CBI responds to continuation of UK-EU trade negotiations
Tony Danker, CBI Director-General, said the news that talks will continue gives hope.
"A deal is both essential and possible. It is the only way to build upon the extensive support for the economy given by all governments during the pandemic. Without it, that progress is undermined. Ongoing delays are frustrating and cost businesses. But it is vital to make use of the time. Government must move with even more determination to avoid the looming cliff edge of January 1st."
13 Dec 2020
CBI comments on UK-EU trade negotiations
Tony Danker, CBI Director-General, appeals to politicians on both sides of the Channel to find the path through.
"With less than 3 weeks to go, we also need to plan in parallel for 1st January, deal or no-deal. That means everything from border systems and processes to data adequacy and financial services equivalence. It also means allowing sensible grace periods for businesses to adapt to re-labelling of products and phasing in of border checks."
13 Dec 2020
Investment incentives needed to fast-forward Covid economic recovery
Tony Danker, CBI Director-General, said Covid-19 has left deep scars on the economy, but this forecast does offer grounds for optimism.
“We simply must find new ways to get businesses investing at the start of 2021 if we are to fast-forward the recovery. We’ve had great news on vaccines this week, but if we are to be masters of our own destiny then we must act decisively to rebuild a better economy.”
10 Dec 2020
CBI Scotland responds to additional COVID-19 business support
Tracy Black, CBI Scotland Director, welcomed the new schemes, saying it's vital details are communicated clearly, that the application process is simple, and that funds reach firms in need as quickly as possible. She added:
“Continuing to ramp-up widespread testing would also help Scotland’s fragile economy to weather the difficult winter ahead. Businesses also want to know that there is a plan in place for after Christmas and that a return to the same cycle of severe restrictions is unlikely.”
09 Dec 2020
CBI Northern Ireland responds to NI Protocol agreement
Angela McGowan, CBI Northern Ireland Director, said it is now incumbent on both sides to intensify their engagement with Northern Ireland’s business community in the coming months to safeguard firms and consumers. She added:
"Business preparations also depend on a deal being done. While affording some time to adjust is welcome, questions remain on operational readiness and the longer-term impact for supply chains. This starts with turning legal text into practical guidance so firms can act."
09 Dec 2020
CBI responds to sixth carbon budget
Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Chief Economist, said now is the time for business and government to work together to deliver a transition that will secure economic recovery and sustainable growth.
“We have a short window of opportunity between now and COP26 to set the clear strategy we need to meet net-zero commitments. With that in place, business, government and society stand ready to deliver.”
09 Dec 2020
CBI welcomes publication of new government guidance Construction Playbook
Josh Hardie, CBI Deputy Director-General, said the publication of the Construction Playbook marks an important milestone in government’s efforts to overhaul procurement of public sector construction.
“To maximise its impact, the principles and guidance in the Construction Playbook now need to be rolled out across the public sector quickly. Adopting the Playbook’s ‘comply or explain’ principle, all public sector procuring bodies should plan to implement and embed the best practices within the Construction Playbook over the coming months.”
08 Dec 2020
COVID-19 pandemic highlights urgent need to address Scotland’s productivity puzzle and build economic resilience – CBI Scotland/KPMG Productivity Index
Speaking at the launch of the report, Tracy Black, CBI Scotland Director, said:
“By addressing long-term productivity challenges, we can start to build a sustainable recovery from COVID-19 and also look ahead to the kind of economy we want for Scotland. It should be led by high tech, sustainable growth, and green infrastructure with a highly skilled, well-paid and flexible workforce that’s ready to compete with the best.”
08 Dec 2020
CBI responds to announcement of UK’s Paris Agreement Nationally Determined Contribution
Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Chief Economist, said while delivering a 68% reduction in emissions by 2030 undoubtedly represents a real stretch, there is no doubt that business is up for the challenge as we build back better and greener following the pandemic. She added:
"Publishing the forthcoming Energy White Paper as soon as possible, and moving with speed, determination and greater ambition to deliver the policies in the government’s ten-point plan, is essential to our success.”
03 Dec 2020
Fairness and equality can define London's post-Covid economy
Jordan Cummins, CBI London Head of Policy, said while the economy is not out of the woods yet, businesses’ future focus extends beyond just the balance sheet.
“In short, it’s not just about getting things going again; it’s about capitalising on this unique opportunity to rethink how London operates, who for, and to form a new-look business landscape which spreads opportunity more widely."
03 Dec 2020
CBI responds to UK approval of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for widespread use
Lord Karan Bilimoria, CBI President, said the approval of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine represents a major breakthrough in our fightback against COVID-19. He added:
“Given the vaccine rollout will take time, three things are needed now to shore up confidence. Mass, rapid testing must be rolled out as far and wide as possible from the community to workplaces. Meanwhile, to protect people’s jobs, firms need clarity about the level of support through to March and beyond, along with transparent trigger points for exiting higher tiers and a robust, evidence-based approach for ongoing restrictions.”
