Businesses across the South West want new Prime Minister Boris Johnson to sort out Brexit, invest in the region’s digital and renewable energy firms, boost skills and reform Business Tax – and have improve his attitude after his infamous “**** business” comment.
Stuart Elford, chief executive of Devon and Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, said Brexit comes top of the wish list, but is not the only priority.
He said: “We will be writing to the new Prime Minister and seeking his assurance that he will break the Brexit impasse and avoid a messy and disorderly exit on October 31.
“He must also take immediate steps to inject momentum and confidence into the 海角视频 economy and address some of the many challenges that have been ignored while the paralysis over Brexit has consumed government.
“The costs of doing business, especially around people, skills and business rates are stifling growth.
“More specifically, we want assurances that he will ‘Back The South West’ and that it will not be overlooked as we seek investment in our physical and digital infrastructure.
“The South West is an excellent place to do business and provides an attractive commercial environment with its rich mix of vibrant commerce and natural assets with diverse and dynamic communities offering exceptional opportunities and a great work/life balance.
“We believe that the region can do even better and prosper with the appropriate focus and investment.”
Most Read
Kim Conchie, chief executive of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, also wants investment – and to know exactly where Mr Johnson stands on business.
He said: “We want him to ‘Back the South West’. He should look carefully at digital connectivity, renewable energy and skills.
“If he invests in these things the South West will pay that back handsomely, and look to export digital goods and services.
“Also, Business Tax needs to be cleared up. We can’t have it for bricks-and-mortar businesses but not digital ones.
“And I’m worried he said ‘**** business’, what did he mean by that? How is he going to help businesses? We want a different attitude. We want all our businesses in the South West to feel confident.”
Mark Pellow, chairman of Exeter Chamber of Commerce, said: “Certainty of direction is what Exeter businesses are craving most, but today’s Conservative leadership result is unlikely to resolve this in the short term.
Don’t miss
“We can only watch and hope while those that can, prepare for the risk of leaving the EU without a transition deal.
“The longer term trade deal will be of most importance to the economy and our businesses, that is assuming we do actually leave at some stage, which remains uncertain.
"Exeter and the surrounding area has however proven its economy’s strength in recent years and I believe will successfully get through whatever lays ahead."
Lee Nathan, Plymouth chairman for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said Business Tax reform was a top priority, as was help for the embattled high street.
He said: “Spiralling business rates and ever-increasing rents are piling on to small retailers, hospitality businesses and others on the high street.
“The high cost of town centre parking, poor infrastructure, the blight of potholes and the loss of vital banking services are also ramping up the pressure.
“We know that small business owners are resilient and are used to adapting to market forces. But we want to see Government and local authorities come together to look at real solutions to these issues so that our high streets are not only able to survive, but to thrive.
“We’ve set out five key areas to be targeted, from tackling ever-increasing business rates bills and simplifying the way bills can be appealed, to calling on local councils to increase the amount of free town centre parking.”
“Over the long term, a serious look is needed to overhaul the unfair, regressive business rates tax that hits firms before they’ve had the chance to make their first pound of turnover, let alone profit.”
He added: “Let’s end the Brexit impasse and let’s all get back to supporting small businesses.”
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.
To contact William: Email: william.telford@reachplc.com - Phone: 01752 293116 - Mob: 07584 594052 - Twitter: - LinkedIn: - Facebook:
Stay in touch: BusinessLive newsletters have been re-designed to make them even better. We send morning bulletins straight to your inbox on the latest news, views and opinion in the South West. Get our breaking news alerts and weekly sector reviews too. Sign up now - it's free and it only takes a minute. To sign up for Business Live's daily newsletters click .
And visit the Business Live South West LinkedIn page
Phil Smith, Managing Director at the Business West, said: “The message to Boris Johnson from business communities around the 海角视频 couldn’t be simpler: the time for campaigning is over — and we need you to get down to business.
“Companies need to know, in concrete terms, what your government will do to avoid a messy, disorderly Brexit on October 31 - which would bring pain to communities across the 海角视频 and disruption to our trade around the world.
“We need to see swift action on practical, real-world issues here at home that hold businesses and communities back.
“Tomorrow, as part of the British Chambers of Commerce, we will be sending you 15 specific steps you can take — right now — to rebuild business confidence swiftly over the coming days.
“We will work with you wherever we can to make these proposals a reality, but we will also hold you and your government to account for delivery.”
Eric Nicholls, chair of the Cornwall Manufacturers Group, said: “We urge the new Prime Minister to do everything possible to resolve the Brexit saga, so that business can move forward."After being in limbo for so long, confidence for manufacturing is increasingly fragile. With many customers holding back on investment or future orders, we need certainty, in whatever shape it maybe, of how we will do business with our international partners in the future so we can all plan and get on with it.”