Responding to the Chancellor’s speech at the Regional Investment Summit, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said:

“These new investments must drive the partnership between government and business to a new level, as we work together to power up our regions.

“To boost economic growth, we have to leverage the skills, talent and innovation of every town, city and place.  A thriving network of businesses across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, will ensure we can all prosper and hit our goal of becoming the fastest growing economy in the G7.

“At its heart, growth must be driven by local communities and the firms within them.

“Business has always understood this. Creating strong regions with powerful links between them creates more opportunities for everyone.

“Modern and efficient infrastructure is also a key part of this equation – transport networks, energy grids, digital connections and other utilities must effectively service businesses wherever they are located.

“That cannot happen without an effective and efficient planning system, that is sufficiently resourced and balanced so that this development is properly nurtured.

“Plans to cut the cost of regulation are also welcome, but firms must be consulted so any initiatives have maximum impact. Now is the time to boost growth, and changes like this can help to unleash the innovation of UK PLC.”