“After Brexit, after Covid, and after COP, the UK must – and can – build the most competitive, dynamic and future-focused economy in the world. With business at the heart of social progress and acting in the service of the nation.”
“As Labour advances its new - more consultative - ‘contract with business’, the CBI will play its part. In providing Sir Keir and his team with expert business insight, we can help Labour’s economic policies stay on the path of enabling growth rather than hampering it."
22 Nov 2021“What the Prime Minister set out today on EV charging is exactly the kind of detail we need to drive the necessary investment for a high-growth economy. That mix of high of ambition and focused detail can provide a blueprint for how government and business can work together to turn political aspiration into boardroom action."
22 Nov 2021"Even more so with net zero, which creates a once in a generation opportunity for the UK’s industrial heartlands to lead in this new industrial revolution, as they did in the last. Hydrogen. Off-shore wind. Carbon Capture. Electric Vehicles and batteries. And other net-zero solutions."
22 Nov 2021“But businesses across the Midlands and Northern England will be justifiably disappointed to see the goalposts have moved at the eleventh hour, and concerned that some of the areas most sorely in need of development will lose out as a result of the scaled back plans.”
18 Nov 2021"Post-COP26, the need for action on carbon emissions in major projects could not be clearer. Ultimately, this report represents the business contribution to improving major project delivery. Getting this right can improve value for money for taxpayers and meaningfully contribute to government commitments on achieving net zero and levelling up communities."
17 Nov 2021“However, ongoing supply chain issues, labour shortages and record high vacancies have put a brake on growth. The Supply Chain Advisory Group is a positive development, demonstrating the Government’s willingness to work in partnership with business to tackle current challenges. Companies will continue to face these issues well into the New Year, so it’s important this spirit of collaboration is maintained to safeguard the UK’s economic recovery.”
16 Nov 2021“Where COP26 has been truly pioneering is in terms of the contribution of business. Over the past few weeks, businesses have shown that they are committed to moving from laggard to leader on climate and to bring fresh impetus, innovation and ingenuity to delivering net zero. Regardless of the political outcome of COP26, business stands ready to go further and faster to play its part.”
13 Nov 2021“Data is at the heart of modern business operations in sectors from logistics to financial services, and firms know how they treat customers’ data has a real impact on trust in technology. Introducing a US-style class action could have put a chill on investment and a detrimental impact on firms across the economy without improving access to justice for the majority of consumers.”
10 Nov 2021“The next few months will be something of a balancing act for the MPC. They will need to navigate monetary policy to both curb any signs of price pressures becoming more entrenched, and support the economic recovery from the pandemic. It’s important to remember that any future changes to interest rates will still leave monetary policy very accommodative, with ample scope to support economic growth going forward.”
04 Nov 2021“Today's landmark announcement – which sees over half of FTSE100 companies commit to eliminating their contribution to carbon emissions by 2050 – sends a crystal-clear signal: business is ready to do its part.”
04 Nov 2021"The establishment of the Sustainability Standards Board, as well as the Chancellor's announcement for firms to publish net zero transition plans, are steps in the right direction. These need to be followed up with further action from policy makers to develop globally consistent climate and sustainability disclosure standards”.
03 Nov 2021“The Breakthroughs will lead to concrete policies that support deep decarbonisation of power, transport, industry and agriculture and a means of closer collaboration between international governments and businesses."
02 Nov 2021“The Chancellor has shown a genuine willingness to listen to business with measures that will get firms innovating and help the economy to grow. It takes several positive steps forward – through Levelling Up Fund investment to matching the Shared Prosperity Fund – but leaves more to be done to deliver the high investment, high productivity economy we need."
27 Oct 2021“This Budget alone won’t seize the moment and transform the UK economy for a post-Brexit post-Covid world. Businesses remain in a high tax, low productivity economy with concerns about inflation. But the Budget will have a positive impact across the economy and makes several changes that will be welcomed by UK businesses.”
