Latest Updates From Surrey Chambers CEO – 2nd January 2025

2nd January 2025

The end of 2024 saw several announcements, made by the government, which needed responses from us to ensure the business voice was heard. We have also been putting together a great set of events for 2025 and are looking forward to a bumper year for supporting our business community in whatever way they need us. We look forward to a peaceful but exciting 2025, during which we will continue to fight the corner of business and provide the strongest business voice, especially in Surrey.

Reactions to the budget

The Chamber network had the chance to sit with the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, to share with her some of the reactions to the budget. We raised the impact of policy measures, including the rise in employer national insurance contributions, directly with her. We told her that the Budget was tough for business. Most firms are now facing a raft of increased costs in the coming months. Higher bills will impact on investment and recruitment, and our latest forecast also suggests the ripples will be felt across the wider economy. We made it clear that with costs rising it is vital the Government delivers on its promise to create long-term frameworks for economic stability. Upcoming strategies on industry, infrastructure and trade have the potential to accelerate business investment and growth and we are well placed to engage in partnership with Government at the highest level; to discuss the challenges the economy is facing and offer business-focussed solutions.

National Planning Framework 

Just before we closed for Christmas the Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, published a new National Planning Policy Framework for England, which should remove blockers to development and speed up the planning process thus helping to boost investment opportunities and growth. We need to build more good quality homes, where people want to live, and connect these to employment sites with the right supporting infrastructure.  In tandem with this, the Government also needs to plan better for business land use. These initial changes are promising but we need to see action quickly.  We can’t afford more dithering and delay. A clear timetable is needed for implementation and more skilled planners to deliver it at pace. The proof of success will be judged by whether the reforms deliver for people, business and the economy.

White paper on English Devolution

A very significant late 2024 announcement was the launch of the White Paper on English Devolution, More devolution to communities across England is something business will welcome if it helps drive forward local economic growth. As local leaders get more powers it’s vital that businesses are always at the table helping to mould policy. That must include shaping local growth plans and helping to deliver the industrial strategy. Surrey Chambers of Commerce is totally immersed in the strategies affecting the Surrey economy and will continue to take the business voice to all decision-making meetings.

Closer to home

Keep an eye out for some exciting new events to help you grow your business as well as many topical events and networking opportunities. Although there are some challenges on the horizon mainly around cost hikes and recruitment, we will be keeping the updates and support coming to help you be as successful as possible.

Surrey Chambers of Commerce can be reached on 01483 735540, info@surrey-chambers.co.uk, @surreychambers www.surrey-chambers.co.uk