Gloucestershire businesses voice concerns to county MPs

Two Gloucestershire MPs heard from some of the county’s most influential business leaders last week at a meeting arranged by Gloucestershire Chamber of Commerce and Industry, part of a nationwide series of Chamber events held last week with MPS to highlight the huge issues business faces in the current economy.

With a budget later this month and a comprehensive spending review promised for the Autumn business people around the table told Geoffrey Clifton Brown and Lawrence Robertson  that many companies are   adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach on capital investment until after  the Government makes its announcements later this year.  This, they said, would have an impact on growth and development.  The MPs agreed that confidence was critical not only for the local business community but also on how UK business is viewed from abroad.   

Despite the traditional high street banks saying they are lending again, according to businesses around the table, in reality they are clawing much more back from their customers to shore up depleted bank reserves.  As a result investment is much harder to find and companies are having to look further afield.  There was a widespread feeling at the meeting that insolvencies are likely to rise sharply this year as companies struggle to find support for working capital.

However, there was better news for employment in Gloucestershire with a number of companies saying that they are now recruiting again and generally confidence round the table was higher than in previous months, although a possible increase in National Insurance Contribution could potentially be a disincentive to recruitment.

Gloucestershire continues to be recognised as a one of the best places in the UK to live, work and carry on in business, but both MPs recognise that without a stable UK economy, all counties will suffer. 

Laurence Robertson, MP for Tewkesbury, said: “Gloucestershire has good road links, but its competitive edge will be boosted if our rail links are improved - particularly to London.   Gloucestershire is still attracting high profile employers, including Horizon Nuclear Power, which opened its headquarters at Gloucester Business Park, Gloucester last year.”

Nigel Hutchings, Director, Chambers of Commerce, GWE Business West moderated the Gloucestershire event, held at Chargrove House in Shurdington near Cheltenham.   He said: “Without business there is no taxation, no employment, nothing. We must create an environment for businesses to flourish and grow and it’s essential that the Government understands that.   We plan to hold regular briefing events with our local MPS so they understand the real issues their constituents are facing.”

Geoffrey Clifton Brown added: “These meeting are invaluable to us as we can then truly represent the views of the business community within our constituencies.   I am looking forward to the next meeting.”