Black Country businesses want stability not surprises as Autumn Budget looms, Chamber urges

As the November 26 Budget looms manufacturers, a cornerstone of the Black Country with more than 3,000 firms employing 50,000 people, are already grappling with rising energy costs and supply chain disruption. Construction companies face escalating material costs and acute skills shortages. Hospitality businesses are dealing with significant wage inflation, while service sector companies are fighting to stay competitive as clients cut discretionary spending. All are united in their plea for stability and support from government.

The Black Country Chamber of Commerce has submitted its 2025 Budget recommendations to the Treasury, representing more than 750 businesses in Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley and Sandwell. 

The Chamber’s submission outlines three core asks: stability and predictability in tax and relief policies; support for employers through reduced or stable National Insurance rates; and restraint on further minimum wage increases and encouraging investment by retaining key reliefs and avoiding alignment of Capital Gains Tax with income tax.

Sarah Moorhouse, chief executive at the Chamber, said members want clarity, consistency, and confidence. 

“This is a real opportunity for the Chancellor to give businesses a Budget which supports them to grow and create jobs. But we know our members fear that opportunity will be missed,” she said.

“The insights we have gathered from businesses of all sizes and sectors, reveal clear demand for stability, targeted reliefs and long-term planning support. They have identified rising employer costs, skills shortages, uncertainty around future tax and regulatory changes, increased utility costs and business rates and difficulty accessing finance as the critical challenges making it harder for businesses to invest, grow and plan for the future.”

The Chamber’s concerns are being felt acutely by businesses across the region. 

Anthony Burns, chief executive at Wolverhampton’s health cash plan provider Paycare, warns the timing and uncertainty around Budget announcements is hampering business planning.