The boss of a company which employs almost 1,000 people in Carlisle has said the case for investment in Britain is ‘harder’ following the recent budget.

The CEO of Pladis – which operates the Carrs’ and McVitie’s factory in Carlisle - was speaking at the CBI's annual conference on Monday where he raised concerns about the government’s financial plan.

The head of the CBI has also warned that tax rises in the budget were making businesses wary of hiring and investing in the UK.

Salman Amin said: "Historically, we've been super bullish on the United Kingdom.

"Going forward, it's becoming harder to understand what the case for investment is.

"Small amounts one can understand, but the quantums that I think we need to make a difference in the growth rate of the economy are in the order of tens of millions every year.

"In the last couple of years, it's just become a lot harder to really see how does that play out.”

Mr Amin also raised concerns that the government were ‘turning their backs’ on traditional industry and focusing on green and tech jobs.

“I think we can all sign up to the Government’s mission to grow the UK economy, renew the country’s competitiveness and unlock investment,” said Mr Amin

“After all, what business leader wouldn’t? The big question is how – and this is where I have a concern.

“What strikes me is that in the race to grow, we seem to be turning our backs on the industries which have built Britain for decades.

“You only have to look at the list of sectors featured in the Government’s industrial strategy to see this.

“There’s plenty of mention of aerospace, tech and green energy but you’d be hard pressed to find a substantive reference to food and drink. In my view, that’s a glaring omission.

He added: “Economic momentum will come when we build a genuinely inclusive industrial strategy.

“A strategy which embraces emerging sectors and, crucially, celebrates those in which Britain is already a leader – such as food and drink.”

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Pladis operates the factory in Carlisle which is a major source of employment for the city.

The company has recently invested in a £12 million revamp of the factory which created more than 150 jobs.

Last year a brand new £2million warehouse was opened by the company.