Business leaders from across East Lancashire were able to question Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in a Q&A session held at Accrington Stanley this week.
Following a visit to VEKA PLC where the Prime Minister was accompanied by local MP Antony Higginbotham, business from across Burnley and Padiham had the chance to hear directly from the PM on what was being done to support businesses in the North of England.
Speaking as a northern MP himself, Mr Sunak emphasised his ability to bring in tax cuts which will benefit both workers and businesses.
Last week National Insurance was cut by two percentage points, from 12% to 10%, which for a person earning a salary of £27,000, equates to an extra £288 in their pocket each year. This is alongside full expensing for businesses which allows companies to write off 100% of the cost of investment from their tax bill.
Mr Sunak said these measures not only stand in stark contrast to Labour’s unfunded £28 billion spending spree but have only been made possible due to taking long term decisions in the national interest. He cited his focus on halving inflation with a plan of action that has seen it come down from over 10% to now under 4% and falling.
The event saw names such as local manufacturers What More UK and Rectella, Andy Brown of Crow Wood Hotel and Spa, and logistics company Fagan and Whalley attend.
Commenting on the event MP Antony Higginbotham said:
I've always said that my job is about getting Westminster focused on Burnley and Padiham and this is part of that. The PM has been out knocking doors listening to residents last year, visited again we secured an additional £20 Town's Deal to see facilities for young people at BBGC. And today, with the focus on business, not only has he visited VEKA with me but also taken questions from business leaders across East Lancashire.
