The CBI and trade associations - serving the sectors
The CBI offers services tailored to the needs of trade association members. These members have the chance to feed into our policy-making and to be plugged into our wealth of business intelligence.
We deal with the broader economic and business issues that affect the sectors our trade association members represent, and offer support to sectoral representation where appropriate. This allows sectoral organisations in membership the time to focus on those issues directly facing their members.
Founded by the merging of three trade bodies in 1965 – the Federation of British Industries, the British Employers’ Confederation and the National Association of British Manufacturers – the CBI has always had trade bodies at its core and continues to recognise the importance of its trade association members as an integral part of the voice of UK business.
Today, we have more than 150 trade associations in membership, collectively representing a wide range of sectors - from business and financial services to transport and construction through to retail and manufacturing.
Exclusive services offered to CBI trade association members include:
CBI Trade Association Council
A council of trade associations representing key segments of the UK economy. It lets the CBI consult sectors on its main policy positions.
Economic and Policy Briefing
An annual event open to all CBI trade association members, this offers a chance to exchange views with CBI director-general, CBI economists and fellow trade associations on the state of the economy.
Breakfast Briefing sessions
On specific policy issues and from our international offices on their local policy developments and business climate.
CBI’s British Business Bureau (BBB)
Services offered to CBI trade association members by the CBI Brussels office, including monitoring of EU policy developments, advice on EU lobbying and facilitation/event management.
CBI Scotland Trade Association Committee
For those trade association members based in Scotland, this Committee meets regularly to discuss specific policy developments affecting trade association.
CBI Corporate Projects
Opportunities to be involved CBI projects that make up part of the delivery of CBI’s current work plan.
Key contacts
If you are a trade association and would like more information about joining CBI, please contact:
Stuart Bean, head of sectoral affairs
020 7395 8024 / stuart.bean@cbi.org.uk