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Sept 2022

Last Updated: 06/09/2022

Business

Harrogate district businesses urge new PM to offer urgent support

by Vicky Carr

| 06 Sept, 2022

As new Prime Minister Liz Truss takes up her post, business organisations tell the Stray Ferret she must move swiftly as the cost of living and energy price crises begin to bite.

Sue Kramer, Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce president.

Businesses across the Harrogate district have called for urgent action to support them in the face of growing pressures.

As new Prime Minister Liz Truss takes up her post, business organisations have told the Stray Ferret she must move swiftly as the cost of living and energy price crises begin to bite.

Peter Lacey, of Knaresborough Chamber of Trade's executive, said:

"We’re waiting for the new government to be announced later this week, but needless to say the chamber of trade are extremely concerned about the lack of any ceiling on business costs for energy, on top of previously identified cost pressures from the general rise in inflation.

"There is the real risk that without significant intervention businesses will find it impossible to afford the cost of energy and will be forced to close.

"Following so close on the heels of covid, many businesses have not had the chance to build up their reserves and are therefore particularly vulnerable."

Mr Lacey said the rising fuel prices and the wider cost of living crisis would form part of discussions at this week's chamber of trade meeting in Knaresborough.

His views were echoed by Lilla Bathurst of Ripon BID, who said:

"Ripon is a city of great, independent businesses who have survived the last few years of covid-induced pressure and uncertainty.

"We urge the new Prime Minister and her government to offer immediate support for businesses as they face both an energy and cost of living criss.

"We would recommend that this help package is delivered swiftly and is both realistic and fair in that it has a real impact in helping businesses of all sizes as we continue to navigate through these uncertain times."

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Sue Kramer, president of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, added:

“Ms Truss must address the enormous challenges businesses are facing to survive from the energy crisis, staffing issues and rising costs due to inflation.

“Businesses are in an incredibly precarious position, with many on the brink. We need her to introduce an emergency package of measures that will save businesses from closure.”

Tim Ledbetter, chairman of Nidderdale Chamber of Trade, said he hoped Ms Truss's upbringing in Leeds would deliver some "good old Yorkshire common sense".

He said local businesses wanted to see policies which delivered cuts to fuel bills and energy costs, as well as a commitment that cash would not be slowly removed from circulation.

Above all, he said she should show "strong, effective, honourable leadership, delivering change swiftly", adding:

"I hope Liz Truss turns out to be the Prime Minister who is remembered as the leader who put a stop to the worry and suffering that so many in small and medium sized businesses are going through at the moment.

"In Truss we have no option but to place our trust."

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Harrogate district businesses urge new PM to offer urgent support

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