Responding to the government’s Industrial Strategy published this week (Monday 23 June, 2025) Ross McNally, Chief Executive and Executive Chairman of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Finally, we have a national plan that focuses on long-term growth over ten years.
“It’s a welcome move that contributes strategic certainty from government so that businesses can get on and do what they do best: invest in jobs, productivity and growth so as to create wealth and prosperity.
“The focus on priority sectors such as advanced manufacturing, defence, clean energy, life sciences and creative industries plays directly into Hampshire’s strengths in all these areas so that is great news for us.
“Equally, the co-ordinated support for skills development, including in targeted sectors such as defence and engineering, is something we have long called for and made a priority in our work to date on the two Local Skills Improvement Plans in Hampshire.
“We stand ready to partner with government to ensure the industrial strategy is a success over the coming years.
“At the same time, we recognise the huge challenges facing many businesses in the short term.
“We therefore reiterate our demand that there should be no new business taxes in the Budget.
“On the contrary, government must work on ways now to reduce the existing tax burden, from reform of business rates to mitigating the rise in employer National Insurance contributions.
“For businesses to seize the growth opportunities that the industrial strategy promises, they need the scope to operate successfully now and we are currently still in a period of low business confidence.”
Responding to the publication of the Industrial Strategy, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said:
“[The] Industrial Strategy is an important milestone towards creating a competitive economy that is fit for the future, with thriving businesses in every region of the UK.
“From start-ups and SMEs to large corporates, firms need a stable environment that enables faster, easier and more certain investment decisions. This strategy is a welcome blueprint for policymakers and business to achieve this.
“Firms have sounded the alarm about uncompetitive energy bills for years. This is welcome support for electricity-intensive businesses that will ease long-term cost pressures.
“Access to a skilled workforce is vital to growth. Employers called for a more flexible Growth and Skills Levy and will be relieved that they can access shorter courses to upskill people in work from next April.
“Plans to improve access to finance – a major barrier for many SMEs – will enable more firms to start, scale and grow.
“We were pleased to convene business and Government across our Chamber network in recent months. Much of what we shared with policymakers, has been heard and reflected in this strategy. There’s more to do and we are ready to support the next steps.
“We encourage businesses to get behind this strategy and champion the UK as the best place to live, work, invest, and do business.”
About Hampshire Chamber of Commerce
Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is the independent voice of local business across the county and one of the largest regional business networks in the UK. With a strategic vision to ‘unlock Hampshire’s potential’, Hampshire Chamber brings together the combined influence, strength and expertise of the county’s three former major chambers. It works with over 2,000 individual firms spanning all sectors and sizes of business. Member services include training, advice, international trade documentation, events, networking opportunities and lobbying to policymakers on issues affecting business. Hampshire Chamber’s business network is designed to help any employer to grow and thrive irrespective of their stage on the enterprise journey.
About the British Chambers of Commerce - Where Business Belongs
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) sits at the heart of a powerful network of 51 Chambers of Commerce across the UK, representing thousands of firms. It provides a unified voice for these companies, rooted in their communities, at the national level. We link our UK network with over 75 international member chambers, to promote trade and investment, and work for a better future for businesses around the world.
For more information, visit: www.britishchambers.org.uk