Budget is a chance to boost our businesses, not hold them back

All eyes are now on the Autumn Budget, writes Richard Wileman (pictured), president of the Burton & District Chamber of Commerce in his monthly column for the Burton Mail.

While I understand Chancellor Rachel Reeve’s ambitions to grow the economy, reduce inflation and boost productivity, increasing tax on businesses will simply make matters worse - businesses in Burton are already facing uncertain economic conditions, decline in sales, and rising cost pressures.

Furthermore, the recent Quarterly Business Report survey carried out by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) revealed labour costs as the biggest cost pressure squeeze.

And the QBR also revealed that many firms are absorbing these additional costs rather than passing them on to the consumer.

It’s safe to say that SMEs are doing their best to uplift the economy. The ball is now in the court of the government to uphold their election manifesto promise of not increasing income tax, VAT or National Insurance.

I urge the Chancellor to produce a Budget which restores business confidence, encourages investment, drives international trade and tackles longstanding skills gaps.

Staffordshire devolution has also been making waves across our region, with the East Staffordshire Borough Council, Cannock Chase District Council, and Stafford Borough Council jointly issuing a proposal for the creation of two new unitary authorities in Staffordshire.

Meanwhile, the three southern Staffordshire councils of Lichfield District Council, South Staffordshire Council and Tamworth Borough Council has called for the creation of three unitary councils.

To address these issues, GBCC has launched the Staffordshire Gateway Growth Panel, focusing on the ongoing devolution process in Staffordshire.

The aim of the panel is to produce a report with targeted policy recommendations to support our lobbying in the region. It is also designed to understand what businesses want and need to promote economic growth specifically in that region.

Surveying will start during this week for more insights from local businesses and stakeholders. To get in touch and make your voices heard, contact senior policy advisor Ruth Fleet on [email protected]

Elsewhere, the recent news about East Staffordshire Borough Council granting planning approval for multiple projects of the Burton regeneration scheme is welcomed.

I am confident that these new projects, formed under a new name of The Old Brewery Quarter, will celebrate the town’s world-renowned brewing heritage while signalling an ambitious future for the town’s growth.

As president of the Burton & District Chamber of Commerce, it is my duty to help champion the town’s businesses in a national scale. One way of doing this is to recognise business excellence across area through the Burton Celebratory Lunch.

I congratulate all the shortlisted businesses and young professionals who are actively bringing the change Burton needs. You are all a testament to the proud heritage of this town.

During the lunch, happening on 24 November at the Branston Golf & Country Club, I will also hand out a special President’s award to an individual who has gone well and truly above in advocating for regional businesses. Tickets are still available for event, and you all are welcomed to join!

We also must celebrate members of the Burton Chamber who has done some incredible feats over the past months.

The Footprints Family charity, based in Kenya, has been making some major strides in education, farming and community building – thanks to the efforts made by the charity founder and proud Burton resident Kerry Lee Watson.

Among the highlights are the development of student’s IT knowledge, an inspiring story of a mother helping her daughter’s education through sewing and the construction of a new dormitory.

Elsewhere, members of the marketing team at Hardy Signs joined forces with volunteers, ambassadors and staff members at the Sexual Abuse and Rape Advice Centre (SARAC) for a tandem skydive to support Burton & District Chamber of Commerce’s Charity of the Year.

I also extend my congratulations to the latest graduate cohort of Burton and South Derbyshire College and to Dale Bywater, the new business and commercial sales manager of Burton Kia.

Finally, to all the participants who took part and fundraised for the Burton YMCA Sleepout – thank you for making a lasting change and for standing against homelessness in the area.

As we look ahead, it’s clear that Burton’s strength lies in its people – the entrepreneurs, volunteers, educators, and changemakers who continue to uplift our town despite the challenges.

Let us carry forward this momentum, championing collaboration and innovation at every turn. Together, we can build a Burton that not only honours its heritage but also embraces a bold, inclusive future.

For more information about the Burton & District Chamber of Commerce - including membership, events, and awards - contact Chamber head Richard Brooks on [email protected]

Richard Wileman can be contacted on [email protected]