Responding to Kemi Badenoch’s speech at the Conservative Party Conference, Tim Snowball, Director of Communications and Public Affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 

“We welcome the Leader of the Opposition putting economic stability at the heart of her speech and acknowledging that businesses are key to driving growth.  

“Firms fully recognise apprenticeships as high-quality qualifications which help support important skills pipelines. While an extra funding pledge is welcome, it’s important the UK’s world-class university sector does not suffer as a result.  

“It was encouraging to hear Mrs Badenoch understand the critical role the North Sea will continue to play in our energy needs for some time to come. We’ve been clear, this must be supported by an end to the Energy Profits Levy.

“However, business will be alarmed over plans to scrap the Climate Change Act, which feel like a retrograde step for the long-term transition and the UK’s ability to attract investment.  

“As the Conservatives continue to develop policies, we look forward to engaging directly with the party to make sure the UK remains a competitive place to start, grow and invest in a business.”