Transport and infrastructure on agenda

A delegation from the British Chambers of Commerce visited Shropshire to gain a better understanding of transport and infrastructure issues facing local businesses.

Shropshire Chamber of Commerce hosted the debate at its Telford offices, welcoming the BCC’s director of membership Anne-Marie Martin, policy manager Ellis Shelton, and membership manager Hannah Kelleher.

Shropshire Chamber was represented by chief executive Ruth Ross, policy and patron engagement manager Liz Keirle, head of commercial success Jenny Pearson, and Marches Local Skills Improvement Plan project manager Rosie Beswick.

Board members and representatives of the Chamber’s patronage programme were also in attendance.

Ellis outlined some of the BCC’s current policy priorities, before the floor was opened up for a wide-ranging debate. “The roundtable showcased the energy and pragmatism of Shropshire’s business community.

“We heard clear, practical priorities: reliable rail connections, including a direct link to London, smarter use of existing infrastructure, and faster, more consistent digital connectivity. 

“It is important for the BCC to champion solutions that reflect the realities of rural economies, so local firms can grow, innovate and create opportunity in every corner of the county.”

Ruth Ross added: “This was a fantastic opportunity for Shropshire businesses to get their views across to a team which has regular and direct interaction with our policy makers in Westminster.

“It was a productive, frank and wide-ranging debate. Key takeaways included the need for parliament to recognise the fundamentally different challenges faced by predominantly rural areas, compared with urban centres.

“The BCC team also left with a clear picture of the need to improve broadband and mobile connectivity to support business growth, education and economic resilience in all corners of our county.

“And there was a long discussion around the need for better transport connectivity – from the need for a reliable direct rail link to London, to the requirement for existing infrastructure to be maximised and modernised.”

Ruth added: “Giving our members a direct line to policymakers isn’t just a nice‑to‑have, it’s the backbone of a thriving business community.

“When the people shaping legislation hear directly from the employers, innovators, and entrepreneurs who feel the impact of those decisions every day, policy becomes more grounded, more practical, and far more effective.

“Our role at Shropshire Chamber is to open those doors, amplify those voices, and make sure local business insight genuinely informs the choices that shape our economic future.”