Andy Burnham visits Devon to consult small businesses on long-term growth plans

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has arrived in Devon to consult small businesses on long-term growth plans, continuing his nationwide summer tour as part of an effort to build a fresh partnership between government and enterprise, Devonlive reports. The visit unfolds against a backdrop of severe nationwide disruption, including a devastating series of wildfires across the West Midlands and parts of the UK that prompted emergency responses and forced residents from their homes.

Mr Burnham's tour and business consultations follow his recent introduction of a twenty percent business rates relief scheme for pubs, social clubs, and live music venues, announced upon taking office as part of a broader cost-of-living package. Speaking ahead of the Devon trip, the Prime Minister framed local enterprises as the foundational backbone of regional economies.

Media additions

"Local businesses are the beating heart of our communities, bringing life to the places we call home. We are helping pubs, social clubs and live music venues by cutting their business rates, but I’ve always said there is more to do. I’m listening to small business owners so we can work together to deliver jobs and growth in every postcode."

Andy Burnham, Prime Minister, via Devonlive

Business leaders have offered a warm reception to the early engagement. Allen Simpson, chief executive of UKHospitality, welcomed the focus on coastal and rural communities, noting that the sector remains a vital engine for solving youth employment challenges across the country. Further policy interventions, including planned VAT cuts on electricity and broader high street business rates overhauls, are already being eyed for the upcoming Budget, according to the Prime Minister's recent broadcast remarks.

Yet the timing of the Prime Minister's regional tour coincides with severe environmental strain. As record-breaking summer heatwaves and prolonged dry spells spark drought conditions and moorland fires across the nation, Yahoo News notes that Mr Burnham is also actively exploring a potential ban on disposable barbecues. These items have faced intense scrutiny from agricultural groups, MPs, and fire services due to their direct link to dangerous countryside blazes.

The urgency of the fire hazard was underscored as emergency services battled major incidents across the West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, and Staffordshire, leaving several homes destroyed and communities under immense strain. Phil Garrigan, chairman of the National Fire Chiefs Council, told the BBC that fire and rescue services have faced an exceptionally busy and challenging period operating under significant pressure during the heatwave.

Additional reports from the region highlight the profound impact of the prolonged dry weather. While rural landscapes across parts of the south and the Midlands faced exceptional drought stress and moorland vulnerability, emergency services remained stretched to their limits managing simultaneous blazes. The National Farmers' Union and numerous parliamentarians have added their voices to calls restricting the use of temporary cooking devices in vulnerable open spaces.

Mr Burnham's ongoing itinerary in the south-west is designed to gather direct feedback from regional employers on how central authorities can better support long-term investment, productivity, and regional economic stability. Officials have emphasized that listening directly to rural and coastal enterprises remains a cornerstone of the administration's early legislative agenda.

What to watch next

• Ongoing consultations between the Prime Minister and regional small business owners during the ongoing summer tour.
• Potential government policy announcements regarding disposable barbecues amid ongoing wildfire risks.
• Further fiscal measures and business rate reforms anticipated ahead of the upcoming Budget.

For broader economic updates and analysis, consult our dedicated business coverage.