Business growth needs to be supported across the country so that our regions can compete, not only with each other, but with regions across the world.

With the UK predicted to fall in terms of its international competitiveness over the next few years, having dynamic and innovative regions will be crucial for the country's economic future. It is also key to tackling the continued economic disparities across the country - what is sometimes rather simplistically termed the 'North-South' divide.

While the current framework of Regional Assemblies, Regional Development Agencies and other Quangos does work it presents a framework that is confusing for business. Clearly a great deal of funding, advice and support for business is available at a regional level but this is not well known and there is room for improvement to link up the different regions in the most effective way. A 2007 survey of local chambers of commerce found that while 60% felt RDAs had made some difference to their regions, only 40% believed that their RDA effectively consulted with business.

Over the next few years, the government is taking forward proposals to simplify the way regional policy is delivered with new responsibilities for RDAs and Local Authorities with a focus on economic development. It is important that these changes result in a simpler, clearer system while maintaining a focus on engaging with business to support economic growth. Local Chambers of Commerce, through their powerful local and regional business networks, will have an important role to play in being the representative private sector voice in this framework.