June 30, 2011 in Economy, Policy, Legislation with 1 Comment

Commenting on the announcement made by Nick Clegg at the LGA Conference on localising business rates, Phil Smith, Managing Director of Business West, said:

“The Government’s plans to allow councils to retain business rates are a step in the right direction, and will enable communities to benefit from their own success. Giving councils the freedom to lower rates will help them attract thriving businesses to their areas, which in turn will boost enterprise and growth.

“However, this must not be used as an opportunity to increase rates, which could see us return to the days of councils using rates to subsidise lower council taxes. A national cap must be implemented to prevent the system from being misused, and firms must be reassured that business rates will not be set above the current uniform rate.

“Retaining business rate revenues will promote a pro-growth and pro-business attitude among councils. Together, with new powers to borrow against those revenues to finance infrastructure projects, these plans have the potential to really drive economic development at a crucial time for the UK economy. But we have heard a similar rhetoric from the Government on these issues before. Now is the time to act on these promises and create the right conditions for the UK economy to thrive.”

Tessa Coombes, Director of Policy and Strategy, GWE Business West

February 28, 2011 in Policy, Legislation with Comments Off

‘Localism’ and ‘Big Society’ are the catch phrases of this new government – very much at the heart of their philosophy and approach. The questions for business are: ‘how does it relate to us?’ and ‘what role does business have to play in these agendas?’

In Bristol we have coined the phrase ‘Business Localism’ to try and engender more recognition for the very real role that business plays in local communities and local places. We are keen to emphasise that local communities are not just residential – they are business communities too.

After listening to the government’s rhetoric about private sector job creation, there is a real opportunity for businesses to step up to the plate. If many of the barriers to growth are removed, we can carry on less hindered by regulatory burdens and unnecessary bureaucracy.

In reality, what we are faced with is the loss of any real face to face support for business and a constant tinkering with employment regulations that serve to confuse us all. Potential changes to the planning system will make development even more difficult to secure, with greater costs attached to permissions and additional powers for local communities to stop any development they don’t like.

The challenge is there for local chambers of commerce to seize the localism agenda as a business agenda – business localism is the way forward.

Business leaders meet with MPs to discuss issues facing Swindon

December 15, 2010 in Policy, Legislation, Swindon with Comments Off

Businesses from across Swindon met with their local MPs recently at a meeting organised by GWE Business West’s [1] Initiative in Swindon [2]. Justin Tomlinson, MP for Swindon North and Robert Buckland, MP for Swindon South, met with over 15 local business leaders to discuss a range of issues and identify areas for future collaboration.

 

 

One of the themes for discussion was the rise in student tuition fees. The businesses voiced their concerns about how this would impact poorer students in the education system. There was a call for universities to be more accountable for the new fees by providing shorter academic years, and businesses were keen to offer more sponsorship opportunities for students.

Other issues raised included the hold on electrification of the mainline and the redoubling of the Swindon-Kemble line. The MPs stated they would keep pushing central government on both these issues and would do all they can to help the projects ultimately go ahead. The Initiative members stated they would do all they could to keep lobbying too.

Other topics debated were:

     

  • GWE Business West recent access to finance survey which highlighted the barriers to growth, problems with accessing finance and relationships with banks

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  • Local procurement issues with Swindon Borough Council, there was a call for business to work more closely with the Council on this issue

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  • Call for business to build on the work carried out by the Plan 500 and support apprenticeships and work experience for young people

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  • Town centre regeneration plans for Theatre Square, Union Square and Station Forecourt. 

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Ian Larrard, Director of the Initiative in Swindon, GWE Business West said: “One clear and positive message that came through from the meeting was a real willingness to work together to make things happen. GWE Business West is well placed to act as a broker in bringing together MPs and the private sector to identify barriers and solutions.”

Business backing for localism bill

December 14, 2010 in Policy, Legislation with Comments Off

The Decentralisation and Localism Bill announced in Parliament today represents one of the most significant pieces of legislation for local government for some time. It shifts the balance of power away from the centre to local authorities and local communities. It includes new powers for communities to play a greater role in local service delivery and provision, and brings in proposals for directly elected mayors in all our major cities.

The Bill sets out an agenda for significant change to the way we plan for the growth and development of our communities. It fundamentally changes the dynamics of the planning system, from top down targets to local neighbourhood plans and visions, connecting local people and communities with planning for their area.