02 Dec 2020
CBI Wales responds to new hospitality restrictions
Ian Price, CBI Wales Director, said want to understand the key data points influencing decisions and to be confident that the severe measures put in place will deliver the desired result. He added:
“For the Welsh hospitality sector to weather the storm, additional business support is absolutely critical. Resources must be made available to firms immediately, with clear information and a designated point of contact created to help them access it. Anything less and it will be last orders for the community pubs, restaurants and cafes that we all value so highly.”
30 Nov 2020
CBI responds to tier decisions in England
Matthew Fell, CBI Chief UK Policy Director, said lessons must be learned from previous local lockdowns. Boundary lines between different tiers need to work on the ground. Trigger points for exiting the higher tiers must be transparent. He added:
“It’s vital that firms receive the financial support they need to make it through to the Spring. Clarity about ongoing employment support, including the Job Retention Bonus, will help protect as many jobs as possible."
26 Nov 2020
CBI responds to Comprehensive Spending Review
Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Chief Economist, said through his statement, the Chancellor has made some bold autumn decisions to power a Spring recovery. She added:
“But ambition must be matched by action on the ground. The Government’s commitment to build, build, build must be delivered now. This means a clear strategy to upgrade the UK’s infrastructure and publishing the Energy White Paper."
25 Nov 2020
CBI responds to Chancellor's plans on job protection and creation
Matthew Fell, CBI UK Chief Policy Director, said as the UK begins to eye a recovery in 2021, attention is rightly turning to how to create new jobs. He added:
“The scarring effects of long-term unemployment are all too real, so the sooner more people can get back into work the better.”
24 Nov 2020
Our response to the PM's lifting lockdown statement
Josh Hardie, CBI Acting Director-General, said while the announcements brought clarity, further commitment to financial support would still be needed for thousands of struggling companies.
“The combined efforts of business, government and society should now focus on helping restrictions ease, not tighten once more. A six-week mass, rapid testing surge could be a game changer. It should be backed with a Christmas that gives much needed family time, while avoiding an economic hangover in January."
23 Nov 2020
A reformed business rates system could play key role in powering a green industrial revolution - CBI/Avison Young
Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Chief Economist, said:
“The upcoming review is a key chance to create a modern, sustainable new system that keeps pace with a changing economy and new technologies. Unlocking widespread business investment can power a UK recovery, create thousands of green jobs and boost productivity post-pandemic.”
23 Nov 2020
CBI NI responds to latest review of Covid-19 restrictions
Angela McGowan, CBI Northern Ireland Director, said firms understand the importance of bringing infections down. She noted many companies may well need further support if they are to keep their heads above water.
“With the all-important festive trading period already upon us, businesses, particularly those in the hardest hit sectors such as hospitality, retail and tourism have been told continuously that they must endure short-term pain for long-term gain. But yet once again they face this start-stop lockdown approach which is playing havoc with jobs and livelihoods."
19 Nov 2020
CBI NI responds to UK Government plan for a green industrial revolution
Angela McGowan, CBI Northern Ireland Director, said the plan represents a clear statement of intent from the UK Government and business in Northern Ireland is fully committed to playing its part. She added:
"The CBI in Northern Ireland is delighted to have already started these conversations with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DEARA) and we look forward to participating in their newly established Green Growth forum."
18 Nov 2020
Response to PM green industrial revolution plan
Josh Hardie, Acting CBI Director-General, said gives a springboard to the huge opportunities for UK-wide investment and green jobs that a true low-carbon economy can bring.
“From new wind farms and nuclear power stations, to hubs of low-carbon industry using carbon capture and hydrogen technologies, business investment will be key to making this vision a reality. Now Government and business must join forces to create clear pathways for sectors and communities to decarbonise, making the most of the diverse range of skills and expertise that exist in regions across the country."
18 Nov 2020
Reviving Regions: New approach to levelling-up can enable a sustainable post-Covid rebound
Matthew Fell, CBI Chief UK Policy Director, said the twin threats of Covid-19 and a potential no-deal Brexit have created a devastating and unprecedented economic challenge.
“The Government must prioritise long-term investment in the critical structures, training, and innovation needed to support jobs and quality of life around the UK. This long-overdue levelling-up can lay the foundation for a better, greener and fairer economy for all.”
18 Nov 2020
CBI Scotland responds to latest review of COVID-19 restrictions
Tracy Black, CBI Scotland Director, said many companies will need a significant increase in support immediately if they are to keep their heads above water. She added:
“With access to a vaccine still months away, the best tool at our disposal to protect lives and livelihoods is access to widespread rapid testing. Ramping this up must be a key priority for the Scottish Government if we are to avoid a damaging cycle of further restrictions.”
