Trade offers guarded welcome to Burnham’s regional agenda

By Ian Taylor and Juliet Dennis

Britain’s probable next prime minister Andy Burnham drew praise from some in the sector for his speech in Manchester on Monday in which he laid out his priorities.

Burnham, recently mayor of Manchester but now MP for Makerfield and likely to succeed Keir Starmer on July 20, declared: “We can’t go through another decade like the one we just had.”

He vowed to reform business rates and suggested: “Shouldn’t we make our high streets symbols of Britain’s renaissance?”

Burnham illustrated his promise “to bring down the cost of essentials” by saying: “People need to be able to look forward to a night out or a holiday with the kids.”

He promised to devolve parts of Whitehall and establish a ‘Number 10 North’ to “support all places to turn around towns, high streets and local centres” and “strive for equivalent living conditions in all parts of Britain”, saying he wanted “good growth in every postcode”.

Julia Lo Bue-Said, Advantage Travel Partnership chief executive, said: “‘Good growth in every postcode and hope in every heart’ resonates with me. As an initial outline, without detailed spending plans, it’s positive.

“All businesses will be looking for long-term policy decisions and certainty. But a stronger regional focus could help our members. Balanced growth and spending going where it’s needed could help travel.”

Sandra McAllister, managing director of Althams Travel Services in Burnley, described regional devolution as “long overdue” and said business rates reform was “what I’ve been writing to my MP about for years. We need him to get moving with this ASAP.”

She added: “It’s essential he also tackles the National Insurance issue for employers to overturn the impact that has had on the economy.”

Richard Slater, managing director of Macclesfield-based Henbury Travel, said: “It’s positive to hear any politician recognise the importance of holidays. But we need a government that understands the value our sector brings to the economy and policies that support consumer confidence, reduce the cost of doing business and help agencies invest in their people and communities.”

He argued: “Supporting regional economies is the right ambition, but we’ve heard these promises before. Success will be measured by whether local businesses see the benefits.

“Independent travel agencies need thriving town centres, investment in local infrastructure and policies that give consumers the confidence to spend. Devolution can help, but only if it’s backed by meaningful action.”

Slater said: “Any reduction in business rates would be welcome.” 

But he argued: “I’d challenge Burnham to think more radically about creating a level playing field. 

“High street retailers continue to shoulder significant costs while online retailers and out-of-town shopping centres enjoy structural advantages. 

“A modest levy on online deliveries and out-of-town retail transactions, with the proceeds ring-fenced to reduce business rates and invest in town centres, would help encourage people back to the high street.”

Bailey’s Travel managing director Chris Bailey suggested: “Burnham will have much more to worry about than being nice to the travel industry.

The best thing he could do would be to continue the move back to alignment with Europe. If the economy picks up, the travel industry will pick up.”