Business Leaders from across the country are working together to develop a long-term infrastructure plan for the UK which will be used to influence National and Regional Government plus private sector service providers on investment.

Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce is working together with others Chambers and businesses from across the country, such as Google, Network Rail , RWE  and  ASDA in contributing towards and advising on the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Infrastructure Commission. Nigel Foster (pictured), Chair of the Leeds Chamber Property Forum and Director of Arup will be representing the Chamber by taking part in the Commission.

The purpose of the Commission is to carry out the following:

• Outline a vision for the future of UK Infrastructure
• Highlight impediments that currently hamper infrastructure development
• Re-examine the roles of public and private sector to ensure the efficiency of the UK's infrastructure.

Commenting on the Commission, Nigel Foster said:

"Much of the country's infrastructure is close to capacity and significant investment is needed to support economic growth and our international competiveness. The UK lacks a long-term infrastructure strategy; previous development has been short sighted and as a result we now lag behind much of the developed world in terms of transport networks, high-speed broadband, power generation and renewable energy".

“It is recognised that the country is facing cutbacks in most sectors in order to reduce the financial deficit and the Government will have to make some difficult spending decisions as part of this process.  Therefore, the aim of the Commission is not just about creating brand new projects, but also about making existing infrastructure more efficient and examining which developments will generate the best return on investment".

"A first class infrastructure framework is vital to the health of our economy and will underpin recovery, which is why the Chamber is lobbying the Government to implement a long-term strategy. Businesses need assurance that the UK will be an attractive place to invest in the future and will remain competitive in a global market"

"Definite action needs to be taken now to improve our country's infrastructure and this Commission will position the views and voice of the business community in the middle of this very important debate".

In conjunction with the commission, the Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber   is conducting an infrastructure survey, which is being undertaken by the BCC on a national level. The survey will be sent out to all Chamber members from January 12^th and will determine business views on infrastructure on local, regional and national level. The outcome of this survey will be used alongside the recommendations of the infrastructure to influence national policy.