27 Oct 2021“Rather than a regulatory ethos that curtails investment, let’s use new post-Brexit freedoms to do the opposite. And on top of a very promising net zero strategy, let’s have the Government now make the bets needed to underwrite the most ambitious green investment in the world. Let’s seize the moment, do what it takes and do it in partnership. Let’s go for growth that lasts. And let’s start at next week’s Budget.”
22 Oct 2021"Agreeing a new financing model for new nuclear power is a crucial step in building a secure, affordable and greener energy system in the years ahead. The RAB model has been used successfully across UK infrastructure and has the potential to secure backing from a wide range of investors. Getting new projects off the ground will be a huge boost to supply chains and can deliver jobs right across the UK."
26 Oct 2021“But there are still some pieces of puzzle missing. Strong consumer incentives to make homes more energy efficient and delivering business models to make carbon capture and hydrogen projects more investable need to be brought forward urgently. To truly transform the UK economy based on sustainable and green growth, we need to push further and faster and make key decisions on how to finance the transition to net zero."
19 Oct 2021“The UK has always been a magnet for inward investment and is the second largest recipient of inward investment in the world. Post pandemic and post Brexit, the government needs to double down on incentivising and attractive investment both domestic and global. The Global Investment Summit is therefore coming at the right time."
19 Oct 2021“There’s no doubt that the scale of the challenge is considerable. These welcome measures – including the 2035 phase out of new gas boilers – will help consumers and business better prepare to change the way they heat their homes and buildings."
18 Oct 2021“Expanded standards for environmental reporting are key for supporting the transition to a greener financial system. Greater clarity on environmental impacts will help investors channel finance into projects that are aligned with net zero targets and will reduce carbon emissions across our economy."
18 Oct 2021“With up to half of business investment potentially subject to business rates, it has literally become a tax on investment. Action to stimulate investment, starting with business rates reform, unites firms spanning the whole economy. If the government is serious about achieving its net zero ambitions, kicking reforms further into the long grass cannot be the answer.”
14 Oct 2021“The UK and EU have listened to business on many of the technical solutions needed to protect GB-NI trade. Both sides must now grasp this opportunity to get back round the table – and agree sustainable long-term solutions that work for businesses and communities in Northern Ireland”.
13 Oct 2021“It's welcome that Government has set up a new taskforce chaired by Sir David Lewis to advise on the impact of supply chain disruption and labour shortages on the recovery. Business and Government working together is the best way to create the high-wage, high-skill, high-investment, high-productivity economy we all want to see.”
12 Oct 2021“A thriving construction industry will be essential to the success of the UK in the coming decades. But it is only through financial stability and a secure operating environment that business investment will create the technologies, innovations and skills to drive the transformation needed, at the pace needed."
12 Oct 2021“Employers are eager to build on the stand-out success of auto-enrolment and know that higher business contributions will be needed in future. But with firms only beginning to recover from the pandemic, and while they’re prioritising investing in more immediate pay and conditions to address labour shortages and rising living costs, any increase must take place over the next five years rather than in the short-term.”
11 Oct 2021“The CBI looks forward to working closely with Sir David Lewis and his team at the Cabinet Office to find efficient solutions and deploy them quickly, enabling the UK to get ahead of future issues."
08 Oct 2021“After eighteen torrid months of restrictions, the business community will welcome the Welsh Government’s commitment to keeping the economy open. The Covid pass system should help restore business and consumer confidence as we approach the all-important festive trading period."
08 Oct 2021“The Prime Minister has set out a compelling vision for our economy. But ambition on wages without action on investment and productivity is ultimately just a pathway for higher prices. So, let’s work in partnership to overcome the short-term challenges and fulfil our long-term potential.”
06 Oct 2021“Nearly all of us will need to gain new skills between now and 2030. An expanded role for Job Centre Plus should be a step towards them becoming genuine ‘jobs and skills hubs’, supporting all workers in their search for career progression and higher wages. Businesses are committed to playing their full part in training and re-skilling the workforce of tomorrow as we move towards a new economy.”
03 Oct 2021“Commitments on R&D spending, investment and digital skills signal an understanding of core business priorities essential for delivering a dynamic and future-focussed economy. Business will now want to see more about their plans to unlock investment and innovation to achieve these goals.”
