Ahead of the Autumn Budget on 26 November 2025, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is calling on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to focus on business-friendly measures that support growth and turn around years of weak UK productivity.

Ross McNally, Hampshire Chamber’s Chief Executive and Executive Chairman, said:

“The number one priority must be to avoid any new business taxes. The recent rise in Employers’ National Insurance has put a burden on workplaces leading to a virtually static number of vacancies and higher unemployment."

“We understand the Chancellor has a fiscal shortfall to fix and must tackle disappointing productivity growth caused by many previous factors, but hard-working businesses now need respite from high labour costs and other taxes in order to create the scope to invest and grow. Business cannot be expected to shoulder the burden alone."

“We urge Rachel Reeves to hold off on any new workplace taxes and at the same time reduce regulatory burdens, cut business rates and work with us on a clear, consistent and supportive strategy to champion skills development, clean growth and infrastructure investment."

“To help our exporters, including those many Hampshire firms we support through our International Trade team, we call on the government to continue working with us to strengthen business networks in high-growth markets. That way, companies here can take advantage of the global opportunities that come up. Steady leadership on export support is vital."

“Here in Hampshire, we have the skills and knowledge to make and deliver world-class products and services. Our success drives economic growth and helps to raise wages and living standards."

“Our message to the Chancellor could not be clearer: give firms here and across the country a reason to be optimistic. If, together, we can achieve higher productivity growth it will not only deliver real wage increases but will be the number one contributor to the tax receipts that fund the essential public services we all rely on.”