The Sunday Times has reported forecasters saying that, "2009 is shaping up to be the weakest year for the global economy for decades, and possibly since the Second World War." In its 2008 Pre-Budget Report, the Government set out "how it intends to support the economy, businesses and households through these uncertain times." Amongst its initiatives is the review into the cost of international trade regulation mentioned on our front page. SITPRO welcomes this review, which we believe is timely and relevant.
Business frequently mentions to us regulations or procedures that are cumbersome or unnecessary. We are already aiming to capture those related to port procedures in a report that we plan to publish in the summer, based on a consultation we are conducting right now. The review mandated by the PBR provides a wider and more political context for this.
Over the next few months I and other SITPRO staff will be out and about all over the country asking the same basic question: What five measures or procedures you have to comply with that impose significant costs on your business would you most like to see removed? We anticipate we could produce quite a list of proposals for the Government to consider.
It is clear the Government wants to try to tackle international trade regulatory burdens, so this is a great opportunity for business. Together we can hopefully draw up proposals that will help to reduce costs to business during this difficult time.
If you would be interested in getting involved, email us at pbr@sitpro.org.uk.
Return to SITPRO News: Issue 67, Winter 2008/2009
