Business Confidence 2025-01-30
2025-01-30
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The CBI, the Institute of Directors and the London chamber of commerce have all recently stated that business confidence is plummeting due to increases in national insurance contributions, business rates, and employment costs.
Given the recent statements from the CBI, the IoD and the London Chamber of Commerce about plummeting business confidence, is it surprising that this has happened with a tsunami of NICs, business rates and employment cost rises? Are the Government actually destroying growth rather than promoting it?
Business leaders have backed our measures for growth, including plans to boost capital investment by over £100 billion over the next five years. The BCC, CBI and FSB made positive comments about our plans, and PwC's annual survey of global CEOs ranked Britain second in attractiveness for investment.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The answerer did not directly address the plummeting business confidence mentioned by the CBI, IoD, and London Chamber of Commerce.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Rolls-Royce has a nuclear skills academy providing talent for its workforce, highlighting the need for businesses to have skilled workers to grow.
Business confidence increases when businesses know they have the skilled workforce needed. What cross-departmental discussions have Ministers had about helping businesses of all sizes provide opportunities for skill development?
Discussions with the Minister for Skills aim to reform the growth and skills levy, making it easier for businesses like Rolls-Royce to recruit apprentices and find the talent they need. The nuclear skills academy at Rolls-Royce is a positive example of such initiatives.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
UK car production is at its lowest since 1954, with Autocar magazine warning that the zero emission vehicle mandate is causing industry headaches due to lack of consumer demand.
Given low consumer confidence and a drop in UK car production to its lowest level since 1954, why does the Minister persist in a policy undermining automotive businesses by forcing them to produce products consumers do not want? Is it time for a different path to boost business confidence?
The policy was introduced by the Conservative party. The Liz Truss Budget damaged the country, but measures announced recently are driving growth forward and have been backed strongly by businesses. Nissan and other car manufacturers have also announced extra investment.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The answerer did not directly address the request to reconsider the zero emission vehicle mandate given its impact on consumer confidence.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy