Business news in brief: EEF | Bourne Leisure | China | Honda

BUSINESS leaders today called for the UK government to concentrate on boosting economic growth rather than tackling the nation’s structural deficit.

A survey of more than 350 firms by manufacturers’ organisation the EEF also showed little enthusiasm for changing Britain’s relationship with Europe.

Most of those businesses polled said stimulating the economy should now be the coalition government’s overwhelming priority, with only a quarter regarding the reduction of the UK’s structural deficit as a top priority.

Staycations boost Bourne’s profits

The staycation effect has boosted profits and sales at the owner of Butlins and Haven Holidays, helping the company deliver a £43.9 million dividend.

Bourne Leisure, which operates caravan parks and hotels under various brands, including Warner Leisure hotels, recorded a group turnover last year of £813.7m, up 1.4 per cent, it emerged yesterday.

The company, which saw profits rise 4 per cent to £97.4m, benefited from a rise in holidaymakers opting to stay in the UK for cheaper holidays rather than head abroad.

Small Golden Week boom for retailers

China’s retail sales growth slowed during the “Golden Week” holiday, according to reports yesterday.

Overall retail sales revenue grew 15 per cent to hit 800.6 billion yuan (about £79 billion) during the national day holiday, which coincided with the mid-autumn festival to provide a rare eight-day break, China’s state television said.

Honda recalls CR–Vs over switch fault

Honda yesterday said it would recall about 488,000 CR-Vs in Europe and the United States after finding that rain water may enter the vehicles’ power window switch on the driver’s door, which could ultimately cause the switch to overheat and catch fire.