Member Article

The Budget countdown is almost over!

My wishlist for the Budget is:

• More support for job creation in the private sector. Including extending the NIC holiday but also being more innovative in ways of rewarding employees, an example would be the proposal for employee-owner shares announced last year. It is yet to be seen how successful such a scheme will be, but it demonstrates that the Government is thinking wider.

• More support for manufacturing companies, to boost manufacturing, either for goods to export or to sell at home, thereby reducing imports. The North East has a wealth of manufacturing experience which could lead the way.

• More support for infra-structure projects, such as transportation, with a view to ensuring the Northern cities and regions are well connected, easily accessible and are better positioned to drive economic growth.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Adrienne Paterson .