Business leaders in Gloucestershire say the government needs to act quickly on promises in the Queen's Speech.

It was delivered yesterday by Prince Charles and set out the government's legislative agenda for the next parliamentary year, with a mix of new plans, long-made pledges and held-over bills.

Ian Mean, director of Business West Gloucestershire, said strengthening the economy and the cost of living was a key platform to the speech.

But he questioned whether the government is doing enough to avoid high inflation and the slowing of economic growth.

"I would say there must now be increasing pressure for an emergency Budget as the British Chambers of Commerce—of which Business West is a major player-called for earlier this week," he said.

Mr Mean said the Levelling Up announcement was the most important facet of new policy.

"The planning system will be reformed to give residents involvement in local development," he said.

"Planning is a real hot potato in our communities, of course, and I wait to be surprised with action on this."

Martin McTague, national chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, also urged the government to act and "flesh out" its previously vague levelling up plans.

He said: "It was good to hear a pro-enterprise address but it's now time to turn kind words into action.

"Firms need the Government to deliver quickly on levelling-up commitments through plans for devolution, infrastructure investment and regulatory reform.

"To date, a combination of a disappointing Shared Prosperity Fund settlement, rolling back of HS2 plans and withdrawal of the New Enterprise Allowance has left many in target areas feeling underwhelmed.

"Efforts to establish a new infrastructure bank, cement roll-out of gigabit-capable broadband and improve 4G coverage across the UK need to happen swiftly, targeting areas most in need.

"So far, levelling up efforts have been too vague to have any meaningful impact - the time has come for flesh on the bones."

Steve Gardner-Collins, director and chair of Visit Gloucestershire, said there were some interesting points to support visitor economy.

He welcomed plans to make pavement licences permanent.

"Ensuring everyone can continue to benefit from al fresco dining is something the sector can further enhance on and continue to think and invest in outside the box dining experiences," he said.

He said the 'County Deal' would help rejuvenate this sense of place discovered during Covid.

"It will provide local leaders with powers to enhance local accountability, joined up services and provide transparent decision making to rejuvenate communities,. "Discovering our doorsteps is all part of this continued sense of hyper local thinking.

"If we continue to think local, we protect and enhance the future of our destination."

He also welcomed the installation of more electric vehicle charge points throughout the UK and the creation of new public sector body Great British Railways, aimed at simplifying the public rail system.

"Delivering a better experience for passengers and freight customers, with more punctual and reliable services will definitely help support the drive to convert tourists to choose sustainable transport options," he said.

Matthew Fell, chief UK policy director of CBI, called for the government to have a "laser focus" on delivering its promises.

He said: "The focus on infrastructure, energy security, and skills all lay the foundations for sustainable, longer-term growth. And reaching for smarter, better regulation will ensure the UK remains world-leading in finance and put us at the front of the pack to make the most of emerging technologies.

"But alongside ambition, what's needed now is a relentless focus on delivery. Ahead of the Autumn Budget, the government should remain laser focused on unlocking the investment needed to grow the economy and address the cost-of-living crisis."

Simply Business said said the government needed to provide greater financial support to help SMEs get back on their feet after Covid-19

It reports that 87 per cent have lost money over the last two years, averaging £20,981 each and the total cost of Covid-19 for small businesses, including lost work, earnings, and loan repayments, now sits at £109.6 billion,

Over half of SME owners are suffering from anxiety as a result of the past two years and one in six believe they will never recover financially from the pandemic.