Chamber call for action with their 'Vision for Sheffield'
Monday, 8 Mar 2010
Sheffield Chamber of Commerce is calling on the main political parties to listen to local businesses on the issues which will affect the region’s economy during the next decade.
At a special launch event in the city, the chamber published a new policy manifesto, titled ‘Working for Business: A Vision for Sheffield’, which lists key requirements to help the city become a better place to do business.
Priorities have been clustered into five key areas, growth and enterprise, regulation and taxation, skills and education, infrastructure and effective transport connections.
Dr Adam Marshall, director of policy and external affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce, attended the launch at the Sheffield Chamber’s headquarters at Albion House.
‘Working for Business: A Vision for Sheffield’ will form the basis of all discussions and lobbying with politicians, elected members and public officials up to and beyond the local and general elections.
The business blueprint has been created by the Sheffield Chamber’s policy team and council of members, after speaking with companies across the city.
Iain Smith, Sheffield Chamber’s policy and representation manager, said: “As the leading business support and representation organisation in the city we have a responsibility to ensure that we are speaking on behalf of our members, particularly at such a crucial point in the national political and economic cycle.
“We were keen to ensure the document was relevant, focused and ambitious. Each section outlines where we want Sheffield to be in ten to 15 years time and then outlines a few clear policies that are needed in order to achieve it.
“We have recognised the prospect of diminishing public finances and make a simple assertion; that through a better allocation of resources and a sensible long-term strategy, Sheffield businesses will thrive.”
Cllr Colin Ross, cabinet member for employment, enterprise and development at Sheffield City Council, added: “We welcome this manifesto from the Sheffield Chamber and their members as it provides on-going dialogue with local businesses.
“In order for the City Council to support and build the development of Sheffield‘s economy over the next decade, it is important to have the views of businesses, their needs and requirements, to help meet their objectives. ‘Working for Business: A Vision for Sheffield’, provides that platform.
“We will be working closely with the Sheffield Chamber and other partner organisations to put the economic agenda at the centre of everything we do.”
Some of the policies called for include more incentives for companies which make capital investments, Sheffield to be included in a High Speed Rail network, a halt on the rise in National Insurance payments and business grants to be awarded on the basis of removing barriers to business or potential competitiveness, rather than simply the number of jobs created.
The British Chambers of Commerce and the Yorkshire and Humber Chambers of Commerce have also created business manifestos, which set out business priorities such as infrastructure, barriers to growth, trade and enterprise.
Pictured (left to right): Dr Adam Marshall, director of policy and external affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce, Nick Williams, President of the Sheffield Chamber Council, Iain Smith, Sheffield Chamber’s policy and representation manager, Nigel Tomlinson, chief executive of Sheffield Chamber and Nick Tovey, President of the Sheffield Chamber.
DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE MANIFESTO HERE.