We can survive economic turmoil, says Rotherham Chamber boss

ROTHERHAM’S top business advocate insists that Britain has “the talent, the energy and the enterprise” to ride out a predicted slow start to trade in 2012.

Andrew Denniff, executive director at Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, was reacting to a gloomy forecast by the British Chamber of Commerce published last week.

The BCC’s latest economic survey shows that business was slow across the UK during the last quarter of 2011 and suggests that the coming three months will be just as tough.

Mr Denniff said: “A slowdown across Europe is inevitable, but we need not suffer a similar fate. We simply cannot afford to compromise.

“Action is needed urgently to tackle short-term issues and a lack of business confidence, damaged by the ongoing Eurozone crisis.

“The UK does have the potential to recover and make its way in the world. We need an environment that puts business first. We must recognise that business is good and boosting growth in our businesses will reinvigorate the economy.”

Mr Denniff called on government ministers to reform credit and planning systems, to move ahead with the High Speed Two rail link and expand airports, adding: “Britain's economy is at a critical stage—radical decisions are needed to inspire confidence and increased investment for years to come.”

Comprising almost 8,000 responses from businesses across the country, the BCC Quarterly Economic Survey largest and most representative independent business survey compiled in the UK.

For more information on the latest release visit www.britishchambers.org.uk.

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