CBI still has mandate like no other despite big plans for change: Beckie Hart

Over the last few weeks, our members have been a source of great strength for me and my colleagues. Many of them I’ve worked with for the majority of my nine years here at the CBI. They are at the core of our every decision – and I’m proud to represent each one of them here in Yorkshire and the Humber.

My conversations with them reinforce the importance of the CBI’s unique role in amplifying the voice of British business, in the interest of UK plc, and in the interest of our economic prosperity.

The strength of the CBI’s mandate is like no other.

We represent businesses across the whole economy – firms of all shapes, sizes, regions and nations all over the UK.

The only organisation of its kind that’s not divided by sector, headcount, or location.

That unified voice matters, because there are issues like labour and skills, tax and energy policy, that affect firms across the board.

Take the furlough scheme, for example. When the pandemic hit, the CBI fought to secure one of the most ambitious economic rescue packages in the world – including government-guaranteed loans and grant support for hard-hit sectors.

Crucial action to make sure UK firms – some near their collapse - could stay afloat and continue to support their employees in unprecedented circumstances.

But it’s not only the depth and breadth of our network that makes the CBI’s voice stand out. Our policy expertise remains unrivalled.

The CBI’s policy team – the largest and most experienced outside of Whitehall - produces in-depth and evidence-based policy insight. And our economic surveys, that have been running for over 50 years, inform the Government, the ONS, and the wider business community. We use this insight to effect change that makes a real difference to business – including here in Yorkshire and the Humber.

Just earlier this year, the Government followed the CBI’s calls on childcare – agreeing to the biggest expansion in support in decades.

A big win for companies and the people they employ - alleviating pressures on the labour market and helping parents back into work.

And that voice – speaking loud and clear for businesses up and down the UK - is now more important than ever. The pressures of the cost of doing business crisis continue to weigh heavy on firms across our region - and there’s a defining General Election looming next year.

A pivotal moment for the future of the UK’s economy.

Especially in moments like these, the CBI’s continued and longstanding efforts to hold Governments and opposition parties to account are crucial – on behalf of our members and their people.

We’re laser-focused on making sure we can continue to boost their ambitions – and in turn, the UK’s economic prosperity.

Beckie Hart is CBI regional director for Yorkshire and Humber