Business to shape Chamber lobbying and campaigns
Businesses across the East Midlands are being asked to identify and rank their greatest concerns for the coming 12 months.
The question is being posed in the first East Midlands Chamber Quarterly Economic Survey of 2018, in partnership with the University of Leicester School of Business.
The results will help form the East Midlands Chamber’s* Manifesto for Business for the year, which will be launched to MPs at Westminster in the spring, and shape campaigns and lobbying activity undertaken by the Chamber for the rest of the year and beyond.
Items expected to feature include energy costs and security, business rates, recruitment and skills, training, broadband and mobile connectivity, road, rail and air connectivity, support for international trade, support for leadership and management development and funding opportunities for capital investment.
Analysis of the results by the University of Leicester School of Business, the Chamber’s 2018 partner for Quarterly Economic Surveys, will ensure the direction taken by the Chamber is properly weighted to reflect local needs.
Chris Hobson, Director of Policy at East Midlands Chamber, said: “At the end of last year the Government released its Industrial Strategy White Paper, highlighting five priority themes – ideas, people, infrastructure, business environment and places – as areas in which the country should focus.
“Using Local Enterprise Partnerships, Government has now challenged the regions to develop Local Industrial Strategies, translating national agendas to a provincial scale.
“Over coming months the Chamber will engage with members, identifying challenges for Government and opportunities for East Midlands businesses, to create a 2018 Manifesto for East Midlands Businesses.
“As Brexit negotiations continue, it is essential that we influence those things that are in our gift to control – properly informed, business-enabling domestic policy will be key to ensuring the long-term success of the UK economy.
“The consistent message we’ve had from members over recent months has been one of frustration. Our 2018 Manifesto will allow us to give Government clear and specific messages from regional business around its identified key policy areas.”
Professor Zoe Radnor, Dean, University of Leicester School of Business, said: “By working in partnership with East Midlands Chamber, particularly with regards the Quarterly Economic Surveys, we will be able to grow its influence in the local economy and enhance the impact it has for our local organisations and guide future generations of entrepreneurs.”
To take part in the Quarterly Economic Survey, visit http://bit.ly/2GuuVy5. The survey is live from today (19 February) and will be open until 12 March.
