New CBI chief Carolyn Fairbairn wants to make Northern Powerhouse ‘a reality’

Carolyn Fairbairn, the first woman to hold the role, has a 25-year career in business, spanning a range of operational and board roles in manufacturing, media, management consultancy and banking.

In her first message to members, she said: “The UK has a golden opportunity to move on from its strong recovery to build a new era of growth and prosperity for the whole country.

“Among the defining issues will be seizing the opportunities of devolution for growth outside London, closing the productivity gap, and the future of the UK’s relationship with the European Union.

“One of the most exciting opportunities for the UK over the next five years is to make the ideals behind the Northern Powerhouse and growth beyond London a reality, while at the same time supporting the capital to reach new levels of success as one of the world’s truly great cities.

“The CBI’s role will be to bring a strong business voice to the devolution settlements and then work with the UK’s nations and regions to build momentum for change and growth.

“Above all, I would like the CBI, and my leadership of it, to be judged on our achievements in making a positive impact on productivity, growth and future prosperity across the whole of the UK.” She said the UK’s low level of productivity needs to be addressed urgently with solutions found in innovation, people, leadership and tackling long-term weaknesses in skills and infrastructure.