29 Sep 2021“While the diagnosis is right, some of the prescription requires a second opinion. For example, acting in isolation on digital services tax could risk undermining hard won progress on an international agreement. And we need to recognise, not simply criticise, the important role played by public service providers across the UK."
27 Sep 2021“With businesses just recently starting to recoup their losses a freeze in rates will provide much needed breathing room, as will the rise in rates relief for SMEs. But going it alone on digital services tax is high risk and could undermine the UK's competitiveness at a time when need to be prioritising going for growth."
26 Sep 2021“Yet the scale of the challenges facing businesses on multiple fronts underlines the need for a COBR-like Cabinet Committee for recovery, enabling much faster action to alleviate short-term pressures.”
26 Sep 2021“Establishing a crisis management Taskforce to move quickly – with both business and government around the table – will ensure Government is far more informed about the nature and scale of the challenges; can formulate responses fast; and is able to get the support of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet to take action required. We stand ready to support the Government to do this.”
24 Sep 2021"Employers support giving employees the right to request flexible working from day one in the job. They want to work with the Government to ensure that they can say ‘no’ when they have properly considered requests but for good reason can’t accept them.”
22 Sep 2021“With AI increasingly being incorporated into our workplaces and daily lives, it’s essential to build public trust in the technology. Proportionate and joined-up regulation will be a core element to this and firms look forward to engaging with the government’s continued work in this area. Businesses hope to see the AI strategy provide the long-term direction and fuel to reach the government’s AI ambitions.”
22 Sep 2021“Yet retail energy suppliers are still urgently anticipating measures from the government – delivered alongside industry – to provide stability. Given significant price rises affecting both businesses and consumers, it’s essential vulnerable customers and key energy intensive companies, which underpin critical UK supply chains, are well supported throughout the winter."
22 Sep 2021“Immediately reviewing and updating the Shortage Occupation List so that firms can temporarily fill the most significant vacancies would provide businesses with some breathing room. In the longer-term, skills policies should help workers gain the abilities needed to fill shortages.”
20 Sep 2021“Right now, there is a wall of invesment waiting to be invested, with corporate cash reserves now over £900bn. Yet we know from our members that we can’t simply expect it to be deployed in the UK. We’re in a global race for investment in green technologies, innovation, and skills. We must create the right environment to unleash it."
17 Sep 2021“The decision to keep the country at alert level zero will be welcomed by businesses that are only now starting to recover from the damaging cycle of lockdown restrictions. However, with infection rates continuing to move in the wrong direction, we cannot take the platform that vaccines and testing have given us for granted. That’s why businesses will be doing everything they can to help promote adherence to baseline measures, like mask-wearing, among staff and customers."
17 Sep 2021“ The Government’s decision should make it easier and more cost effective for people who are double-jabbed to travel overseas. But for the industry to trade its way back to recovery, more will still need to be done to address the cost and complexity of remaining testing requirements and to open up more countries still-closed to UK travellers."
17 Sep 2021"That includes both sides giving fresh consideration to business’ suggestion for a bespoke veterinary agreement, which could avoid the majority of checks and reflect the unique nature of trade between the UK and the EU. And where supply bottlenecks are caused by labour shortages, the UK should use the immigration levers within its gift to alleviate short-term pressures.”
14 Sep 2021“The UK’s world leading vaccine programme should underpin efforts to build confidence in the reopening, but just as important will be maximising the role that monitoring, therapeutics and free, mass testing can play in driving confidence."
14 Sep 2021“In the longer-term, this means increasing investment in reskilling, automation and improved pay and conditions. But these steps take time to have impact, so we need a functional Shortage Occupation List too so that firms can temporarily fill the most significant vacancies. Government needs to immediately begin a review of shortages and accept the Migration Advisory Committee’s recommendations from last year to add extra jobs to the list."
14 Sep 2021"That includes both sides giving fresh consideration to business’ suggestion for a bespoke veterinary agreement, which could avoid the majority of checks and reflect the unique nature of trade between the UK and the EU. And where supply bottlenecks are caused by labour shortages, the UK should use the immigration levers within its gift to alleviate short-term pressures.”
