Businesses Engage First-Hand with Local MP

Businesses leaders across Rawmarsh and Conisbrough were given a unique opportunity to meet John Healey, their local MP, last Friday in a roundtable hosted by Doncaster and Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce. 

The conversation brought together businesses from across South Yorkshire to explore the opportunities and challenges linked to defence, economic growth and the region’s business environment. The discussion explored the opportunities and challenges linked to defence, economic growth and the wider South Yorkshire business environment, with several key themes emerging. 

Supply Chains and Defence was a frequent topic in the room, with businesses of all sizes requesting better access to procurement opportunities. With the recent South Yorkshire Defence Deal, and the opportunities it may create, businesses pushed for more clarity on how the initiative will create tangible procurement routes and supplier support. Smaller businesses wanted to know how they can position themselves to work within the defence sector. 

Dan Fell, Chief Executive of Doncaster Chamber, said, “A consistent message from our business community is that access to defence and publicsector procurement remains unnecessarily complex. For the South Yorkshire Defence Deal to realise its full economic potential, procurement pathways must be made clearer and accessible to firms of all sizes. The Chamber will continue to advocate for a procurement environment that is navigable, proportionate and enables local companies to compete on merit.” 

South Yorkshire’s Military and Industrial Heritage sparked some thoughtful conversation on how it can be recognised and celebrated. Businesses reported finding it difficult to navigate the sensitivities around defence as an economic driver, particularly the ethical concerns, public perception issues and the limits on what can be openly communicated due to security. It was made clear that a balance between recognising heritage and driving economic opportunity was vital. 

Carrie Sudbury, Chief Executive of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, added, “Our region has deep roots in defence-linked manufacturing, and that heritage remains a real economic strength. However, businesses were honest about the sensitivities involved and the need to bring communities with us. With the right communication, transparency and support, South Yorkshire can both honour its history and build a modern, responsible and inclusive defence economy.” 

With the economic pressures seen across South Yorkshire in the QES, businesses addressed their declining confidence and the broader uncertainty directly to government.