YORKSHIRE and Humber manufacturers are calling for an emergency, pre-recess package of business support measures to help shield companies from escalating costs amid a worsening economic outlook.

The call comes on the back of the Make UK/BDO Q2 Manufacturing Outlook survey which shows growth and orders slowing significantly with exports nosediving and investment flat.

According to Make UK, the seriousness of the situation and, the prospects for the next six months, means the industry cannot wait for the promised help in the autumn, with action required immediately before the summer recess.

In response, Make UK has made a number of recommendations for measures Government can introduce now to address rising business costs:

– Waive or reduce business rates for the next 12 months

– Implement VAT deferrals for larger businesses and waive completely for SMEs

– Temporarily freeze the Climate Change Levy and, if energy costs continue to rise, remove it completely

– Review the efficacy of the business interruption loan schemes introduced during the pandemic and deploy a successor scheme

– Extend the super-deduction investment policy

– Make the increase in the Annual Investment Allowance permanent.