President's column: Together we can overcome headwinds created by the budget

As the dust settles on last week’s Autumn Budget, one thing is clear: our local businesses are facing new headwinds, writes Richard Wileman (pictured).

While we welcome some proposals—such as business rates relief for the hospitality sector and the continued freeze on fuel duty—the majority of announcements will undoubtedly add to the financial strain that businesses face.

Of particular concern are the hikes in employers' National Insurance rates and the increase in the National Living Wage. These measures will only intensify the cost pressures burdening businesses daily. The added expenses will likely dampen the optimism of regional businesses and weaken overall confidence.

The government must recognise that our SMEs and high street retailers are the building blocks of the UK economy, and that overburdening them with fiscal pressures is a step in the wrong direction.

Clearly, more needs to be done to stimulate the high street economy. Improving the facilities of the high street creates a ripple effect for people to spend more money and time – a key miss in the Chancellor’s budget.

Now, more than ever, it is time for policymakers to forge stronger ties with the business community.

As a Chamber, we are committed to supporting our vital SMEs—the backbone of our local economy—through these difficult times. We will explore every avenue to help these businesses remain resilient, working tirelessly to advocate for policies that empower rather than hinder their growth and success.

One such avenue is our upcoming Burton Celebratory Lunch, where—among the doom and gloom—we celebrate the vibrant business community of the area. Happening at the Pirelli Stadium on Wednesday, 20 November, the lunch will present four awards to Burton-based businesses as our way of saying thank you for making Burton a thriving town in the region.

Innovative startups make our town’s economy thrive, and I am delighted to announce Mark Lambert Consulting Ltd, LMB Procurement, and SCOFFi as being shortlisted. A special thanks to Rob Page Wealth Management for sponsoring this award.

We also need to ensure that the baton of Burton will be passed along to the next generation of professionals. I congratulate Lakhvir Singh from Else Solicitors, Blu Hardy from Hardy Signs, and Sophie Allen from Serrano Media on being shortlisted for the Burton Future Face of the Year award.

Among those shortlisted for Burton’s Business of the Year are Hardy Signs, Making Trails, and IT Helpdesk Burton Ltd, with thanks to Else Solicitors for sponsoring.

I will also be presenting the President’s Award, sponsored by Astle Paterson Solicitors, to a business or individual that has gone the extra mile for Burton. Tickets are still on sale, and sponsorship opportunities are also available—contact Richard Brooks, Head of Burton Chamber, for more information.

While the Autumn Budget may present new challenges, our businesses in Burton remain resilient. Join us at the Burton Celebratory Lunch to honour those who make our community strong, and to show that, together, we can overcome any headwind.

Richard Wileman is the president of Burton & District Chamber of Commerce and principal of Select Car Leasing East Midlands