Speaking in his New Year's message, BCC director general John Longworth said it was essential the Government ensured employers were able to find the right people with the right skill sets for the UK to compete internationally.
The leader of the BCC also used his annual message to tell the Government to "unleash business investment". Longworth said Britain must become a "national incubator" for small businesses wishing to grow.
"We must find ways to become a national incubator for those who want to be medium-sized enterprises so that when they reach this stage in their growth cycle, they have the opportunity to become the UK's wealth creators of tomorrow," Longworth said.
"But for companies to invest, they must also believe this country's infrastructure will allow them to realise a return. The Government must prove its dedication to delivering a skilled workforce that firms need to service their customers and clients."
