The Business View

The government's aviation strategy

Responding to the Aviation 2050 Green Paper Consultation, the CBI highlighted that the aviation sector can both help grow the economy – through increased connectivity with new markets – and tackle climate change by reducing carbon emissions. Tom Thackray, CBI Infrastructure and Energy, said:

“Aviation has long been a major success story for the UK. If we want to keep it that way, we must keep pace with our global competitors. Supporting innovation and cutting-edge technology that allows aviation to grow sustainably must be a top priority for the government.”

26 Jun 2019

Prompt payment measures

Small Business Minister Kelly Tolhurst has unveiled a package of measures, including potential fines for large businesses that fail to pay smaller suppliers on time. CBI Deputy Director-General Josh Hardie said:

"For large firms, it is in their interest to treat supply chains fairly and transparently. Those with persistently poor practices should know there is nowhere to hide. We look forward to working with the government and Small Business Commissioner to ensure any new powers are used constructively."

19 Jun 2019

On the new London-Shanghai Stock Connect

The CBI welcomed the creation of the London-Shanghai Stock Connect, which will see UK-listed firms become the first foreign companies to be able to list in mainland China. CBI Head of China Guy Dru Drury said:

“The Sino-British relationship is a tremendous success story, and our firms are keen to play their part in further deepening our economic ties. As the UK charts a new course with its global trading partners, the Stock Connect is a timely sign that we are open for business."

18 Jun 2019

On Lord Bilimoria's confirmation as new CBI Vice-President

Karan, Lord Bilimoria of Chelsea's appointment as CBI Vice President comes after 90% of CBI AGM participants backed his nomination. John Allan CBE returns as President for a second one-year term. On Lord Bilimoria's election, John Allan said:

“We are lucky to have such a well-respected entrepreneur whose experiences reflect both the highs and lows of starting and growing a business.”

18 Jun 2019

The London Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Delivery Plan

CBI London Director Eddie Curzon welcomed the Mayor's announcement, the capital's commitment to zero emission transport and the importance of collaboration between business, government and the London boroughs. He added:

"This is a milestone moment for London and the UK, and shows that business stands ready to play its part to reduce emissions and improve air quality in our cities."

17 Jun 2019

On the Prime Minister's Net Zero announcement

CBI Director-General Dame Carolyn Fairbairn welcomed the government's commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 as, "the right response to the global climate crisis, and firms are ready to play their part in combating it." She added:

"This legislation must be followed by a commitment to long-term policies that support decarbonisation across the economy."

12 Jun 2019

On news that Ford's Bridgend plant will close

CBI Wales has reacted to Ford's plans to close their Bridgend plant by 2020

“The planned closure is a blow to the lives of all who work there and in its supply chains, as well as to the Welsh economy. The workers must now be given every help in re-training, upskilling and finding new opportunities."

06 Jun 2019

On the decision not to proceed with the M4 corridor

CBI Wales has commented on the First Minister's decision not to proceed with the M4 corridor around Newport. Ian Price, CBI Wales Director, said:

"After decades of deliberation and over £40m spent, no problem has been solved today. Congestion and road pollution around Newport can only increase. Economic growth will be stifled, confidence in the region will weaken and the cost of an eventual relief road will rise."

04 Jun 2019

On the interim report from the Augar Review

CBI Deputy Director-General Josh Hardie welcomed "the honest and thoughtful look at England’s post-18 education system", including the call to bring back maintenance grants and the recognition of the importance of being able to learn-while-you-earn. But he added:

“Any change to tuition fees and the funding universities receive must not lead to a cut in higher education funding. Undermining the financial sustainability of universities would be a national tragedy given the crucial contribution they make to skills and innovation."

30 May 2019

Lord Bilimoria's nomination as the next CBI Vice-President

Lord Karan Bilimoria, founder and Chairman of Cobra Beer, will stand for election as the new CBI Vice-President at its AGM on 18 June 2019. CBI Director-General Carolyn Fairbairn said:

"Lord Bilamoria has had a remarkable career in British business, during which he has built a deep understanding what it takes to build a successful company. At such a critical time for the country, Lord Bilimoria’s wealth of experience will prove invaluable to the CBI and the UK business community.”

26 May 2019

Indian General Election results

The CBI has reacted to the re-election of Narendra Modi as President of the Republic of India. Shehla Hasan, CBI India Director, said:

“The bold economic reforms already taken by Prime Minister Modi have enticed ever greater numbers of British firms to India. To fully capitalise on these opportunities, businesses would like to see further progress in corporate tax rates, data privacy and ease of doing business indicators."

23 May 2019

On the collapse of cross-party Brexit talks

The CBI has called for the May parliamentary recess to be cancelled and used to agree a deal as soon as possible. CBI Director-General Carolyn Fairbairn said:

“Another day of failed politics, another dispiriting day for British business. Six wasted weeks while uncertainty paralyses our economy. Business and the country need an urgent resolution to this mess. This is no time for holidays. It’s time to get on with it.”

17 May 2019

The West Midlands industrial strategy

Responding to the local strategy launched by Minister for Business and Industry Andrew Stephenson and Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street, Richard Butler, CBI West Midlands Director, said:

“As the first local industrial strategy to be launched, we hope the West Midlands Industrial Strategy will start a domino effect of robust strategies being rolled out across the country. It shows the real value of political leaders working with one another to unlock economic growth."

16 May 2019

The latest UK GDP figures

On the news that the UK economy grew by 0.5% between January and March, Alpesh Paleja, CBI Principal Economist, commented:

“While it might seem encouraging to see economic growth pick up at the start of the year, this was at least in part due to stockpiling ahead of the recent Brexit deadlines, which is likely to fade away. Business surveys were already painting a more subdued picture of growth over the first quarter."

10 May 2019

On business rates

In a speech to business leaders in central London, CBI President John Allan urged both the Conservatives and Labour party to come good on manifesto promises to undertake a comprehensive and independent review of the business rates system. He said:

“The business rates system has – over time – become uneconomical, unsustainable, and frankly, unintelligible. In short, it’s a system in need of reform.”

08 May 2019

The North of Tyne mayoral election

As English devolution continues, Jamie Driscoll has been elected as the first North of Tyne Mayor. Sarah Glendinning, CBI North East Director, said:

"Business has three priorities for the incoming Mayor: improving skills, upgrading creaking infrastructure and delivering a successful Local Industrial Strategy. The CBI will work with the Mayor to represent the region as a whole, providing a strong voice here, in Westminster and overseas.”

03 May 2019

On the climate change report

The independent Committee on Climate Change has proposed that the government commits to a net-zero reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the UK by 2050. CBI Chief Economist Rain Newton-Smith says:

“Recent protests have shown the sense of urgency that the UK should do all it can to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change. What we need now is a supportive and timely response from the UK government to enact this ambitious target, so businesses and the public can get on with reaching it."

02 May 2019