Welcoming UK chancellor of the treasury Rachel Reeves’ plans to deliver the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said these pledges can lift the gloom that has settled over the economy and give firms real confidence.?

“Expanding our international airport capacity, investing in modern roads and railways, and rebalancing the planning system all send signals that the UK is building for a better future,” BCC director general Shevaun Haviland said in a statement.

“These pledges will make businesses and international investors sit up and take notice,” she said.

“We must also use this moment as a springboard to develop further ambitions around large scale infrastructure. Projects like Sizewell C, additional elements of Northern Powerhouse Rail, the Ely/Haughley rail junctions and the Rampion 2 windfarm must also be greenlit,” she noted.?

“Well-planned, financially and environmentally sustainable infrastructure programmes boost competitiveness, create jobs and generate lasting economic benefits for regions and the whole country. They increase capacity and reduce journey times, forge stronger business connections, expand labour markets and create opportunities for millions.?They are a massive stimulus to their local economies.,” she said.

“They support the obvious industries—construction, manufacturing and logistics—but they also feed into retail, hospitality for visiting workers and technical support,” she said.?

“With many businesses struggling with increasing costs, today’s proposals must also be backed up by business rates reform, better export support and an employment rights package that works for firms,” she added.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)