n the same week as the start of the new tax year, when businesses were hit with an increase in National Insurance and changes to business rate relief, David Frost will address delegates in which he will outline a plan for growth. Although there have been some encouraging measures announced for micro-firms, who will be exempt from new domestic legislation for the next three years, the business chief wants to see a long-term reform plan for businesses of all sizes and sectors.

In his conference speech today (Thursday) David Frost will say:

“It can only be business that creates wealth and jobs, and the focus over the coming years has to be on re-building our business base. The British Chambers of Commerce took the decision last autumn to call for 2011 to be a Year for Growth. To move away from the negative language associated with cuts, and to focus on giving business confidence. The Government is now rightly focusing on growth and it cannot be allowed to be diverted from this.

“A Year for Growth centres on four themes. Firstly, making it easier for business to recruit people, vital at a time when we have over a million young people unemployed. Secondly, we need to increase business investment. We need the banks if we are to grow the economy...but the missing link is the lack of effective relationship management. Thirdly, exports. This country needs to export more, and we all have a vital role to play.

“Our fourth theme is to free up the planning system. I have seen developments that are ready to go, developments that will often create hundreds of much needed jobs, but the planning and legal system is not fit for purpose.  Delay is costing money and costing jobs.

“Britain still needs to address its skills and transport problems. Despite the billions spent over the last decade, business relentlessly bemoans the lack of skills available in our workforce. Our transport system needs more investment: that means building HS2 and developing Heathrow as a hub airport.”

“My message is this: we need as a country to celebrate the contribution that business makes to the economy.”