Partner Article

NECC call for clarity

Business leaders in the North East have told the government that their current measures for beating the downturn are falling short of what is needed.

The North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) wants the Chancellor to put forward a package of tax breaks, job support, and smarter use of public procurement.

James Ramsbotham, NECC chief executive, said: “A significant number of initiatives have already been established by the Government to combat the downturn. However, NECC is concerned that these fall short of what is really needed to give the economy a jump-start.

“Speaking on behalf of 4,500 businesses in NECC membership, we are setting out for the Government real, practical measures that will have far greater impact. The sooner they are launched, the sooner the UK economy will get back on track.”

NECC believes that a major stimulus to the North East economy would result if the region’s transport infrastructure were improved, particularly upgrades to the A19 roundabouts north and south of the Tyne Tunnel.

Other measures required include a moratorium on unnecessary regulation, wider funding for strategic skills courses and mobilisation of the international Chamber network to avoid protectionism stifling global trade.

Mr Ramsbotham said: “These are undoubtedly testing times for the Government but these measures will be a lifeline for those companies that are experiencing short-term difficulties caused by the global slowdown.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .