Medicash chief executive Sue Weir was invited to 11 Downing Street recently to meet with Chancellor Philip Hammond ahead of his Autumn Budget Statement
The round table event was one of a series held by the Chancellor designed to allow business leaders to share their views on Brexit and discuss the actions government can take to support economic growth.
Attendees came from Britain’s leading business groups including the CBI, FSB and the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) where, alongside Medicash, companies such as John Lewis, Rolls Royce, British Airways, Sainsbury’s and Shell UK and Ireland were also represented. Also in attendance were Susan Acland-Hood, Director, HM Treasury and the Chancellor’s Special Advisor.
Business leaders highlighted their areas of concern covering a wide range of topics including the apprenticeship levy and support for infrastructure projects.
Sue Weir took the opportunity to raise the subject of further increases in insurance premium tax (IPT) announced in the Chancellor’s 2015 Autumn Statement. Over the last year, Medicash has spearheaded a campaign which has lobbied the Government to make all healthcare insurance products exempt in line with permanent health insurance and other ‘long term’ insurance products.
Sue Weir said: “This was an important opportunity for Medicash to express our views on the implications of the increase in IPT whilst contributing to a positive discussion about the current economic climate and what lies ahead for businesses post Brexit.
“The Chancellor appeared receptive to comments and Director of HM Treasury, Susan Acland-Hood informed me that she welcomes further comments from me on the topic of IPT.”
The Chancellor said: “These discussions have been an excellent way to hear the views of large and small businesses, specialising in a range of industries and from all over the country ahead of my first Autumn Statement.”
Medicash was invited to the meeting to represent the views of businesses across the region by the British Chambers of Commerce. Liverpool and Sefton Chambers of Commerce have recently appointed Medicash as a ‘strategic partner’ which will involve Medicash championing the views and needs of the region’s business community at a national level and contributing to discussions around the economy alongside workplace health.
Dr Adam Marshall, director general BCC, presented the Chancellor with a submission on behalf of the Chambers of Commerce across the UK, setting out seven key measures to support confidence, investment and growth as the UK approaches the Brexit transition.
Jenny Stuart, chief executive of Liverpool and Sefton Chamber said: “Medicash is one of the most respected and longest established businesses in Liverpool with a strong commercial track record so it was fitting that the organisation should be chosen to attend the Chancellor’s meeting. We are looking forward to working more closely with Medicash in its capacity as a Chamber Strategic Partner and are confident their input to discussions around national policy will be invaluable.”
The Chancellor will deliver his Autumn Statement on November 23rd 2016.