Sarah Moorhouse Responds to Chancellor's Speech
04 Nov 2025
Published in: Black Country Chamber of Commerce News
Sarah Moorhouse, Chief Executive of Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said:
"The Chancellor talks about supporting businesses to create jobs and innovate but our members need to see that translated into action in the Budget.
"Businesses need stability in tax policy, restraint on further employment cost increases and the confidence to plan ahead. Rising national insurance contributions and uncertainty around future changes are making it harder for companies to invest and grow and I'm not sure the speech today provides much reassurance.
"The Black Country has the industrial base to drive the productivity growth the Chancellor is talking about. Our 3,000 manufacturers employ 50,000 people and contribute over £2 billion to the local economy. But they need predictable conditions to do their bit.
"Talk of efficiency and cutting waste is all well and good but businesses are telling us they're struggling with compound pressures - rising wages, higher national insurance, soaring energy bills and difficulty accessing finance.
"We need a Budget that gives businesses the headroom to breathe, invest and create jobs. That means no more surprises, adequate notice of any changes and recognition that you can't grow an economy if employers can't afford to employ people.
"The Chancellor says she wants to support business. The Black Country is ready to deliver growth, but we need the right conditions to do it."
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