• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Monday April 27 2026

British businesses ‘need a bazooka’ to take on Trump, China and the effects of Brexit

The UK government needs to deploy a “trade bazooka” to defend British businesses against mounting global economic pressures, according to a new report from the British Chambers of Commerce.

The business group says UK firms have been left permanently bruised by the Pandemic, Brexit, wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, supply chain chaos, and US tariffs.

It argues that a more aggressive and coordinated trade strategy is urgently needed to protect exporters and strengthen the UK’s position in an increasingly competitive international market.

The BCC’s new report, Delivering Growth: Resilient Global Supply Chains, sets out urgent steps needed to secure vital manufacturing inputs and stop British competitiveness declining in an increasingly unstable world.

It says the Prime Minister must take cross-government responsibility for protecting the UK economy from external crises after years of neglect by successive governments.

It is urging ministers to introduce a comprehensive package of support measures, including export incentives, faster trade deal implementation, and stronger backing for firms navigating regulatory barriers abroad.

According to the organisation, many UK companies—particularly small and medium-sized enterprises—are struggling to cope with rising costs, geopolitical tensions, and complex post-Brexit trading arrangements.

In its proposal, the BCC highlights the need for improved access to finance for exporters, alongside expanded trade promotion services.

It also calls for the creation of a new Economic Security Cabinet Committee chaired by the Prime Minister to coordinate policy making across government on issues from tariffs to critical imports.

The group argues that without decisive action, the UK risks losing ground to competitors who are investing heavily in export growth and industrial strategy.

Shevaun Haviland, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“Over the past decade, British businesses have weathered some of the toughest economic shocks we’ve faced in the past 100 years.

“Through sheer resilience and ingenuity, they have kept trading in an increasingly unpredictable global environment.

“But it’s clear that this is not enough. The UK’s inadequate economic security has become a drag on growth, competitiveness and national strength; yet it is still not given the focus and urgency it demands.

“The wars in Ukraine and Iran have demonstrated how supply chains can be disrupted overnight.

“We now live in a world where trade interests may be weaponised, and where failing to secure key raw materials means failing to grow.

“The UK’s defence industry must also be made a priority. The Russian threat on our doorstep is not going to suddenly fade and the US now has other priorities.

“By improving our national security, we bolster our economic security as well, but those benefits must be felt more widely by our smaller firms.

“This report sets out practical, achievable steps to protect the foundations of our economy – from steel and semiconductors to defence and clean energy.

“The message from business is clear: delay is a luxury the UK can’t afford.

“The Prime Minister must act now, match the pace of our competitors, and put economic security at the heart of our national growth strategy.”