Beyond Brexit: why 2020 will define a generation

Ahead of hearing from all three main national party leaders at the CBI Annual Conference, CBI President John Allan and Director-General Carolyn Fairbairn set out the business priorities for whoever forms the next government – with the aim of driving the UK’s prosperity for years to come.

Both speeches built on the launch of the CBI’s Programme for Prosperity, which has four major asks:

• For the government to work in partnership with business to create long-term solutions to long-term problems, such as climate change and skills
• For urgent action to make the UK business environment more competitive, including addressing business rates, immigration policy, R&D spend, and infrastructure
• To champion good and responsible business
• To secure a Brexit deal that protects the economy.

On Brexit

With the emphasis that 2020 cannot see a continuation of the uncertainty of the past three years, John’s speech focused on Brexit. But he argued that just talking about that uncertainty was lazy, however significant it has been for both business and the UK economy. Instead he said it was time to recognise – and have an honest conversation – about what comes next: the future negotiations over our long-term relationship with the EU. Building on wider trade opportunities can only grow from there, he said.

Closer to home

Carolyn moved the agenda on to the domestic priorities that many businesses feel have been neglected during the Brexit process. She focused on business’ potential to help solve challenges facing the UK, from inequality and reskilling to climate change. And she urged whichever party came to power to rely on evidence, not ideology, and to work in partnership with business.

But both John and Carolyn shared an important message: that firms need to step up their efforts to prove profit goes hand-in-hand with purpose. Whether that’s working in schools, or through newer initiatives, such as the Good Business Charter, that the CBI is involved in developing in partnership with Julian Richer of Richer Sounds.