Lancashire business leader calls for better engagement with family businesses

A Lancashire business leader has urged policymakers to spend more time engaging directly with businesses before shaping future economic policy.

The call from Burnley based VEKA's chief executive Neil Evans is on the back of comments by Panaz founder Tony Attard who says he is looking to expand overseas rather than investing locally.

In an interview with The Times, Tony, who set up the textile business in Burnley 40 years ago, said: "We wanted to double the size of our business in the UK but have now been looking to put that money to Portugal instead. The energy costs are 50 per cent less than they are here."

He added: "There are not many benefits to having our family business in the UK and if the situation gets worse we will have to sell completely."

Responding, Neil, who is also chair of the Burnley Bondholders, said: "Tony Attard's comments will resonate with many business owners across Burnley and beyond.

"Companies like Panaz have spent decades building world class businesses, creating skilled jobs, investing in their people and generating wealth for the UK economy.

"These are exactly the types of businesses that should be encouraged to grow and invest here, not made to question whether the UK remains the right place to do so.

“Burnley is home to an exceptional concentration of mid sized and family owned businesses. They are deeply rooted in their communities, take a long term approach to investment and succession, and consistently punch above their weight on exports, innovation and productivity. They form the backbone of our local economy and contribute significantly to the UK's industrial strength.”

Earlier this year, Burnley Bondholders took about 50 business leaders to Westminster to tell ministers and policymakers that listening to businesses who were delivering growth was the only way to generate more. Government officials heard first hand from leaders including Tony Attard about the pressures they face, from energy costs and labour shortages to policy uncertainty and concerns around succession planning.

Neil said: “What emerged from those discussions was not a lack of ambition, but a lack of confidence. Businesses want to invest, expand and create jobs, but they need certainty, competitiveness and a policy environment that supports long term decision making. When successful British manufacturers start looking overseas for investment opportunities, it should be a warning sign that something is not working.

“Our message remains the same today as it was in Westminster. Come and see places like Burnley for yourselves. Visit our factories, speak to our business owners and meet the skilled workforce driving growth. You will find a modern manufacturing economy built on innovation, exports and family enterprise. These businesses have the potential to help drive the UK's future prosperity, but only if government policy recognises their value and gives them the confidence to invest for the long term."