The Government’s recent announcement to defer and delay major transport schemes raises serious concerns about the future of our region’s road infrastructure.
On Monday morning we are holding an important one-hour meeting to put forward views on the impact of delaying road improvements. Your support and issues give us greater weight when making representations.
The event will be chaired by Mike Herbert, chair of the Chambers’ Transport Forum, and will be delivered in the wake of the Government announcement that the pipeline of schemes earmarked for Road Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3), covering 2025 to 2030, will continue to be developed but considered for delivery as part of Road Investment Strategy 4 (RIS4), beyond 2030.
The A50/A500, a key arterial route connecting the east and west of our region, serves renowned brands such as JCB and Michelin. We were hoping that A50/A500 improvements would be picked up in RIS3, but it is now a real concern that improvement work will not be starting on site before April 2030, which could mean 2032 or later before any benefits are seen. Another decade of the current situation does not bear thinking about!
Congestion is a particular issue in the urban areas particularly heading through Stoke on the A500, and at the roundabouts in Uttoxeter. We are also calling for improvements to Junction 15 of the M6, especially the approaches to this junction.
Transportation plays a pivotal role in inward investment and enabling business growth, and Staffordshire enjoys excellent road connectivity, providing access to all corners of the UK. Our county boasts a thriving (and growing) logistics sector, reflecting the significance of our road and rail networks.
Statistics bear this out:
- 80% of all freight in the UK goes through the Midlands, utilising our road and rail networks.
• The Midlands is within a four-hour drive of much of the UK, making it a prime location in the renowned “Golden Triangle” for logistics.
• East Midlands Airport, second only to Heathrow Airport for freight, played a vital role in delivering essential medical equipment during the pandemic.
Transportation is a key enabler for business success, and together, we can ensure a stronger, more connected Staffordshire.
There is still time to book on Monday’s event but don’t worry if you can’t make it as our policy adviser, Declan Riddell is gathering evidence for our submission to the Transport Minister. Please email your points and concerns to Declan: declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
You can book on the event here: Share Your Views on the Urgency of Improving our Local Road Network – Staffordshire Chambers
Latest ONS export figures
The latest Trade in Goods data (for April 2023) from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows a slight rise in exports whilst trade with the EU remains weak.
The recovery in UK goods exports to the rest of the world in April after a disappointing first quarter of 2023 is welcome but needs to be sustained.
Trade with the EU remains weak, even before the additional cost pressures on imports due to the introduction of new customs arrangements in the Target Border Operating Model later this year.
The Government’s Export Strategy needs to maximise growth in services exports across a range of business activity this year, but so far in 2023, they have been broadly flat.
On volumes (excluding inflation), total goods imports fell by 0.4% in April, with imports from the EU falling by 2.6%, and imports from the rest of the world rising by 2.6%. Total goods export volumes rose by 3.5% in April with non-EU goods exports up by 6.9% in April, while goods exports to the EU remained static.
Services exports rose by 0.6% and imports by 1% in April. Services exports remain 0.3% below pre-pandemic levels in early 2020.
The UK trade deficit narrowed to £12.3bn in April – trade in services surplus rose by £1.9bn to £40.3bn.
You can view the full ONS Trade in goods report here: Trade in goods: country-by-commodity exports – Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)
For help and advice on exporting contact the team at the Chamber: exportmailbox@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
If you want to talk to us about any business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222 or call the Stoke and Staffs Growth Hub Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
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