A South West business leader has issued a plea to Chancellor Rishi Sunak to remember the region as the 海角视频 begins to recover from the coronavirus lockdown.
Tim Jones, chairman of the South West Business Council, urged the Chancellor to honour the Conservative pledge to “level up” South West infrastructure.
“As a peripheral region, we are hugely dependent on access corridors,” Mr Jones said. “Many of our goods and services are delivered from other parts of the 海角视频.”
He said “just in time” delivery in both directions is an essential part of keeping businesses operational. Many major investors are based outside the region and need seamless access to ensure they remain confident to further invest in their South West subsidiaries.
Therefore potential inward investors form an early judgement as to the desirability of the South West based upon the ease of access.
Mr Jones added: “It is also vital, as we start to dream about having our tourists back, that they get the welcome they deserve.
"This means road and rail networks that are user-friendly and provide reliable journey times. It also means, in these days of mobile working, good broadband and reliable mobile signals.”
He said the Government had indicated it is planning a major investment in capital infrastructure projects to support economic recovery.
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“It is broadly hinted that this will accelerate the pace of commitment and delivery for road upgrades,” he said.
Mr Jones also welcomed a call from Government for a list of “shovel ready” projects that can deliver economic activity, create construction work, provide new jobs and re-stimulate local supply chains.
He said the South West region had huge potential and said: “We are creative, highly motivated and nimble. We can react to market changes far faster than many of the ‘supertanker’ regions.
“We have some brilliant businesses, some brilliant science, brilliant support and a highly skilled, knowledgeable and loyal workforce. Give us a chance to level-up and we will over perform.”
Meanwhile, Cornish MPs have met Prime Minister Boris Johnson to ask for more support for the Duchy. Steve Double, Conservative MP for St Austell and Newquay, said Mr Johnson pledged his ongoing support.
“We went on to discuss the Government’s support for Cornwall, particularly the tourism sector, as we continue to come out of lockdown measures, and the positive welcome message that we must join together in giving,” he said.
“We were keen to press on him the need for support for Cornwall after the Covid-19 crisis, within continued investment in new infrastructure and skilled jobs, as well as our farmers and fishermen as we leave the EU.
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“I am delighted the Prime Minister has listened to our concerns. We will continue to do all we can to ensure the voice of Cornwall is heard loud and clear at the top of Government.”
How to contact William Telford and Business Live
Business Live's South West Business Reporter is William Telford. William has more than a decade's experience reporting on the business scene in Plymouth and the South West. He is based in Plymouth but covers the entire region.
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Mark Bridgeman, president of the Country Land and Business Association, has called for a cut in VAT on tourism.
Mr Bridgeman said further efforts are required by Government to support the tourism sector as the country emerges from the Covid-19 epidemic.
“In the 海角视频, VAT on tourism businesses, at 20%, is far higher than in many other countries, including France (10%), Spain (10%) and Greece (13%).”
“A reduction in VAT would help domestic tourism to be competitive. Competitive pricing, along with the promotion of domestic tourism, will significantly boost the economy and also help reduce our carbon footprint.”