The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), a prominent business organisation operating across all UK regions and representing approximately 50,000 businesses, is positioning itself as a "natural" delivery partner for incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham's economic growth agenda. Burnham, the former Manchester Mayor, has pledged to "rewire the state" through devolution, boost youth employment, and reindustrialise Britain, partly driven by a new 'Number 10 North' initiative.
BCC's Role as Delivery Partner
Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy at the BCC, told City AM: "We'll be reinforcing how Chambers are a natural delivery partner for growth-focused projects 'in every postcode'. Our network is already delivering Local Skills Improvement Plans in 33 areas of England, a successful example of Chamber leadership." The BCC has cautioned Burnham that he "will face the same fundamental challenge as Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves" in driving economic growth, urging him to leverage the BCC's extensive network to realise his ambitions.
Economic Challenges Ahead
Burnham takes office amid declining business confidence and investment. The Institute of Directors' monthly business confidence survey showed a sharp decline in economic sentiment among company bosses in June, with directors expressing greater pessimism about their firms' outlook and future revenue. Sales expectations fell to their lowest point this year. Additionally, available positions in London dropped by five per cent in the second quarter compared to the first three months of the year, according to recruitment firm Morgan McKinley's employment monitor.
Business Hiring Intentions
Separate BCC findings revealed that fewer than a quarter of businesses intended to grow their headcount in the coming months, while just over one in ten were considering reducing their workforce. Shoesmith emphasised that the new Prime Minister must show "that he backs business from day one." Burnham's plans include shifting power away from Westminster and fostering growth in every postcode across the UK.
