Brexit 'should not overshadow growth', BCC warns government

08 Mar 2018

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has warned the government that Brexit should not overshadow its plans for boosting growth in the UK economy.

The business group said that the biggest challenges facing the UK are not related to exiting the EU, but to ‘getting the basics right’.

It has urged for the fundamentals to be fixed first, and called on the government to focus on building houses, stabilising the UK’s apprenticeship and training system, and eradicating mobile phone ‘not-spots’.

The BCC also stated that firms want to see a ‘radical, optimistic vision for the future of the UK’.

‘Businesses know that success so often depends on getting the basics right first,’ said Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the BCC.

‘The same holds true for the UK economy. It’s time for Westminster to join us in focusing on the basics. We must equip this country for future success – by fixing the fundamentals first.’

A spokesperson for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy replied: ‘The government’s commitment to boosting productivity and the earning power of people and places across the UK remains steadfast.

‘Through our industrial strategy we are building a Britain fit for the future, with a plan to help businesses create better, higher-paying jobs in every part of the UK.’