14 Sep 2021"Clear forward guidance for firms about what measures will be introduced under Plan B should infection rates rise will maximise their ability to plan with certainty. Transparency about how and when those decisions will be made is essential.”
14 Sep 2021“This autumn requires big choices. Choices that will define a decade. We’re at an inflexion point. Brexit, Covid, Climate Change – all demand that the UK forges a new growth story to compete in the world. And believe me this will be a competition – for new markets, new skills, and technological advantage."
13 Sep 2021“Firms will support the government aim to bust barriers to allow data to move securely, but more flexibly across borders. We hope to see the UK maintain its high level of data protections and remain in line with international standards to safeguard our thriving digital economy."
10 Sep 2021“It’s time to stimulate investment and growth in the economy. National Insurance increase will directly hurt a business's ability to hire staff, at a time when businesses have faced a torrid 18 months and are now fighting crippling labour shortages."
07 Sep 2021“Business investment is absolutely vital to Scotland’s economic recovery, and the government should do everything in its power to attract – not repel - investment and the very best talent. Ultimately, by working more closely with business to create sustainable economic growth, ministers will be able to achieve their goals of improving people's living standards and public services."
07 Sep 2021“Labour shortages are biting right across the economy. While the CBI still predicts growth returning to pre-pandemic levels later this year, furlough ending is not the panacea some people think will magically fill labour supply gaps. These shortages... will have a negative impact on the UK’s economic recovery."
06 Sep 2021“Government should put an end to any lingering uncertainty by reaffirming its commitment to delivering HS2, on time and in full, as a foundation stone for an equitable and sustainable future UK economy.”
27 Aug 2021“This means focusing on individual vaccination status rather than country status, simplifying any lingering restrictions and ending PCR test requirements for double-jabbed travelers and journeys to green list countries.”
26 Aug 2021“Any proposed agreement between the SNP and Scottish Greens should recognise the immense contribution that enterprise makes to social and economic life in Scotland, not seek to shut business out of the discussion on economic recovery. Without a thriving and competitive business sector delivering investment, jobs and growth, any plans for ambitious future spending are destined to fall short.”
20 Aug 2021“If the Scottish Government plans to launch a series of ambitious spending plans, this must be backed-up by consistent revenue generation. That means supporting enterprise to deliver the jobs and growth we need by taking steps to build public and business confidence in the recovery."
18 Aug 2021“Longer-term, business must continue to invest in the skills and automation that will underpin future growth. The government can also help by ensuring that the qualifications it funds include those in short supply and removing barriers hampering firms’ ability to recruit overseas workers.”
17 Aug 2021“With its cross-economy applications in the transition to net-zero, firms will be looking to the Government to make ambitious commitments on hydrogen testing and demonstration projects in the upcoming Comprehensive Spending Review – as well as clearly identifying its role in decarbonising the UK’s heat system through the Heat and Buildings Strategy."
17 Aug 2021“The vast majority of businesses are continuing their commitment to protecting staff and customers during the pandemic. This includes showing flexibility when the time comes for their staff to get the jab. We’d encourage all companies to demonstrate this same level of consideration towards their employees.”
12 Aug 2021“However, it’s not clear why the Executive has not agreed to end social distancing or why it continues to advise the workforce to work from home. This feels like a missed opportunity to support struggling retailers that were hopeful of getting more customers through the door and making the most of the final weeks of summer. Many firms are also already proceeding with hybrid working models, with well advanced plans to get them off the ground."
12 Aug 2021“The vast majority of businesses are continuing their commitment to protecting staff and customers during the pandemic. This includes showing flexibility when the time comes for their staff to get the jab. We’d encourage all companies to demonstrate this same level of consideration towards their employees.”
12 Aug 2021“Yet challenges to the recovery are emerging. Several supply bottlenecks have likely taken the edge off growth over the summer: a shortage of raw materials and semiconductors, continuing global supply chain disruption and staffing shortages. In the near-term, every effort must be made to safeguard the UK recovery."
