Responding to The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak MP’s announcement of a Winter Economic Plan, including a new raft of measures to support businesses and the economy as the pandemic continues, BCC Director General Adam Marshall said:
“The measures announced by the Chancellor will give business and the economy an important shot in the arm. Chambers of Commerce have consistently called for a new generation of support to help protect livelihoods and ease the cash pressures faced by firms as they head into a challenging and uncertain winter.
“The Chancellor has responded to our concerns with substantial steps that will help companies preserve jobs and navigate through the coming months. The new Jobs Support Scheme will help many companies hold on to valued, skilled employees. Businesses will be eager to see the detail and consider whether and how they will be able to use the scheme.
“The Chancellor has listened to our consistent calls for an extension of business lending schemes, more flexible repayment terms for loans, and tax forbearance measures. With almost 40% of our firms saying they have 3 months cash in reserve or less, this will lessen the immediate pressure and provide reassurance for many affected firms at a challenging time.
“The Chancellor must remain open to taking additional action to support parts of the economy facing unprecedented challenges over the months ahead. Chambers of Commerce across the UK will continue to work with government to ensure the benefits of these schemes are delivered to firms on the ground.”
Doncaster Chamber CEO Dan Fell added: “Today’s announcements are a welcome step in the right direction and will help to protect jobs in Doncaster and across the UK. However, there remains much for Government to do in order to support businesses and protect the economy.
“Whilst acknowledging the need to balance sometimes competing health and economic priorities, the Chamber would urge Government to do more to stimulate demand in the economy. This includes the need to move beyond warm rhetoric about ‘levelling up’ and to start announcing big transformational projects that will benefit economies such as Yorkshire.
“Additionally, we would like to see concrete steps being taken to encourage consumer activity that will benefit hard hit sectors such as hospitality, retail and cultural industries.”
