Labour's Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to unveil an ambitious plan to attract high-skilled businesses to the UK by offering refunds on certain visa fees as part of her efforts to boost economic growth. The move aims to woo 'trailblazer' companies, which are likely to be drawn to Britain's stability and talent pool.
Reeves will announce tweaks to the visa regime during her visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos, where she will meet with business leaders from around the globe. The changes include refunding some visa fees for foreign businesses looking to bring highly skilled staff to the UK, as well as speeding up the process of qualifying for a sponsor of migrant workers.
The chancellor's message at the event is clear: Britain offers momentum, not just a platform. She will emphasize Labour's commitment to industry, including steel and clean energy, as well as plans to upgrade transport infrastructure in the north of England. However, her visit coincides with a major diplomatic showdown between the US and Europe over Greenland's future, which may overshadow her message.
Reeves has taken a hit this week after pulling out of an event at the London Stock Exchange, citing the uncertainty surrounding Trump's tariff plans for Europe. The chancellor is set to face questions about the support package for hospitality businesses, which was announced in her November budget. More than 130 hotel providers have written to her expressing concerns that business rate rises will damage investment and jobs in the sector.
Despite these challenges, Reeves remains upbeat about Britain's prospects as a destination for investors. "Some countries give you a platform," she said, "but Britain gives you momentum." The chancellor's visit to Davos is seen as an opportunity to showcase Britain's stability and talent pool, which are key drivers of economic growth.
Reeves will announce tweaks to the visa regime during her visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos, where she will meet with business leaders from around the globe. The changes include refunding some visa fees for foreign businesses looking to bring highly skilled staff to the UK, as well as speeding up the process of qualifying for a sponsor of migrant workers.
The chancellor's message at the event is clear: Britain offers momentum, not just a platform. She will emphasize Labour's commitment to industry, including steel and clean energy, as well as plans to upgrade transport infrastructure in the north of England. However, her visit coincides with a major diplomatic showdown between the US and Europe over Greenland's future, which may overshadow her message.
Reeves has taken a hit this week after pulling out of an event at the London Stock Exchange, citing the uncertainty surrounding Trump's tariff plans for Europe. The chancellor is set to face questions about the support package for hospitality businesses, which was announced in her November budget. More than 130 hotel providers have written to her expressing concerns that business rate rises will damage investment and jobs in the sector.
Despite these challenges, Reeves remains upbeat about Britain's prospects as a destination for investors. "Some countries give you a platform," she said, "but Britain gives you momentum." The chancellor's visit to Davos is seen as an opportunity to showcase Britain's stability and talent pool, which are key drivers of economic growth.
. Offering refunds on visa fees could definitely attract some high-skilled businesses to the UK 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to bring in some top talent to boost their company's growth? 
And speedin' up the process for migrant workers is a good idea too - it'll make it easier for companies to find the skills they need, ya know? 
. Business rate rises can be a real challenge for small businesses, and if Reeves' plan doesn't address that issue, it could end up hurtin' more jobs than helpin' 'em 
. So, we'll have to keep an eye on that one 
.
. We've got some amazin' talent and innovation happenin' here, and with the right support, I think we can attract even more businesses to our shores 
. Momentum over platform, yeah! 
. like, I get it, we need the economy boost 
️ it's like they're not even trying 
. and then there's this whole Greenland thing going on... US vs Europe, diplomatic spat 
. I'm sure Reeves' visit will be totally overshadowed by that 
. but hey, at least she's optimistic about Britain being a "momentum" destination 
.
just thinkin' about it... if they offer refunds on visa fees, that's gotta help some of those big companies come to the UK right? 
plus, Britain's already got a solid industry vibe goin' on - clean energy, steel, transport... it's like, what more could these trailblazer companies want? 
also, if they can get some of those hospitality businesses back on track, that'd be awesome 
. but, for real tho, it's gonna be interesting to see how this all plays out... will it be enough to put the UK in a good position for economic growth? 
! Refund on visa fees for high-skilled businesses could be a game-changer 
. I'm also curious to see how this will impact the hospitality sector 
. Reeves seems confident about Britain's prospects, but we'll have to wait and see if it translates to tangible growth 
Interesting how Labour is trying to attract high-skilled businesses with refunds on visa fees! Maybe it'll work, but what about the concern over business rate rises damaging investment in hospitality? Shouldn't they be focusing on that issue instead? Still, Reeves seems confident, and who knows, Britain's stability might just do the trick