Chambers of commerce work together to set out their manifesto

The manifesto was launched at an event attended by leading business people, politicians, and representatives of local authorities and partner organisations, including the Bank of Eng- land.

Businesses will use the manifesto to lobby senior politicians and civil servants on the key issues facing the private and public sectors.

The Manifesto for Growth was written following discussions that took place at an inaugural business conference for the city region, which was held in February this year.

The conference gave more than 200 delegates from across a range of sectors the chance to consider issues that were holding them back.

They also had the chance to come up with suggestions for initiatives that could boost job growth, investment and business confidence.

Chris MacCormac, the president of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said: “Businesses from across the city region have been calling for the chambers to do something radical and influential and, by doing so, stand up for the interests of their members and commerce in the region.

“This is our answer.

“The manifesto will set the agenda for the coming months, and the chambers will provide businesses with the vehicle through which we can achieve some of our aims.”

Mr MacCormac said the proposals would focus on work to improve skills and the local infrastructure, in a bid to kick-start economic growth.

He added: “Over the rest of 2012 and next year, we will be working hard to push for some of the measures we have outlined within the document, in partnership with our colleagues across the city region.”

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