12 Aug 2021“Regardless of their results, there are great options for students to pursue in education, vocational training and employment. Whatever route they choose, developing skills like communication, creativity and teamwork will help them to thrive. Employers stand ready to offer support through Kickstart placements, apprenticeships and T Levels.”
12 Aug 2021“As school leavers start the next chapter of their lives, firms will provide support through jobs and training. Meanwhile, universities will do whatever they can to help students progressing onto higher education by showing as much flexibility as possible on admissions decisions."
10 Aug 2021“Regardless of the outcome, young people should remember that qualifications are just one of the factors employers look at when recruiting. Businesses value the resilience students have demonstrated throughout the pandemic enormously, alongside skills like creativity and teamwork."
10 Aug 2021“Congratulations to those receiving their exam results today, after years of hard work and determination. Students have shown incredible resilience to overcome the challenges of learning during the pandemic and that’s something that all businesses both value and admire."
10 Aug 2021“Regardless of today’s outcome, young people should remember that qualifications are just one of the factors employers look for when recruiting. Alongside key skills like creativity and teamwork, attitude and aptitude remain the most important strengths employers are looking when it comes to hiring school leavers.”
10 Aug 2021“Committing to and achieving net zero is paramount and the UK must look to lead by example, establishing the policy and tax frameworks to make it possible. Businesses understand the vital role they must play and many are putting net zero plans in place. We need to see more of those commitments and acting on the pledges made, as soon as possible.”
09 Aug 2021“Whether through the use of measures like face masks and risk assessments or the many processes businesses have implemented themselves to become more COVID-secure, ensuring staff and customers feel comfortable entering businesses premises is crucial to getting the Welsh economy firing again.”
06 Aug 2021“Next, maintain COVID-secure workplace restrictions and safety measures, including hygiene and ventilation, to keep employees and customers safe. This means mandatory guidance for face coverings in certain close contact settings."
05 Aug 2021"Restoring freedom of travel to these countries will enable firms to salvage a limited summer season. However, defining a strategy for a more comprehensive resumption of travel that is safe, simple and certain remains an urgent priority."
05 Aug 2021“The UK’s successful vaccine rollout, coupled with lessons learned throughout the pandemic, offer genuine opportunity for more travel to resume safely. The UK urgently needs to widen the list of those able to avoid self-isolation on their return, to include individuals who have received UK approved vaccines, rather than just those who received NHS vaccines."
04 Aug 2021“However, with so many restrictions lifting, businesses will be confused why the Scottish Government is continuing to advise people to work from home. The reality is that many firms are well-advanced in their plans and are proceeding with hybrid working models, just as the government advises. It’s up to employers to engage positively with staff to shape new ways of working that work for them, while remaining as safe as possible."
03 Aug 2021
The CBI community responds to today's challenges
Growth is not guaranteed. This year’s CBI Annual Conference will look at how firms stand the best chance of delivering – and thriving as part of – a high skilled, high productivity economy.
Citrix gives us the low down on how technology can help firms to embrace hybrid working to attract and retain talent in the post-pandemic world.
Diversity and inclusion experts EW Group take us through what makes Black History Month so important and how celebrating it in the workplace can really make a difference.
How a cross-sector group of organisations are joining the campaign to diversify business and why your firm should sign up and join them.
Five things I wish I had known 24 months ago – according to travel and tourism entrepreneur Emmanuelle Spriet.
Change the Race Ratio signatories, Moon Executive Search, give expert insight into how and why firms need to increase boardroom representation.
Read our annual barometer of jobs, salaries, competitiveness and employee relations.
Read how the CBI will deliver for your business and how you can get involved to break down barriers and open up opportunities for your business.
Unpacking key insights and practical guidance for your business.
A new report from the CBI and Turner & Townsend outlines how major projects represent a significant opportunity.
Lord Bilimoria celebrates a bright future for a collaborative and competitive UK, in his speech to the CBI Annual Conference.
Nowhere can be left behind in the quest for economic growth, says CBI Director General Tony Danker.
CBI Director General Tony Danker says firms can deliver net zero, regardless of the outcome of COP26.
