A New Era of Public-Private Partnerships
The Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, is being urged to prioritize businesses' costs as the region prepares for a summer of economic uncertainty. A new generation of public-private partnerships is needed to fund major projects, according to Rain Newton-Smith, chief economist at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).
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Arts Program Targets Loneliness in North CarolinaThe CBI has long been concerned about the impact of high energy bills on businesses, and Newton-Smith is warning Burnham not to neglect this issue. „We're not just talking about the cost of living, we're talking about the cost of doing business,”she said. The CBI estimates that energy costs are a major burden on many companies, and Newton-Smith is urging Burnham to find ways to reduce these costs.
Can Burnham Balance the Books?
Newton-Smith believes that a new generation of public-private partnerships is needed to fund major projects in Greater Manchester. This could involve working with businesses to develop new infrastructure and services, such as transportation links and digital connectivity. By partnering with the private sector, the CBI chief economist believes that Burnham can unlock new funding sources and drive economic growth in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
As the Greater Manchester mayor prepares for a summer of economic uncertainty, one question remains: can he balance the books? Newton-Smith is urging Burnham to prioritize businesses' costs and find ways to reduce the burden of high energy bills. But with a tight budget and a growing economy, the stakes are high. If Burnham fails to address the issue, it could have serious consequences for businesses and the wider economy.
The consequences of inaction are clear: businesses will continue to struggle with high energy costs, and the region's economy will suffer as a result. Newton-Smith is urging Burnham to take bold action to address this issue and drive economic growth in Greater Manchester.

