2024 will shape up to be a busy year for public policy, and a huge year for British and global democracy. Business doesn’t go to the polls, but it’s a critical constituency for future policymakers to consider. That’s why the CBI continues to outline how we get to sustainable economic growth, with our Business Manifesto.
But getting there requires a body of work and evidence that our members across the UK expect the CBI to deliver. We have set ourselves three aims:
- Lead the debate: At the start of 2024, we will be loud and brave on the policies which have too long been stuck in the ‘too difficult’ box. In a critical year the economy, the CBI can be the honest voice in the room talking about the big choices and bold moves needed to deliver sustainable growth. Whether that’s what role immigration should play in overcoming the challenges in the labour market, what’s needed to deliver big infrastructure projects, or what the future of business rates should look like. Our role is to provide the evidence and the solutions for the debates that matter about the economy. And with the Spring budget as early as 6 March, we have a great first opportunity to put that purpose into practice.
Rolling into May, you’ll see the CBI’s regional network spring into action, with manifestos for all Mayoral contests framing the positive role members play at a sub-national level – and the CBI’s first call for a Mayoral Economic Compact. - Move from debate to detail: Into the summer, you’ll see the CBI across the UK working closer with special advisors, civil servants and officials on the policies which garner real cross-party traction and interest. From tax incentives and Net Zero planning to devolution and our sectors of the future, the CBI’s committees and roundtables will move our members’ agenda forward.
- Delivery: And from the summer onwards, you’ll see the CBI move from detail to delivery. We will work to prepare reforms through future calls for evidence or policy papers, preparing any new officials for the functionality of business engagement, costing change and analysing impact. The CBI’s year of impact review will continue to frame 12 months of advocacy for UK business.
Throughout this, the CBI’s events calendar of national committees, events and working groups will keep businesses connected to officials, politicians, journalists and thought leaders – from Annual Dinners to thematic events and our Flagship Annual Conference in November 2024.
Our four central policy teams, Net Zero, UK Competitiveness, Future of Work & Skills and Technology & Innovation, alongside our policy experts for the devolved, international, and tax and fiscal environment, can’t wait to work with all of you to drive our agenda on sustainable growth forward.
There’s a lot to do, so get on board with us during this pivotal year.