17 Nov 2020
Our response to latest GDP figures
Anna Leach, CBI Deputy Chief Economist, said it was clear that this time needed to be used wisely: this time should be used wisely: investing in mass testing, ensuring a seamless test and trace system and devising a long-term vision for the economy.
“Many businesses have adapted their operations already, as illustrated by this week’s record redundancy figures, but the second hit to sectors that have already suffered hard may be too much to bear. Additional government support – notably the extension of the Job Retention Scheme – is welcome."
12 Nov 2020
British firms continued to invest roughly £140 million across India despite the pandemic - CBI/EY India Sterling Access 2020 report
CBI President, Lord Karan Bilimoria, said:
“As the fifth and sixth largest economies and the world’s leading democracies, UK-India trade deal is a natural fit, that has the potential to bolster our two-way trading relationship across many sectors including life sciences, IT and services.”
11 Nov 2020
CBI Wales responds to latest labour market statistics
Ian Price, CBI Wales Director, said the figures make for worrying reading for Welsh businesses.
“The next few months will be crucial. Making sure that the UK and Welsh governments work together effectively, in partnership with business, to support firms under pressure will be key. Rolling out mass testing remains a priority, as is investment in job-creating projects – with a focus on digital skills and green jobs.”
10 Nov 2020
CBI Scotland responds to latest labour market statistics
Tracy Black, CBI Scotland Director, welcomed the fact that the latest figures from the ONS showed that unemployment in Scotland remained broadly stable on the previous quarter, and was below the UK average. She added that UK and Scottish governments must focus on getting ahead of the curve on the economy as well as the virus.
“Making sure that government, business and unions are able to work together effectively in the months ahead would be a vital step, as would rollout of mass testing and investment in job-creating projects, with a focus on digital skills and green jobs.”
10 Nov 2020
CBI comments on labour market statistics - November
Matthew Percival, CBI Director for People and Skills, said that recent extensions of JRS and increased support through Universal Credit are important steps that recognise the number of redundancies and difficulty people face in finding new jobs.
“The next couple of months will be crucial. The Government must use this time well to get ahead of the curve on the economy as well as the virus. The creation of an economic recovery commission uniting government, business and unions would be a vital step, as would rollout of mass testing and investment in job-creating projects, with a focus on digital skills and green jobs.”
10 Nov 2020
CBI response to Chancellor financial services speech
Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Chief Economist, said active dialogue between enterprise and government can ensure smarter regulation - meeting the highest standards - along with new reporting requirements underline the UK’s status as a place to invest. She added:
“Tackling climate change through the UK’s world-renowned financial services sector – while boosting competitiveness - matters hugely for our economy. Leading the way on sustainable finance initiatives, like green gilts, can drive progress towards net zero, helping fuel a sustainable recovery."
09 Nov 2020
Our response to Chancellor's economic statement
Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Chief Economist, said extending the Job Retention Scheme will give companies the stability they need to help safeguard thousands of jobs but sectors and supply chains under the greatest strain may need more tailored support. She added:
“The Covid crisis makes the next six months even more crucial for Government to pursue its levelling-up ambitions and work towards a net-zero economy. Investing in infrastructure, skills and innovation at the next Spending Round will lead to a swifter recovery and a brighter future for our country.”
05 Nov 2020
CBI responds to Bank of England monetary policy announcement
Alpesh Paleja, CBI Lead Economist, said further loosening of monetary policy will give reassurance to the business community. He added:
“In the meantime, there are five clear steps that are needed to help the economy weather the winter storm. We need to keep covid-secure firms as open as possible, provide assurances that the government’s financial and employment support will last the course, put in place a transparent exit plan for lifting lockdown, roll out mass testing without delay, and involve business in decision-making.”
05 Nov 2020
Don't delay: Invest in skills, innovation and infrastructure now to rebuild our economy
Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Chief Economist, said the Spending Round is an opportunity to invest in a long-term vision for the economy, including levelling-up and net-zero.
“The next six months is a chance to invest in our future. Business will look to Government to deliver a platform of investment and opportunity which enables a swift recovery and a brighter future as Britain builds back better.”
05 Nov 2020
Our response to the Prime Minister's speech - CBI Annual Conference
Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, welcomed the Prime Minister’s commitment to backing British business and called for collaboration to protect jobs, livelihoods and communities across the country.
“The Prime Minister made it very clear he shares this view and that his door is always open to the CBI and business. In return, firms will do all they can to help our country recover. They will step up to support communities, create new jobs for young people and accelerate the UK’s path to net zero. This is a time for the partnership of a generation between business and government. Our door too is always open."
04 Nov 2020
CBI responds to keynote political speeches - Alok Sharma and Sir Keir Starmer
Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, welcomed the commitment from Alok Sharma and Sir Keir Starmer to back firms through the crisis and set out a vision of a low carbon, high-skilled, high tech future powered by enterprise. She added:
“And more is needed to create, not just protect jobs. The launch of a National Commission for Economic Recovery can bring business, government, unions, and education together.”
