Doncaster Chamber Hosts Local MPs for Business Roundtable Turning Dialogue into Delivery

City centre vibrancy and anti-social behaviour were also high on the agenda. Next week’s ground-breaking for Gateway One, Doncaster’s new AI Hub, will mark a significant step in transforming the city centre and boosting investor confidence. At the same time, the Chamber will continue lobbying for stronger and more consistently enforced Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), helping to ensure that regeneration is matched with public safety and positive public realm experiences.

Doncaster Racecourse has raised urgent concerns about Government proposals to increase the tax on sports betting from 15% to 21%, bringing it in line with other forms of gambling such as casino gaming. They warn that this change would significantly damage Doncaster's iconic destination, which relies heavily on betting revenue to sustain its economic and cultural contributions. Racing businesses, who have been in discussion with MPs, are calling for a racing-specific deal and have sought a commitment from Parliament to recognise the sport’s unique position and protect its future.

The role of culture in the Industrial Strategy became the focus as Emily Graham, Operations Manager at Cast theatre asked:

"How can we ensure that the essential soft skills needed for employment—such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving—are properly recognised and embedded in the curriculum, given that these are often developed through creative subjects which have historically been deprioritised?"

The future of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) generated passionate discussion. Following a productive meeting earlier in the week between Dan Fell and South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard, there is growing optimism that a decision on the airport’s reopening will be confirmed in September. In preparation, the Chamber is planning a major supply chain event this autumn to ensure local SMEs can benefit from the airport’s potential as a catalyst for international trade, inward investment, and tourism.

The issue of online misinformation around DSA also came to the fore, with Mark Chadwick from campaign group SaveDSA posing a crucial question:

“What can we do — or what can our authorities do — to stop the misinformation being spread on the internet, rather than the reactive situation we see as the norm? Is it now time to be proactive and drive the narrative?”

The Chamber echoed the need for a more proactive and transparent approach to public communications, recognising that trust, clarity, and timely updates will be key as momentum builds around DSA’s future.

Sian Booth added:

“We value conversation, but we value action even more. Today’s event wasn’t just a talking shop; it was a springboard for delivering real progress. We’re grateful to our MPs for taking the time to listen, and to the Woodland Group for supporting this important dialogue.”

The sister event to the Chamber’s MP Question Time is Your City Your Say (3 Oct), where partners from City of Doncaster Council take the hot seat in front of Chamber members. The first event in this new series will focus on the City Centre, a timely and important theme. It is not one to miss and you can book your place here.