Hampshire Chamber of Commerce has urged the Chancellor of the Exchequer to prioritise restoring business confidence.

This comes ahead of the government's Spring Statement on Wednesday, and the Comprehensive Spending Review due in the summer.

Ross McNally, Hampshire Chamber's chief executive and executive chairman, said: "To achieve strong and consistent economic growth here in Hampshire and across the country, the government must focus on three key areas of investment: the transformation of skills; improvements to digital and physical infrastructure; and enabling greater access to global trade."

Mr McNally also highlighted the importance of a partnership between the government and the regional business community, represented by Hampshire Chamber.

He said: "Progressing them in consistent, sustainable ways is essential to help our firms invest and grow at a time of such huge economic and geopolitical uncertainty."

The chamber welcomed the government's approval of an improvement scheme for Junction 9 on the M3 near Winchester.

However, they urged ministers to consider other transport ideas that would support trade, jobs, and investment in high-value sectors.

On digital infrastructure, the chamber called for additional long-term funding and practical support to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) adopt artificial intelligence.

They believe this would boost productivity and growth, allowing more SMEs to benefit from the digital revolution.

Mr McNally also stressed the importance of addressing gaps in training provision through the two Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) for Hampshire.

He called on ministers to champion employer-led engagement, extend investment in LSIPs, and bridge the gap between education and work.

The chamber also highlighted the need for continued support for Solent Freeport, recognition of Hampshire's strengths in key sectors, and the development of an investment pipeline.

Mr McNally said: "Ministers should not assume that business can simply shoulder the burden alone.

"Government and business must work in partnership if we are to keep Hampshire and the rest of Britain working, trading and thriving in what is an increasingly pressurised global business environment."

The Spring Statement, also known as the 'mini-budget', is a response given by the Chancellor in Parliament each year alongside the publication of economic forecasts.