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Posted on:
27th March, 2025

The world may have changed - but Business Boards are key to local growth.

Now that the Chancellor has delivered her much anticipated Spring Statement, and the Office of Budget responsibility have published their economic forecast - business has had a chance to assess the results - before the Spending Review and Autumn Budget loom large. Below, Business Board Network Chair, Mark Bretton, voices the view from the Business Board end:

“With the economy battling constant headwinds and precarious growth – it is vital that we support our local business leaders to overcome these challenges and boost economic growth – whether that’s getting ambitious Local Growth Plans in place, bolstering the opportunities for investment and innovation, underpinning the devolution agenda, building local skills, implementing the industrial and trade strategies at a local level, or delivering infrastructure at pace – it is business, particularly local business and our Business Board leaders, that are the catalysts best placed to deliver real world growth.

“We have done a vast amount of groundwork that has helped many regions establish successful and influential Business Boards across the country that are already making a positive impact on growth in their local areas – and, despite the funding challenges, we are determined that they and the local business voice continue to be championed and supported by the Business Board Network as they build in strength. They are key to successful economic growth.”

The Business Board Network produced a snapshot summary of the Spring Statement with some highlighted reactions from key business organisation - available here.