Business leaders call on new government to continue investing in Greater Manchester

Business leaders in Greater Manchester have called on the new government to continue driving growth and prosperity in the city region by investing in its economic infrastructure.

Representing more than 75% of the companies based in Greater Manchester, the leaders have also said there should be no delay or weakening of the city region’s devolution powers.

Senior figures from the Confederation of British Industry, Institute of Directors, the Manufacturers’ Organisation, EEF, the Federation of Small Businesses, the Manchester Growth Company, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, and pro-Manchester have highlighted transport, broadband and infrastructure as three areas that are critical to stimulating local economic growth.

Priorities include commitment to the HS2 rail link between Manchester and London, investment in TransNorth to enhance connections between Northern cities, and commitment to the government’s target of rolling out superfast broadband to 95% of UK homes and businesses by 2017.

Leading the way with devolution, authorities in Greater Manchester already have control over a number of local powers, including in criminal justice, planning and healthcare, but the city region’s business leaders have called for the devolution drive to continue transferring powers and responsibilities.

In a joint statement, they said: “Driving growth across the UK regions is critical for economic growth. Greater Manchester’s businesses help generate £56bn for the economy every year, but our city still requires more in public spending than we are able to generate in taxes.

“The private sector can help close this gap by driving growth and productivity but to do this we need continuing investment in transport, broadband and infrastructure.

The statement continued: “We also need the new government to deliver on their clear statement of support committing themselves to devolution.

“As business leaders we firmly believe that decisions made locally can better meet the needs and aspirations of the people who live and work in the area. As such we look forward to the election of the first Greater Manchester mayor in May next year, who will be able to drive this agenda forward.”

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