28 Sep @EssexChambers: Business rates under spotlight as future funding for Councils
A critical meeting between leading Essex businesses and the County Council is being held to thrash out proposals on the government’s plans to devolve business rates to local councils as a way of funding services.
The business breakfast, which is being jointly organised between the Essex Chambers of Commerce and Essex County Council, will include around 30 of the County’s business leaders along with representatives from the Department of Communities and Local Government, Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and HM Treasury.
The event, which will take place at Essex County Cricket Club on Wednesday 28 September, will give business leaders an opportunity to offer opinions about proposed changes to business rates as well as learn about how they can get involved in influencing future policies that impact upon Essex.
Cllr Kevin Bentley, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Partnerships, said: “In Essex we know how important local businesses are to driving growth and boosting the local economy. That is why we regularly hold events like this as part of our Essex Means Business campaign.
“Our role as a Council is to help businesses grow and prosper and that is why we will be there to listen to the views of local business leaders and make sure that their voices are heard as Government constructs its plans for business rates.
“Essex is a truly a national economic powerhouse boasting businesses as diverse as finance, advanced manufacturing, bio-tech firms, creative companies and a thriving retail sector.
“We see ourselves as a partner to business in the economic growth of the county and look forward to a prosperous future, engaging and working with, Essex businesses.”
Denise Rossiter, Chief Executive of Essex Chambers of Commerce, added: “We are pleased to be working with the County Council to bring this important issue to the notice of businesses in the county and to encourage them to give their thoughts about not just the proposed changes in business rates but also the future of Essex’s economy.
“Just as the Council sees itself as a partner to business we very much see ourselves as a partner to the council in helping them understand the future needs of businesses on a wide range of issues.”
