The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has set out a five-point plan for ‘immediate action’ by the new government.

The business group’s plan includes an industrial strategy ‘with green innovation at its heart’; better skills planning; business rates reform to ‘encourage growth and investment’; improved relations with the EU; and a government-appointed AI champion for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to ‘spearhead uptake of new technology’.

The plan forms part of the BCC’s Future of the Economy manifesto, which focuses on the key economic challenges facing the UK.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, commented: ‘A General Election is an important time for our country, our economy and our businesses.

‘The companies we represent are the drivers of economic growth and the employers of millions of people. They need to know that politicians have got their back. Once the votes are counted – we want government to know how to help business. Our five-point-plan is clear.

‘As companies play their part in the UK’s net-zero journey, we desperately need an industrial strategy with green innovation at its heart.

‘Firms are constantly telling us they can’t get the skills they need. We need better strategic planning on skills that helps business and training providers work together.’