Downtown in Business (DIB) has welcomed Andy Burnham’s first major policy speech since his return to Westminster as a significant contribution to the debate on how Britain can unlock economic growth, describing his commitment to devolution, public-private partnership and regional investment as a positive message to businesses across the UK.”
Responding to the speech, Downtown in Business group chair & chief executive Frank McKenna said that many of the themes outlined by the incoming Prime Minister closely reflected campaigns DIB has championed for more than two decades.
“Andy Burnham has set out an ambitious vision that places economic growth, devolution and partnership with business at the heart of government. His recognition that Whitehall cannot continue to dictate Britain’s economic future, and that cities, regions and local leaders must be empowered to drive growth, is something Downtown in Business has long argued.”
“His commitment to stronger mayoral leadership, greater local decision-making, long-term industrial strategy, investment in skills, regeneration and housing are all welcome. Perhaps most encouragingly, he has made it clear that business is not the problem to be managed, but a partner in delivering prosperity.”
McKenna said Burnham’s proposal for a “Number Ten North” and a fundamental rebalancing of power away from Whitehall had the potential to become one of the most significant constitutional and economic reforms in a generation.
“If government genuinely trusts local leaders, businesses and communities to shape their own economic futures, Britain will become a stronger, more competitive and more productive country.”
However, McKenna cautioned that the business community would now be looking for detail behind the vision.
“This was an excellent speech, but speeches do not create jobs or unlock investment. Businesses now want to see the practical measures that will make this vision a reality.”
“That means meaningful business rates reform, faster planning decisions, support for the hospitality and visitor economy, investment in infrastructure, a long-term industrial strategy, and genuine fiscal devolution for our city regions and Combined Authorities.”
But McKenna had a warning for business leaders too
“We will need to have some patience and give Andy Burnham and his new team time to develop and implement their ideas too. I think some business leaders who signed a letter supporting Labour before the last election were on the airwaves within months of Keir Starmer’s election win complaining that he and Rachael Reeves had failed to deliver.”
“Burnham and his new chancellor will not get everything right, but if we continue to treat British prime ministers like Chelsea football managers then the country really is going to be seen as a basket case by international partners and investors.”
McKenna added that Downtown in Business looked forward to working with the new administration to help shape policies that deliver sustainable economic growth.
“Downtown in Business has always believed that economic success is achieved when government and business work together rather than in opposition. We look forward to engaging constructively with Prime Minister Burnham and his ministers to ensure that today’s vision becomes tomorrow’s reality.”
“Britain has talked about rebalancing the economy for decades. This government now has the opportunity to finally make it happen.”
