Mixed opinions after Queen’s speech
NORTH EAST business leaders have reacted with disappointment to measures outlined in the Queen’s speech yesterday.
While bosses have welcomed plans to improve access to public sector contracts, they have attacked other measures which they claim will burden firms at a time when they need more support.
Under the plans, the Government will extend the right to request flexible working to millions of parents with older children.
But John Wright, Tees Valley- based chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, questioned the timing of the decision.
“With a difficult year for 2009 ahead of us, we would urge a pause on this type of legislation which can lead to unnecessary bureaucracy and red tape,” he said.
Manufacturers’ organisation EEF said firms were “dismayed” at the measures and urged ministers to establish a new “fit-for-purpose” banking system to unblock the flow of lending to business.
Meanwhile, the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) expressed disappointment at plans to allow councils to add up to 2p in the pound on business rates.
But some measures - including plans to create a “fairer” system of bidding for commercial contracts - brought a more positive reaction.
Middlesbrough-based property consultant Alex Adamson said: “We need more transparency. You have to jump through hoops to get the work and public sector bodies often ask for unrealistic outputs.”
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