British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has launched its new Business Council to convene and discuss the major trends and challenges facing business and industry in order to guide its policy work and to ensure the voice of businesses are heard in the run-up to the general election.
Its inaugural meeting in September 2023 alongside Cabinet Minister, the Rt Hon Michael Gove, and Shadow Chancellor, the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves, brought together some of the most prominent British firms to work in partnership with politicians to drive the future of the economy. Aviva, Heathrow, Intuit are among the companies already signed up and it is hoped the Business Council will strengthen the BCC’s voice and profile with national politicians at this crucial time for the economy.
The British Council is targeted at large companies and institutions who want representation rooted in their local communities and the ability to shape the national debate. Members will also have access to a unique blend of benefits and services at a national level as well as membership of their relevant UK or international Chamber.
Its initial recommendations will feed into a Business Manifesto later this year that will aim to influence political party manifestos ahead of the general election. The Council will then work to develop follow-up papers – to help the next Government set a business-backed agenda from day one and establish a long-term strategy for growth.
Business Council members will focus on at least one of the challenges. The challenge themes will all be chaired by five experienced business leaders working with commissions of businesses, experts, Chamber representatives and academics.
The core challenges are:
- Digital Revolution – ensuring British business is ready for the pace of exponential change to come.
- People and Work – developing a comprehensive plan to reform the labour market and tackle skills shortages.
- Green Innovation – delivering on net zero and realising the huge economic opportunities of green growth.
- Global Britain – supporting exporters and ensuring the UK remains one of the best places in the world to invest.
- Local economy of the future – creating policy change to enable business to drive growth across the UK’s towns and cities.
Each challenge is led by a high-profile Chair with a policy commission structure underneath to develop fresh and compelling proposals for the UK government.
According to the British Chambers of Commerce website, business ‘needs a fresh relationship with Government, working together in real partnership to fix our economic challenges, seize opportunities and build an economy that works for all:
one that is fit for the future’.
Richard Burge, Chief Executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), said:
“The UK business community is a unique and diverse ecosystem. For too long, businesses have been constrained by a form of policy monoculture, where one overarching organisation has monopolised engagement with Government on the major issues facing British businesses. No two businesses are the same – each has its own experience, mindset, needs, and contribution to make – therefore it is imperative that our diverse business community is represented by a collection of agile and collaborative bodies, with a local understanding of regions across the UK, that can advocate solutions to the most pressing issues facing our firms.
“LCCI welcomes the British Chambers of Commerce’s decision to launch a new Business Council which will put businesses at the heart of policy and decision making. To deliver on the UK’s ambitions for growth and prosperity, consultation between businesses and government is essential. This new body will be a powerful, transparent, and informative platform to that end.”
President of the British Chambers of Commerce, Baroness Martha Lane Fox, said:
“The clock is ticking to a general election, with the economy likely to be front and centre of the campaign to come. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial that the voice of business is heard. The British Chambers of Commerce is working every day to make sure politicians understand what firms across the UK need. Our unique chamber network allows the BCC to advocate on behalf of the businesses of all shapes and sizes in all parts of the country.”
The Rt Hon Michael Gove said:
“The Government is focused on the Prime Minister’s missions to grow the economy and halve inflation.
“Levelling up plays a crucial part in that which is why I’m so pleased to be meeting with leading businesses at the BCC Business Council to discuss challenges and opportunities across the country and am very grateful to the British Chamber of Commerce for their excellent work on the Business Council.
“Boosting skills up and down the country and improving digital connectivity are key tenets of spreading opportunity across the UK, and will, in turn, contribute to economic growth.”
Find out more about the British Chambers of Commerce at www.britishchambers.org.uk