Could Burnham boost your business... or bury it in red tape?

Political upheaval is never good for business. The uncertainty leads to delays in making decisions and often investment of any sort gets put on the back burner even in the best of economic times. While we wait for the newly elected MP for Makerfield to make his next move, business owners may well be wondering what Andy as PM might mean for their business, their sector and the economy.

POTENTIAL POSITIVES

1. A strong focus on local economies and high streets

Burnham has consistently pushed for:

• investment in town centres

• support for local retail and hospitality

• regeneration funding targeted at smaller places, not just big cities

That could mean more funding and attention for high streets, market towns, and local business ecosystems, not just London and major metros.

2. A more interventionist, pro‑worker but pro‑community economic model

Burnham’s “Greater Manchester model” has emphasised:

• fair work

• decent pay

• stable employment

• local procurement

That could mean: Policies that favour small firms which already treat staff well and level the playing field against big employers who undercut on wages or conditions.

3. Better transport and infrastructure for local businesses

Photo by Egor Litvinov on Unsplash

He has championed:

• integrated public transport

• cheaper fares

• better connectivity between towns

That could mean: Easier commuting for staff, more footfall for high streets, and reduced costs for businesses reliant on local travel.

4. Stronger support for self‑employed people

Burnham has repeatedly highlighted:

• the lack of protection for the self‑employed

• gaps in pension saving

• the need for fairer treatment in tax and welfare

That could mean: A government more attuned to the needs of sole traders, freelancers and micro‑business owners, especially around pensions, sick pay and late payments.

5. A more collaborative relationship with local business groups

As Mayor, Burnham has worked closely with:

• local chambers

• small business networks

• community organisations

• social enterprises

That could mean: A PM who listens to small businesses and involves them in shaping policy, rather than relying solely on big‑business lobby groups.

POTENTIAL NEGATIVES

1. Higher labour standards could increase costs

Policies Burnham has supported include:

• higher minimum wages

• stronger worker protections

• improved sick pay

• tighter rules on insecure work

The possible impact: Good for workers but could raise wage bills and compliance costs for small employers already under pressure.

2. More regulation in some sectors

Burnham has backed stronger rules in:

• housing

• transport

• gig‑economy work

• health and social care

The possible impact: Some small firms may face more paperwork, reporting requirements or compliance obligations.

3. Potential tax changes

While he hasn’t set out a national tax plan, Burnham has:

• supported wealth‑based taxation

• argued for fairer contributions from property owners

• backed more progressive funding for public services

The possible impact: Small business owners who rely on property wealth or dividends may face changes, though details would depend on the wider government platform.

4. A more interventionist state may not suit all entrepreneurs

Burnham’s style is:

• hands‑on

• community‑focused

• public‑service‑driven

Some founders prefer a lighter‑touch, low‑regulation environment. Burnham’s approach may feel more structured and more regulated.

5. Risk of uneven implementation

His success in Greater Manchester relied on:

• strong local leadership

• devolved powers

• local partnerships

Scaling this nationally could be challenging and small businesses outside major combined authorities may worry about being left behind.

THE BIG PICTURE FOR SMALL & MICRO BUSINESSES

If Andy Burnham became PM, the likely direction of travel, based on his record, would be:

More support for local economies

More focus on fairness and worker protections

More attention to the self‑employed and micro‑businesses

A more interventionist, partnership‑driven government

BOTTOM LINE

Andy Burnham’s leadership style suggests a government that would:

• prioritise local economies

• support high streets and community businesses

• strengthen protections for workers and the self‑employed

• expect higher standards from employers

• invest in transport and regeneration

• take a more hands‑on approach to economic policy

For small and micro businesses, this would bring real opportunities, and new responsibilities.