Ten point business manifesto includes call for for refined industrial strategy

We have released, in partnership with The Business Magazine, a ten point business manifesto which crystallises what business leaders in the Thames Valley and South of England want from the next government.

The manifesto, which was sent to political leaders this week, set out ten key points from research carried out by The Business Magazine and James Cowper Kreston over a three month period.

The study spoke to business leaders from 40 companies across the Thames Valley and Solent with 100 senior decision makers from the region also canvassed in an online poll. The findings were then presented to two think tank groups in the Solent and Thames Valley for consideration with the outcome being the ten point manifesto below.

The manifesto, which can be viewed in full online, includes calls for a refined industrial strategy, a simplified tax system and to make trade employment a more attractive career route.

The ten points in full:

1. A clear and concise industrial strategy
2. Creation of a centralised planning department
3. Bring simplification and consistency to the tax system
4. Create more government procurement opportunities for SMEs
5. Prioritise digital connectivity
6. Create a joined-up transport network
7. Expand tax incentives to encourage investment in innovation
8. Incentivise employment to increase the labour market
9. Make the trade route an attractive option
10. Create a consistent sustainability strategy

Sue Staunton, Joint Managing Partner of James Cowper Kreston, commented, “Business is the engine-room of the economy and the message we hear consistently from our clients is of the importance they feel of having their opinions heard as to what business needs to prosper within the UK. We’re delighted to have been able to bring key business people together to facilitate discussion around key issues for the future of the economy.”

Richard Thompson, CEO of The Business Magazine, said: "The fact that 40 time-pressured CEOs of some of the country's biggest companies took time out of their schedule to contribute their viewpoints shows how important improving economic growth is to the business community.

"If there was a common theme which ran through our research, it was the need for stability.

"There was a yearning for a period of calm following a turbulent economic decade which has seen frequent changes of Prime Minister, Britain's exit from the European Union and the breakout of war in Ukraine."

Click here to read our full manifesto – ''Setting the Agenda''.