BCC reveals transport projects most valuable to small businesses

The BCC has called on the next Government to prioritise thirteen key transport projects after quizzing small businesses on the works that would benefit their region the most.

The BCC believes that a massive £85 billion could be generated if the thirteen transport projects continue as planned. In spite of the substantial budget deficit, the Government should resist any temptation to cut spending on such projects, the BCC said.

BCC research showed that the works seen as most crucial by small businesses include:

• London - Crossrail: Cost: £15.9bn, Estimated Benefit: £36bn
• South West - A303/A358 Improvement Scheme: Cost: £184m, Estimated Benefit: £1.1bn
• Wales - M4 Relief Road: Cost: £478m, Estimated Benefit: £2.1bn
• Scotland - Forth Replacement Bridge: Cost: £1.4bn, Estimated Benefit: £6bn
• National - 3rd Runway at Heathrow: Cost: £9bn, Estimated Benefit: £30.7bn

The BCC said that the projects must be properly supported and delivered over the next decade. David Frost, Director General of the BCC, commented:

"Transport infrastructure cuts must not become a politically convenient way to slash spending after an election, especially when there are huge savings to be made in far larger budgets, including health, education and welfare.

"A government focused on the UK's future economic success must do everything it can to protect investment in priority transport projects. These infrastructure improvements will not only unlock much needed economic growth, but will also help the hard-pressed UK construction sector and local businesses in the supply chain."

A full list of the BCC’s 13 key projects can be accessed via the following link:

http://www.britishchambers.org.uk/zones/policy/press-releases_1/key-transport-projects-would-deliver-85-billion-benefit-to-uk-economy.html