Doncaster Businesses Meet with MP Sally Jameson to Discuss Key Priorities

This week, Doncaster Chamber hosted a roundtable with the MP for Doncaster Central, bringing together over 20 local businesses and stakeholders from across the constituency.

The event, chaired by the Chamber’s Chief Executive, provided a platform for business leaders to raise pressing issues with their MP and explore opportunities for Doncaster’s future growth.

Employment Rights Bill & SMEs

A key theme was the Employment Rights Bill, with attendees voicing concerns about the implications for SMEs.

• Several businesses spoke about the challenges the Bill could create for smaller firms already struggling with inflationary pressures, suggesting a delay in implementation to give SMEs breathing space.

• Others argued that businesses must retain the ability to operate without excessive interference, questioning whether trade unions should have greater powers to influence day-to-day business decisions.

• Concerns were also raised that expanding union access could fuel inflationary pressures by driving up pay expectations, and that strikes could be highly disruptive to industries such as aviation and food manufacturing.

The MP responded that unions are unlikely to have the resources to target every small business, and that their focus would remain on large employers. Attendees countered that, if this is the case, the legislation should be more carefully tailored to reflect that reality.

Airport, Investment & Infrastructure

The future of Doncaster Sheffield Airport and the city’s wider investment priorities were central to the discussion.

• Businesses called for a more joined-up approach to infrastructure planning around the airport.

• The MP noted that the Devolution Bill could prove pivotal, empowering mayors to take a more regional, collaborative approach. She highlighted ambitions for Junction 3 of the M18 and improved tram and train links to the airport once bus franchising is complete.

• The Chamber stressed that without devolution, the airport would not be reopening, but also warned of duplication in the system, with five separate investment teams in South Yorkshire and no significant increase in inward investment.

• Concerns were also raised about the constant turnover of aviation ministers and the absence of a clear national aviation strategy, leaving businesses waiting on the sidelines.

• High energy costs were highlighted as a continuing barrier for manufacturers and supply-chain businesses.

City Centre Regeneration

The roundtable then turned to the future of Doncaster city centre.

• The Chamber challenged the view that city centre issues should be tackled in a linear way (for example, fixing antisocial behaviour before creating reasons for people to visit), stressing instead the need for long-term, coherent planning.

• Concerns were raised about prisoners being discharged into the city centre without support, adding to social challenges.

• Attendees called for clearer prioritisation of regeneration projects, acknowledging that not everything can be addressed at once.

• There was agreement that Doncaster needs more positivity about the city centre, but that this requires tangible success stories to celebrate. Examples such as Barnsley’s Health on the High Street initiative were cited as inspiration.

• The MP highlighted forthcoming measures in the Sentencing Bill that will expand community tagging, potentially easing some of the pressures on the city centre.

• Questions were raised about the coherence of the city centre masterplan, whether the City Centre Board is fit for purpose, and whether the right voices are represented.

• Retail was noted as an important part of the city centre mix, while others suggested that alternatives are needed to revive the market as a destination.

• Accessibility and safety were also identified as areas for improvement.

There was consensus that Doncaster once had clearer visibility of its major projects and priorities — from the airport to Frenchgate — and that this sense of coherence is needed again.

Looking Forward

The MP closed the discussion by reaffirming her commitment to championing Doncaster in Westminster. She expressed optimism that the next 18 months could be among the most exciting yet for the city and promised to return for further conversations with businesses after the Budget in November.