Regional business support service Business West has urged the Chancellor to help young people get into work, in advance of the Budget later this month.
In the letter to George Osborne, Business West has called on him to maintain consistency on key growth messages, and consider action on three initiatives:
- Incentivise and support young people in their transition into the workplace
- Scrap the scheduled 5.6% increase in business rates planned for April
- Extend support to UK exporters and raise awareness of the Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD)
Commenting ahead of the Budget, Managing Director of Business West, Phil Smith said: “To date, the Government has made a number of encouraging announcements aimed at addressing the country’s deficit and promoting growth.
“However, with signs that the economy is continuing to struggle, it is time for the coalition to follow through on existing commitments in the areas of planning reform, addressing the flow of finance to business, and reducing regulation.
“In addition to demonstrating commitment on these vital measures, we believe the Chancellor has sufficient financial scope to implement the small number of further initiatives identified, which could significantly assist business growth.”
Recently, bodies such as the CBI have urged Mr Osborne to use the Budget to give the UK economy and jobs a boost with changes to the UK tax system. Meanwhile, the Institute of Directors has called for support to the aviation industry to help regional airports such as Bristol.
PUBLICATION: Bristol 24/7 - 9th March 2012