British Chambers of Commerce calls on UK to channel domestic savings into high‑growth firms

British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) President Andy Haldane urged the UK government to redirect domestic savings toward high‑growth companies. He highlighted that the state provides over £50 billion in pension tax relief and more than £10 billion in ISA relief each year, yet UK pension funds invest less than 5 % in domestic equities, compared with 20‑40 % in countries such as Canada and Australia. Haldane argued that households hold roughly £9 trillion in financial assets and that greater “home bias” could boost jobs, productivity and prevent the loss of listed companies valued over £100 million – more than 100 of which have disappeared since 2024.

At the same BCC Global Annual Conference, director‑general Shevaun Haviland warned that the next prime minister and chancellor must ease fiscal burdens on firms. She cited recent tax increases, national insurance hikes and the packaging levy, noting that the UK economy contracted by 0.1 % in April and that growth has flat‑lined year after year. Both speakers called for reduced taxes and stronger business confidence to unlock the UK's latent economic potential.