(Alliance News) - A business leader is urging the next government to stop "treading on eggshells" around trade with the EU if it wants to grow the UK economy.
Shevaun Haviland, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said firms want to know what the government will do on day one after the election.
She will tell a BCC conference on Thursday: "After six weeks of electioneering, businesses will be looking at the next government and who will be true to their word.
"We must stop walking on eggshells and start saying it how it is.
"The current plan isn't working for our members. But better trade terms are possible if the UK government and the EU reach agreement in areas of mutual benefit for business on both sides. A better deal is best for everyone.
"Business wants a long-term, sustainable economic growth plan – some call it an industrial strategy, call it what you like, but what we need is a plan for the next 10, 15, 20 years and beyond.
"Firms don't want handouts, they want government to create the right environment so they can thrive.
"Whoever wins next week, we are ready to lean in and help our new government power the economy.
"Our plan is to build an economy that has the green transition at its core, with a workforce fit for the future, living in thriving local places and powered by businesses that are globally facing and digitally enabled."
She will add that skills are a top concern for BCC members, saying: "It's time for action to boost investment in skills.
"It's not about cutting up existing plans, it's about making sure the right initiatives are given time to work."
source: PA
Copyright 2024 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