Tessa Coombes, Director of Strategy & Policy at GWE Business West said: “We welcome the general thrust of the Bill and many of the proposals and powers contained within it. Indeed the concept of creating a planning system that is responsive to community needs and aspirations is absolutely the right approach and one we applaud.”

Tessa continued, “However, we do have some concerns about how this will work in reality, with experience showing that those who shout loudest are the ones who are heard by the decision makers and therefore have the greatest influence over future plans. We need to provide all communities with the skills and confidence to express their views and we need to ensure the business communities voice is heard alongside local people.”

She concluded: “Perhaps the biggest test for the localism agenda is whether or not it helps or hinders the growth and prosperity of the UK economy going forward.”

Business welcomes growth review but stresses the need to address real barriers to growth

November 30, 2010 in Bristol, Policy, Legislation with Comments Off

The government has published its Growth Review, “The path to strong, sustainable and balanced growth”, a joint Treasury and BIS led process that aims to ensure all Government Departments are doing everything they can to help the country grow and recover from recession. It provides a long term vision to create the right conditions for future economic prosperity.

Phil Smith, Managing Director, GWE Business West, welcomed the Growth Review and applauded the government for its focus on returning the UK economy to balanced and sustainable growth.

“The government is quite rightly focusing on creating the right environment for growth. It is important that they listen to what the business community is saying and focus on removing the real barriers that prevent businesses from thriving – problems accessing finance, burdensome employment regulations, a bureaucratic planning system more focused on control than enabling, and inadequate infrastructure to support growth. These are the things businesses are concerned about and want to see action on. If government puts business firmly at the heart of its growth plans, then we can play our part and help drive the recovery forward. The government must focus on enabling the private sector to make 2011 a year for growth.”

Business leaders meet MPs to voice concerns

November 8, 2010 in Local Enterprise Partnership, Policy, Legislation, Transport with 1 Comment

Businesses from across Bristol and the West of England met with their local MPs on Friday 5th November. At a meeting organised by GWE Business West, Dr Liam Fox, Charlotte Leslie and Steve Williams met with over 20 local business leaders to discuss a range of issues and identify areas for future collaboration.

All three MPs emphasised the government’s priority to reduce the deficit and grow the private sector whilst shrinking the public sector. They made clear that this meant new investment would be limited and there would be ever increasing pressure on public resources. The message was very clear – there is no spare money in government and therefore the business community shouldn’t rely on the public sector to help them create growth.

One of the themes for discussion was the often heard complaint that Bristol punches well below its weight – something raised by the MPs and businesses alike. Tessa Coombes, Director of Policy & Strategy, GWE Business West said: “The crucial factor here is what we can do about it, with suggestions focusing on the need for a clear long term vision for the future that ignores political timescales and really delivers on housing and jobs growth whilst also protecting all the things we like about our region.” Some suggestions for immediate actions were as follows: 

  • Need for an Integrated Transport Authority for the West of England – bringing the 4 local authorities together with the power and responsibility to really deliver on the raft of new transport measures needed
  • An elected mayor for the Greater Bristol area – with new responsibilities that go beyond the council boundaries and deliver real leadership for the city region
  • The importance of the new Local Enterprise Partnership and its role in taking forward the growth agenda – local authorities need to cede some power to enable this to work

The planning system also came in for some serious criticism with many of the businesses present identifying the system as a major barrier to growth. There was concern about the abolition of the Regional Spatial Strategy and what this would mean for strategic planning. The big question was around how we deliver the new housing needed to satisfy existing and future needs when there is no strategic plan to address this issue – we need a planning system that supports economic growth rather than one that relies on regulatory burdens.

Other issues discussed included the following:

  • A plea from business to reduce regulation/barriers to growth, to enable them to get on with creating jobs and growth
  • Importance of the creative industries sector and its potential role in economic recovery
  • Localisation of business rates – seen as essential to create the right environment for economic growth
  • Use of local authority and RDA assets – an unexploited resource
  • Defence procurement – opportunities for SW businesses, Green Paper due out in December, need for comment from SMEs

James Durie, Director of the Initiative, GWE Business West said: “One clear and positive message that came through was a real willingness to work together to make things happen and to deliver on the private sector jobs growth needed in our area. GWE Business West is well placed to act as a broker in bringing together MPs and the private sector to identify barriers and solutions.”

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