Reforming business rates and increasing energy support packages need to be among announcements in the King’s Speech and State Opening of Parliament on 13th May, East Midlands Chamber has said.
Addressing business rates, presenting a long-term tax roadmap, prioritising devolution and investment in skills are some of the asks set out in East Midlands Chamber’s landmark document aimed at policymakers – the Framework for Growth.
Findings from the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey for Q1 of 2026 revealed stalled investment in training and machinery among businesses in the East Midlands, with less than half having attempted to recruit, while business rates and corporate taxation were high among concerns reported.
East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore said: “The King’s Speech is a prime opportunity for Government to take a step toward levelling an incredibly difficult playing field for business at this tough time and incentivise business to invest to grow. It’s essential the moment is not missed.
“Long before the Middle East conflict drove up both energy costs and inflation, business was already being battered by raised employment costs imposed on them, with business rates disproportionately impacting smaller businesses and sectors like hospitality and manufacturing.
“Full root and branch reform of business rates and provision of more support packages to help with energy costs would alleviate the immense pressure on firms and encourage investment, which our Quarterly Economic Survey, conducted just before the Middle East conflict began, revealed had stalled.
“Alongside these essential reforms, we need to see devolution prioritised and investment put into skills and infrastructure, as set out in the Chamber’s Framework for Growth. The King’s Speech needs to seize the chance to help unlock growth in the East Midlands.”
To view the East Midlands Chamber’s Framework for Growth click here.
