Clearview National November 2016 - Issue 180 | Page 20

INDUSTRYNEWS

Response to
Chancellor’s speech
to conference
“The Government is right to adopt a more
flexible approach to fiscal policy at this point,
but it remains essential that public finances are
sustainable over the economic cycle.”

Carolyn Fairbairn

Mike Cherry
»»THE CBI AND FEDERATION OF
Small Businesses (FSB) has responded to
a speech given by the Chancellor, Philip
Hammond, at the Conservative Party
Conference.
Across the UK, the CBI speaks on behalf
of 190,000 businesses of all sizes and sectors.
The CBI’s corporate members together employ
nearly 7 million people, about one third of
private sector-employees.
Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General,
said: “With the clock now ticking on an EU
exit, it’s good to see the government set out
the right chapter headings on how to boost
confidence in our economy. We must now
hear more on how government will work
with business to build an inclusive, long-term
industrial strategy. The Autumn Statement
must move us several steps on to drive
future investment and innovation across the
country.

20 » N OV 2016 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M

ON A NEW EU RELATIONSHIP
Carolyn continued, “The potential shortfall
from a loss of EU funding has been a grave
concern for many UK universities and
businesses, so the news that the government is
extending its commitment to meet those funds
will bring some relief.
“But the core challenge still remains: to get
the best deal for the UK and keep the economy
on track, the government needs to set out a
roadmap of engagement with businesses to
truly understand the needs and concerns of
businesses on the ground.”
As experts in business, FSB offers members a
wide range of vital business services, including
advice, financial expertise, support and a
powerful voice in government. Its aim is to
help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions.
Mike Cherry, National Chairman, said, “We
welcome the new guarantee for multi-year EU
project funding after we have left the EU. FSB
is keen to work with government to make sure
the funding continues to flow for projects key
to British business, including infrastructure,
access to finance and business support.”
ON HOUSING
Carolyn commented, “The Chancellor is
absolutely right in his desire to tackle head
on the shortage of homes in Britain, with a
welcome focus on unlocking brownfield sites
and surplus public sector land.
“Housing is a critical social issue and
underpins regional productivity. We have a
mountain to climb on this front if we are to
reach our targets and continued determined
action will be needed.
“The market requires a mix of players and
it’s right that smaller firms are supported in
building the homes Britain needs, as many have
struggled to recover since the last recession.
“A vibrant and healthy housing market will
help young people get on and move up the

ladder, but also mean employees can live closer
to their workplaces.
“It will be equally important to build the
right kind of homes, by looking not only to
homeownership but also the private rental
sector and affordable housing.
Mike Cherry said, “To solve the housing
crisis, smaller builders need an extra boost. The
£1 billion short term loans scheme is a shot
in the arm for British small house builders,
creating thousands of new jobs in the process.
However, the FSB is calling for changes to the
community infrastructure levy to reflect the
higher costs of building small developments.”
ON AN EXTRA £220 MILLION
SUPPORT FOR TECH INNOVATION
Carolyn says, “Making the transition from
ground-breaking research to world-class
products can be a real jump for some, so
raising investment in how we achieve that will
make that gap look a little smaller.”
Mike Cherry said, “The £120 million
announced to boost tech transfers will help
small business to commercialise the best of
British science. FSB hopes this leads to a
more innovative partnership between small
businesses and universities. This will yield
greater benefits for UK PLC and the local
economies in which they are rooted.”
ON THE NATIONAL
INFRASTRUCTURE COMMISSION
“It’s great to hear the government reiterate
its backing for the National Infrastructure
Commission,” says Carolyn. “It must be
positioned as truly independent if the UK
is to deliver a 21st century infrastructure
throughout the country.”
Mike Cherry commented, “Small
businesses within the Northern Powerhouse
and the Midlands Engine will be pleased by
confirmation that the Chancellor will provide
the political leadership for these projects.
Over 40 per cent of our members want to see
greater local control over spending, but also
investment in digital infrastructure, inter-city
transport and workplace skills.”