General Election manifesto launched by Suffolk Chamber

Avoiding a no-deal Brexit and delivering an urgent confidence boost through action on infrastructure, immigration, skills and business costs must be at the forefront of the next government’s agenda according to Suffolk Chamber of Commerce as it backed the newly-launched British Chambers of Commerce General Election Manifesto.

The Manifesto called 2020 and beyond: business priorities for the next UK Government has been compiled with input from the 53 accredited Chambers of Commerce across the UK, including Suffolk Chamber and the BCC’s growing global network – sets out key priorities that would enable businesses of all sizes to reignite the country’s stagnating economy.

John Dugmore, Suffolk Chamber’s Chief Executive, said: “The message from business communities all over Suffolk and the wider UK couldn’t be clearer: the next Government must deliver an end to the Brexit stalemate and take decisive steps to improve the business environment here at home.

“To say business leaders are frustrated would be putting it mildly. They are doing their bit for Suffolk  – and they think it is high time that Government and opposition did their bit too to break this endless stalemate.

“We cannot afford to allow our infrastructure to fray, for the gaping holes in our training and skills system to go unfilled, or for governments to pile on new costs that stop firms from investing in growth.

“Businesspeople across Suffolk pay their taxes diligently, and care deeply about their communities and the environment. Westminster should not be distracted from delivering the conditions needed for growth, jobs and prosperity here at home.

“Our proposals would help an incoming administration reignite business confidence and investment – and would pay lasting dividends for our communities and the UK economy.”

Suffolk Chamber will soon be contacting all nominated Parliamentary candidates in the county’s seven Westminster seats seeking their support for the Manifesto and their answers to three key business questions:

• What do you think are the three biggest issues facing Suffolk businesses in the constituency in which you are standing?
• If you were elected, how do you propose working with Suffolk Chamber of Commerce to address these issues?
• To what extent do you think Brexit is an opportunity or challenge for the Suffolk business community – and in what ways?

Suffolk Chamber is setting up a General Election Hub on its website where it will post up both a copy of 2020 and beyond: business priorities for the next UK Government and individual candidates.