Small firms praise encouraging start to Labour conference with “competitive” infrastructure announcement

Press Releases 9 Oct 2023

Strong investment in transport and other infrastructure helps businesses do what they do best - to innovate, grow and provide the jobs and livelihoods central to local communities across the country

Responding to reforms announced by Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Chair Martin McTague, said:

“The UK requires planning reform.  This is a clear, grown-up policy that will help deliver infrastructure projects we need to stay competitive, return to growth and stop the curse of chopping and changing. In particular, more local planning officers will help small housebuilders and other businesses deliver projects more quickly.

“Strong investment in transport and other infrastructure helps businesses do what they do best - to innovate, grow and provide the jobs and livelihoods central to local communities across the country. Coupled with strong statements on business rates and late payment, this is an encouraging start to Labour conference as far as small businesses are concerned.”