East Midlands Chamber has published its key asks ahead of the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget on 26 November, reflecting concerns raised by regional employers throughout 2025. The organisation reports fragile business confidence across the East Midlands and highlights stalled investment activity, based on data from its Quarterly Economic Survey.
Its submission identifies three areas, it says, that require immediate attention from policymakers. The first centres on tax and regulatory reform, calling for clearer processes, stable policy direction, and targeted incentives to unlock growth.
The second focuses on strengthening the labour market. Employers want sustained funding for apprenticeships, vocational routes, and adult training to help address persistent skills gaps and improve access to upskilling.
The third highlights the need for faster progress on the Industrial Strategy introduced earlier this year. The Chamber is pressing for firm delivery milestones, dedicated funding, and procurement pathways that allow SMEs to participate fully in upcoming opportunities.
These priorities reflect the themes raised most frequently by local firms preparing for the year ahead.
