12 Feb 2025The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has urged the government to help firms grow and 'get Britain thriving'. 49 recommendations have been submitted to the Treasury ahead of the government's Spending Review. These recommendations contain strategies for growing the UK economy that will help get Britain trading, working and thriving. The BCC has called for the government to provide long-term funding to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adopt AI; give SMEs better support to export their products; and invest in regional infrastructure. Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: 'The decisions government takes in its spending review will have a huge impact on the shape of our economy for years to come. This is an exam question it cannot afford to get wrong. 'But the answer is very simple. It's business. While we are currently forecasting that the economy is set to grow in 2025, it is largely due to spending in the public sector. 'Without private sector investment to match it, that is not sustainable for the long-term. If the government wants to get the strong and consistent economic growth it needs, it must look at three key areas to support firms.'