Business West, the business support group which runs Bristol Chamber of Commerce, has broadly welcomed the Heseltine review into UK competitiveness.
The independent report, drawn up by former Tory Cabinet minister Lord Heseltine, makes 89 recommendations which aim to inject stability into the economy, create the conditions for growth and maximise the performance of the UK.
Lord Heseltine, pictured below launching his report yesterday, said his proposed measures would unleash the potential of local economies and leaders and enable every part of the UK economy to raise its game.
Business West managing director Phil Smith said: “The Heseltine review is potentially an exciting time for Business West and other accredited chambers of commerce across the country.
“We welcome the detailed consideration Lord Heseltine has given to the role chambers of commerce can and do play in supporting business growth and UK competitiveness. It is encouraging to see the positive messages about the chamber movement and the possibilities identified for the future.”
He described the idea of building a business support infrastructure based around chambers of commerce as “both exciting and challenging”.
Business West is one of the UK’s largest chambers of commerce, delivering more than 30 different services to 16,000-plus businesses across the West of England and providing many of the functions and services mentioned as part of Lord Heseltine’s vision for business support infrastructure.
“This role and function is something the review team recognised and is reflected in the fact that we are the only chamber to be mentioned in detail in the associated report on Chambers of Commerce International Comparisons, with a whole page annex about us,” said Mr Smith.
“We look forward to a positive engagement with Government ministers and officials to further enhance and strengthen our role in Bath, Bristol, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.”
