Subrahmaniam (Subrah) Krishnan Harihara

Today, the Chancellor opted to not do much. The Spring Statement was politically charged and had no important policy announcements. But will that approach work for businesses? gmchamber.co.uk/posts/spring-s…

This is a very British take on a very British problem. The FT's piece on Tesco's birthday cake sandwich (⛔️🙊⛔️) is an absolute classic: ft.com/content/6256f8…

Thank you to Ellis from @gmchamber member @Tier1ITdisposal who came to collect a lot of IT equipment this morning for #recycling. Thank you for the excellent service. Great #CustomerExperience! #Recycle #IT #equipment #savetheplanet #green

Delighted to speak with my friend PM @Keir_Starmer. In a historic milestone, India and the UK have successfully concluded an ambitious and mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement, along with a Double Contribution Convention. These landmark agreements will further deepen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and catalyse trade, investment, growth, job creation, and innovation in both our economies. I look forward to welcoming PM Starmer to India soon.

The Chancellor chose to speak more about civil service reform, planning reform and the benefits of defence spending. Is that enough to steer the UK economy? My take on the Spring Statement: gmchamber.co.uk/news-opinions/… (2/2)

Government's strategy in the lead-up to the Spring Statement was clear: manage expectations and prepare the ground for spending cuts. That the Chancellor didn’t announce any new growth orientated measures is glaring. That is a big problem. Where is the growth to come from? (1/2)

The lack of economic growth is all too noticeable and even perhaps even more marked is the lack of a clear plan for growth. My thoughts on the Spring Statement: gmchamber.co.uk/news-opinions/…

The Chancellor insists tomorrow's Spring Statement will be a "not a budget" event but it will reveal downgraded OBR forecasts, welfare and spending cuts, and higher borrowing costs. Where is growth going to come from? (1/2)

A wonderful atmosphere at @gmchamber P&C dinner tonight where we unveil the Building of the Year 2025 and the Steve Burne Apprentice of the Year. #GMCCBOTY24

Kudos @anandmahindra . This is the first #rickshaw I have seen in UK roads! And it is an #ElectricVehicle as far as I understand.

This has to count as a fine specimen of an own goal...

NAO confirms that HS2 without phase 2 will result in trains with less space between Manchester and Birmingham than current west Coast services, and might require demand management to dissuade passengers… bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…

This morning, I am presenting at @gmchamber #GMCCSummit at the wonderful @EmiratesOT. Setting the economic and labour market context for further discussion based on #GMEconomics and #GMLSIP.

John Wrathmell reports that the GM investment zone is set to champion numerous initiatives for start up businesses, research funding, business support and seed funding for materials and manufacturing businesses. This is good for our city region.

Also speaking is John Wrathmell of @greatermcr, who is giving an update on #devolution and investment zones.

As expected, transportation issues - trains, train fares, cancelled infrastructure find mention and it is evident that poor transport infrastructure is a serious impediment to business growth and development in Greater Manchester.

@LauraEvansTeam says Greater Manchester has not grown and has been left behind. @AndyBurnhamGM challenges this. ONS data shows that Greater Manchester's growth rate since the 2008/09 recession has been higher than the national average in most years.

@DanBarker4GM has a host of promises - no new cycle lanes development, no new CAS cameras, tackle crime and business rates concessions. Expect some challenge from the audience to these promises...

@jakelibdem talks about the work that has been done in Stockport to help small businesses including a promise to extend Metrolink to those boroughs which are not now connected - so Metrolink expansion to Bolton and Wigan?