The UK’s largest business organisation said this will be a key period when steering the GM economy from recovery mode to an era of growth will need to be top of the agenda. It said as an organisation it was looking forward to working with the Metro Mayor, its office, and the wider Combined Authority on a number of key business issues.
Robert Downes, FSB Development Manager for Greater Manchester, said: “Congratulations to Andy on his third election victory. Whereas some areas are just discovering regional devolution today, the good news for our city region is that we are well into our journey of devolved politics and decision making, and that’s a real positive for delivering change.
“This continuity means the Mayor can pick up where he left off in addressing some of the really big issues affecting GM and the business agenda here – many of which we identified in our small business manifesto at the start of the election campaign. Not least will be unpicking the fiasco of HS2, and then ensuring we get the best outcome for the city region with regards east-west connectivity as part of Northern Powerhouse Rail.
“He also needs to make sure the Clean Air Zone remains dead and buried for good, and what that comes in its place – if anything – doesn’t negatively impact cash-strapped businesses.
“The roll out of the Bee Network is continuing over the next year, but it needs to be done sensitively and working for everyone. We are happy to work with the Mayor any way we can on this.
“I know Andy will be working hard to deliver his vision for technical education in GM to make sure our business are getting the skills in the future workforce they need to create growth.
“I am also looking forward to working with the Mayor and his team in addressing public sector procurement here in GM, exploring how it can be made in to a fairer system so that even the smallest businesses and VCSO organisations can access that very important source of revenue,” he added.
You can read FSB’s small business manifesto for the next mayoral term of office 2024-28 HERE.
