2018 was another extraordinary year. Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, shares her thoughts on what was achieved and explains how that’s shaping CBI priorities for the months ahead
2018 was marked by instability and uncertainty. It was a year for business to have a strong voice, and, with our members’ help, the CBI had significant success in influencing decisions in fields from skills and education to innovation, tax and, of course, Brexit. Working together, we have made a real difference.
So I wanted to share some of my reflections on that and outline the CBI’s early priorities for 2019.
Brexit: a year of mitigating risk and navigating uncertainty
Brexit has inevitably dominated the agenda. As I write, the outcome of the negotiations and Parliamentary process remain highly uncertain. Throughout the year, the CBI has pushed for economic pragmatism over political ideology. We have ensured the business voice has been heard at every level in the UK and across Europe. Our Smooth Operations report, covering the regulatory needs of 18 sectors from the new EU/UK trade relationship, played a vital role in providing negotiators on both sides
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