BREXIT HUB
2020 and Beyond
2020 and Beyond: Business Priorities for the next UK Government outlines the key business priorities for the new UK Government.
It has been developed with the 53 accredited Chambers of Commerce across the UK and the BCC’s growing global network and sets out the key priorities that would enable businesses of all sizes to reignite the country’s stagnating economy.
The BCC’s key business priorities for the new administration centre around:
• International trade
• People
• Business investment and costs
• Infrastructure
TRADE
• Ensure continuity of trading conditions with third countries so that businesses can continue to benefit from the levels of market access that they have had under European Union free trade agreements.
• Secure the future of the UK-European Union trading relationship, minimising cross-border trade frictions and avoiding a hard border with Ireland.
PEOPLE
• Introduce a simple and flexible new immigration system that minimises the administrative burden on businesses and allows access to all skill levels – including temporary, seasonal and permanent roles – with recognition of professional qualifications.• Increase funding for apprenticeships to ensure SMEs can access training, at all skill levels, in their local area and reform the Apprenticeship Levy in England to allow businesses to use all forms of accredited training.
INFRASTRUCTURE
• Raise public investment in infrastructure to at least 1.4 per cent of GDP per year – exceeding the funding guideline of 1.2 per cent recommended by the National Infrastructure Commission.• Complete the legal frameworks for all phases of HS2; deliver promised investment in Northern Powerhouse Rail; and proceed to deliver a UK-wide high-speed rail network as soon as possible.
BUSINESS INVESTMENT AND COSTS
• Launch a business-led review of the business rates system in England and Wales, and work with the Scottish government to co-ordinate these reforms to provide a level playing field.
• Extend the £1 million Annual Investment Allowance for a further two years and widen its scope.
BREXIT
• Avoid a messy and disorderly exit from the European Union. Ensure the smoothest possible shift from a transition period to the future UK-European Union relationship. Introduce a temporary SME Brexit tax credit to support businesses that need to undertake specific activity to adjust to changes in trading conditions.