Sheffield Chamber reacts to Prime Minister’s speech

The executive director of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce says the Prime Minister’s speech to the Conservative Party Conference was encouraging for the region’s business.

Richard Wright said he was pleased to see David Cameron putting enterprise, wealth generation and aspiration at the forefront of his speech.

Mr Wright said: “This will strike a chord with businesses of all sizes, as only business growth can propel Britain’s economy from being just good to being truly great. We want every party to give us the same message.

“We need all the leaders to talk about long-term planning as politicians can often think too short-term. This must be applied to infrastructure projects in particular, as these are an economic stimulus in their own right and will create jobs and drive growth for decades to come.

“If the eighteen months until the next General Election are spent on ensuring fiscal discipline, improving infrastructure, helping businesses access capital, training up our young people and supporting our exporters, then the changes the country needs are achievable.

“But if our political class descends into cheap electioneering and giveaway politics, it will have wasted a once-in-a-generation attempt to build a strong new foundation for economic growth.

“The core vision is there but the harder task of making it happen still lies ahead. No government can afford to become complacent, and must focus on creating an environment that supports enterprise, and puts economic growth at its heart.”