British Chambers of Commerce launches a new Business Council

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.

The Chamber network is listening to businesses about issues such as sustainable growth, productivity, people and work, and innovation.

That is why, the British Chambers has launched a national campaign, “Where Business Belongs” to invite businesses to join the network as we build on the partnership with government to seek out opportunities for a better, more sustainable Britain.

As part of this campaign, a new Business Council has been launched, to convene and discuss the major trends and challenges facing business and industry to guide our policy work.

This 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.

The new body, comprising some of the most prominent British businesses, has been brought together to work in partnership with politicians to drive the future of the economy at this crucial time.

The Business Council will focus on five key challenges and will develop policy proposals that will help transform the future of the UK economy.

• 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)

Its initial recommendations will feed into a Business Manifesto in the new 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 British Chambers of Commerce has held its inaugural meeting of its new Business Council alongside Cabinet Minister, the Rt Hon Michael Gove and Shadow Chancellor, the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves.

Following the initial meeting, the Business Council will start to produce their first policy recommendations in early 2024.

British Chamber’s President and Business Council Chair, Baroness Martha Lane Fox, said: “Now more than ever, businesses must come together to tackle the challenges facing the UK economy. In the face of economic disruption and with a general election looming, our new, national Business Council will help the voice of business to be heard loud and clear by policymakers. Together in partnership with politicians, it will find the answers to the key issues facing the UK economy, so it was great to have Michael Gove and Rachel Reeves join us for our inaugural meeting.

“The expertise and experience that our council members bring to the table allows for a powerful and engaging debate about the problems but also helps to identify the solutions. Firms are realistic and understand the financial limitations that the Governments of both today and the next five years will be facing. But it’s through initiatives like these that we can work collectively to make a real difference for businesses on the frontline of the economy and give them the tools they need to succeed. This was an excellent first meeting to act as a springboard in developing practical and pragmatic policies across the five challenge areas.”

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 British Chamber’s 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.”

Any business in Sussex wishing to find out more about Sussex Chamber or the British Chamber network as well as Business Council should contact Ana Christie, CEO, Sussex Chamber. Email: info@sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk