In January 2022, key issues being raised by Buckinghamshire businesses included:
- Ongoing Omicron-induced financial difficulties for businesses operating in the tourism, hospitality and events sectors.
- The availability of grants for a range of sectors including marketing, healthcare, tourism, hospitality, leisure and events.
- Brexit Customs Charges on services purchased by international clients, along with recouping ‘bad debt’ from Europe.
- Frustrations with the planning system and how innovation activity is encouraged.
- Support for start-ups following the closure of the New Enterprise Allowance scheme.
The above issues were highlighted to BBF by local businesses. BBF use this 'on-the-ground' intelligence to inform local business support activity, and share it with central Government (BEIS) on a weekly basis to inform national strategy.
