From providing stability through to presenting a united front globally, business leaders from across the city and the county offered their words of wisdom in the latest issue of C&W in Business.
Declan Allen, of HORIBA MIRA, said: “I’d like to see decisiveness and speed, and understanding where the growth opportunities are. Then working with companies to present a united front globally so that we can attract global businesses through our innovation capabilities in the UK. We’re not competing region versus region, it’s a global race for success.”
Steve Harcourt, of Prime Accountants Group, said: “Investment and productivity remain at the heart of the UK’s economic debate. The challenge now is turning ambition into execution – particularly when it comes to scaling innovative businesses and equipping the workforce for the next wave of technological change.”
Nicholas Gould, of omnigo, said: “Stability is the key to everything. I'd like to see people in roles and functions of Government where they have expertise and to stay there. I want to see an end to the revolving door and allow politicians to build up their knowledge of their brief and, therefore, become better at their job.”
Carol Thomas, CEO and Principal at Coventry College, said: “I want to see further education placed firmly at the heart of the country’s growth agenda. Colleges need long-term certainty on capital and project funding, fair investment in the FE workforce, and greater flexibility to respond quickly to employer and regional skills needs.
“Simplifying apprenticeships, especially for SMEs, is vital, alongside continued investment in estates, digital infrastructure and industry-standard equipment. We also need stronger support for disadvantaged learners, SEND, transport and mental health, ensuring opportunity is open to all, and skills policy matches priorities such as AI, green technologies, health and construction.”
Rachael Chadwick-Harrison, of Chadwick Accountants and Bookkeepers, said: “I'd like to see a government that genuinely backs businesses as the engine of economic growth. Reducing Employers' National Insurance would encourage recruitment, making it easier for businesses to create jobs. Reinstating funding for Level 7 apprenticeships in professional sectors would help smaller firms compete with larger employers for talent and invest in developing future leaders.”
Verity Tiff, Blue Badge Tourist Guide, said: “The new Prime Minister needs to decide what they are going to do, and actually stick to it, and stop keep chopping and changing course. We need a proper long-term policy to solve some of the really key issues.”
To read the full article, including a review of the recent British Chambers of Commerce conference go to https://issuu.com/benham/docs/c_w_july_26
