Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce has officially launched its Business Manifesto for 2017, which outlines the main policy objectives and campaigns for businesses in the two counties.
The manifesto was launched at an event hosted by Worcester, Bosch which attracted over 80 people from companies across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Speaking at the event were Mike Ashton and Sophia Haywood from Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Neil Schofield from Worcester, Bosch and guest speaker Mike Spicer, Director of Research and Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce.
The manifesto was put together following consultation with the local business community; through the Quarterly Economic Survey, Chamber Area Council Meetings, Bank of England Meetings and the regular interaction that the Chamber has with its members on a daily basis. It aims to identify the key issues facing companies in the two counties and how to work towards solutions. As the voice of business, the Chamber will also relate these concerns back to politicians and work to influence government on the key priorities needed to make the two counties an even better place to do business.
The following areas were found to be the biggest concerns for businesses and make up the content of the manifesto: Skills, Transport Infrastructure, Business Space & Connectivity, Taxation & Red Tape, International Trade, Business Crime, Devolution, and Brexit. In addition to proving local businesses with an insight into the policy campaigns that the Chamber will be pursuing, copies of the manifesto have also been sent to local MPs, MEPs, the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Councilors in both Counties and the British Chambers of Commerce.
To receive a copy of the Manifesto and find out more about the Chamber’s policy objectives for 2017, contact Sophia Haywood, Policy Executive at Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, at sophiah@hwchamber.co.uk
Pictured: Over 80 businesses were in attendance for the launch of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce’s Business Manifesto launch.