Chancellor’s Focus On Growth Welcome
8th September 2026
Responding to the Chancellor’s speech on growth, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
“The British Chambers of Commerce welcomes the Chancellor’s recognition of the resilience and challenges facing British firms, and his backing for business to deliver growth.
“He rightly recognised that growth across the country is the only sustainable route to tackle the twin cost of living and cost of doing business crises blighting the nation.
“A focus on unlocking investment, supporting innovation, and boosting jobs and skills is a good starting point. Announcements on more regional control of tax revenues, a focus on quicker infrastructure delivery and helping more young people into work are the right ones.
“But today’s words must now be matched by delivery. Firms have endured a tsunami of policy-driven costs over the last decade, leaving business confidence and investment intentions in tatters. The Budget will be the real test of whether the Government is serious about growing the economy, and that means measures to cut the cost of doing business.
“Our three immediate asks are clear. First, cut Employer National Insurance for under-25s to lower the cost of hiring and help more young people into work.
“Second, introduce a targeted package to reduce energy and business-rates pressures, including government funding for 75% of the Renewables Obligation on business electricity bills and lower rateable-value multipliers.
“Third, restore consistent, locally delivered export support so more businesses can trade globally.
“These are practical, fiscally responsible steps that would give firms breathing space to invest, recruit and expand. They should sit alongside medium and longer-term reform on skills, infrastructure and business taxation.
“As a place-based network, Chambers of Commerce stand ready to work with government, nationally and locally, to turn today’s ambition into investment and opportunity in every postcode.”