02 Nov 2020
CBI Wales responds to end of 'firebreak' and new Covid-19 restrictions
Ian Price, CBI Wales Director, said firms under severe strain will be relieved. He noted the hospitality sector needs clear guidance on how businesses can re-open again as swiftly and easily as possible, adding:
“The First Minister has placed great emphasis on personal compliance and changing individual behaviours as we continue to live with the pandemic. Having already invested significant sums in making workplaces safe for staff and customers, business stands ready to play its part in making that a success.”
02 Nov 2020
Covid-19 provides pathway to future of carbon reduction, flexible working and local shopping
Josh Hardie, CBI Deputy Director-General, said the rewards for those who get building back better right will be substantial, with clear benefits for both companies and individuals. He added:
"...while Covid-19 may have triggered a mass migration from UK workplaces, talk of the death of the office is premature. They continue to offer real benefits, particularly for welcoming new staff, training and collaboration. So a new, flexible balance must be found - the office will survive, but not as we know it.”
02 Nov 2020
CBI responds to latest public health restrictions
Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, said firms share the Prime Minister’s ambition to defeat the virus. She added that formal business involvement in lockdown planning is now needed, matched by coordination with devolved nations.
“Extending furlough is a vital step. It will bring instant relief and protect jobs. It’s also a breakthrough to hear government support for rapid mass testing. Affordable fast tests are a game-changer for business, enabling more firms to stay open and operate normally. We must use this lockdown month to prepare and roll-out mass testing as a matter of national urgency."
31 Oct 2020
Seizing the opportunity to level-up the NI planning system – CBI Northern Ireland
Commenting on the launch of the report, CBI NI Director Angela McGowan said one of the biggest stumbling blocks to delivering strategic infrastructure is Northern Ireland's complex and burdensome planning process. She added:
“However, with the statutory review of the Planning Act 2011 now underway, and the Ministerial Panel on Infrastructure delivering its findings in recent weeks, we have a golden opportunity to level-up the planning process."
28 Oct 2020
CBI Scotland responds to new ‘five-tiered’ lockdown system
Tracy Black, CBI Scotland Director, said:
“At all levels, support must be made available from the moment any restrictions come into force, have a clear point of contact and be commensurate with their impact. Anything less and even more businesses crucial to our recovery will go to the wall, with further job losses inevitable."
23 Oct 2020
CBI responds to publication of new immigration rules
Matthew Fell, CBI Chief UK Policy Director, said welcomed confirmation of the rules underpinning the UK’s new points-based immigration system.
“Government must use the remaining months of 2020 to help businesses to understand how they will need to engage with the new system, particularly those that have no experience of the current visa system.”
22 Oct 2020
CBI responds to latest government business support package
Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, said missing middle of pubs, cafes and theatres in tier 2 along with other businesses across the UK who are seeing demand fall away, will be relieved to be supported.
"This is a big step towards a more standardised approach of support for areas going into tiers 2 and 3 and those businesses that face tough times who operate within them. It will be critical to get the buy-in of all regions in England, rather than negotiation on a case-by-case basis."
22 Oct 2020
CBI responds as Greater Manchester ordered into Tier 3
Damian Waters, CBI North West Director, said clear communication and transparent evidence for new restrictions is essential.
"Firms in hard-hit sectors like hospitality, leisure and tourism – and their supply chains – have seen only a limited recovery from the earlier lockdown, and fresh obstacles could prove fatal for some. Additional financial support must therefore be made available as a matter of urgency to protect people’s livelihoods."
20 Oct 2020
CBI Wales responds to latest COVID-19 firebreak restrictions
Ian Price, CBI Wales Director, said transparency and clarity of messaging are key and businesses remain keen to better understand the strategy for living with COVID-19 through the autumn and winter, noting:
“While the Welsh Government should rightly be commended for consulting widely before announcing these new measures, the temporary lockdown remains a severe setback to businesses across Wales – particularly in the hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors which have suffered so significantly throughout the pandemic."
19 Oct 2020
A radical new strategy for lifetime reskilling must be the bedrock of UK economic recovery - CBI
Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, said ensuring people can adapt to the changing world of work would be one of the most important missions embarked on by the UK in the next decade.
“The right skills strategy can help every worker to progress their careers, drive up living standards and level-up the country. But a failure to act will leave businesses facing skills shortages and workers facing long-term unemployment. We are at a fork in the road that requires urgent and decisive action."
19 Oct 2020
CBI responds to Prime Minister's statement post-European Council
Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, said:
“With tenacity, common sense and compromise, a deal is still possible. Businesses call on leaders on both sides to stay at the table and find a route through.”
16 Oct 2020
