SINGLE-MINDED BUSINESS APPROACH FOR DEVON

New Year message from the CEO of the Devon Chamber, George Cowcher

As the New Year is knocking at the door, the future trade with Europe and our Brexit leaving – is our top priority for 2018, says the chief executive of the Devon Chamber of Commerce, George Cowcher.

Mr Cowcher, said: “In our last quarterly survey of 2017, the economy of Plymouth & Devon is looking pretty good, and the responses from local firms found that business confidence was high, and especially with the drop in the value of Sterling and exports up, but it was also a double edge sword for many other small companies too.”

“But we have three looming issues on the horizon in 2018 that includes the rise in interest rates, oil prices, and crucially our trade negotiations with the European Union – that will impact on our members in the South West region,” said Mr Cowcher.

“The results of our business survey underline the importance of our relationship with Europe and the job skills shortages, EU funding programmes, and also new Prosperity Funding for the South West post-Brexit.”

“The Devon Chamber of Commerce is looking to work with South West politicians and other business organisations to create a collective one-voice for the region, and lobby for first class rail services and infrastructure, Broadband services, and more road investments,” he said.

“In 2018 we’ll continue to promote the size and scale of the Devon economy, and the varied companies and sectors across the region, and strategically work with our partners for a single-minded approach for more resources for the SW region from central Government in the years to come,” said Mr Cowcher.