General Election Archives - Destination Chesterfield

Chesterfield business leaders react to Labour’s general election win

5th July 2024

The Chair of Destination Chesterfield and the Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber have both given their views on the general election result.

This morning, it has been confirmed that the Labour Party will govern the country after securing a large majority in the commons.

Reacting to this morning’s news, Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “I’d like to extend my congratulations to the new Prime Minister, and to all candidates who took part in the election campaign.

“Countless hours of work go into campaigning ahead of a general election, ensuring voters are well informed of each party’s priorities.

“A change in leadership for the country will mean potential new opportunities for Chesterfield, as we look forward to unlocking further investment for our region.

“Recent regeneration projects which have taken place across Chesterfield show that partnership working between the public and private sectors are vital to boosting growth and jobs. Therefore, we are eager to continue this collaboration with the government to put forward Chesterfield’s case for further growth and investment in the future.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber also reiterated the fact that government must play its part in unlocking economic growth for the region.

He said: “Business wants the best outcomes that will remove barriers to economic growth in the East Midlands and we look forward to hearing the new Government’s plans as soon as possible.

“Government’s purpose is to create an economic environment that allows businesses to invest, to create and sustain jobs – and then to get out of the way to allow business to thrive. That’s what the business community needs for growth in the East Midlands and we stand ready to advise and hold the new government to account at both national and regional level to ensure that enacting the needs of our region’s businesses is top of the list.

“Business currency is confidence – confidence means growth, investment into people, plant and machinery and digital transformation. Our Manifesto for Growth sets out what businesses in the East Midlands need across the areas of Investment, Innovation, International Trade and Infrastructure. We’ve presented it to Westminster; it’s ready for the new government to get on with and I urge its implementation.”

Find out more about why Chesterfield is ideally located to be the base for your business.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber

Chamber reacts to general election announcement

23rd May 2024

East Midlands Chamber has reacted to the news that a general election will be held on 4th July 2024, reflecting on what it means for our region.

Yesterday, Prime Minister announced the news that Britain will be going to the polls this summer.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber commented: “Confirmation that the General Election will be held on 4th July is something we welcome as a politically uncertain environment can hinder planning and decision-making for businesses. Regardless of who is in power, we’re clear in the East Midlands of the policy reform that we need to see to enable business growth.

“For too long our region has been overlooked when it comes to investment, despite the fantastic businesses we have here and our status as a Centre of Trading Excellence – making, moving and innovating the goods and services that make our country tick. Earlier this year we went to Westminster to present our asks directly to the government in our Manifesto for Growth 2024.

“The Manifesto is the direct result of what businesses have been telling us they need from the next UK Government and provides a clear blueprint for the things that would support our growth and success. The document details specific policy asks across four key areas – People and Skills, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Planning, Taxation and Regulation.

“We look forward to continuing our conversations with all of those standing to represent communities in the East Midlands over the coming weeks and ensuring they understand the ways that, if successful, they can support our local businesses to deliver the growth and success that the whole country wants to see.”

East Midlands Chamber is currently working alongside Chesterfield Borough Council to deliver support for organisations in Chesterfield through the Chesterfield Accelerator programme. Find out more about the support available at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

East Midlands Chamber supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Man wearing suit speaking on a stage at a lectern

Scott Knowles, East Midlands Chamber