A promising transition

The transition to a new Labour Administration led by Andy Burnham has been refreshingly smooth and positive. Major cabinet changes, including most notably a new chancellor, John Healey, have been accompanied by a change in communications style led by the new PM. Consolidating two departments into one powerful Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade should provide a strong pro-business voice to counteract understandable Treasury caution, and help rebuild business confidence. We are delighted to see that many of the ministerial team have been speakers at Industry Forum events over the past few years.

The international environment continues to be challenging as the UK struggles to cope with volatile energy prices and the need to divert resources to defence spending, while also trying to reduce the severe damage to trade done by Brexit. But, as the country recovers its mojo it has a lot to offer large and small businesses alike. The government has a massive majority to maintain its stability for three years and an inclination to listen and build cooperation rather than stoke division. We look forward to playing any part we can in this process.

We already have a fantastic Autumn programme shaping up. In September, we have meetings on the important topics of industrial policy, European relations and the vital topic of finance for innovation and infrastructure.

During the summer months we are continuing to build our exciting research programme with a wonderful team of new Oxford graduates. Last year, our research topics were on the growing military and political threats to Europe, and the need for a UK electoral system based on proportional representation. This year we are looking at UK progress on housebuilding; tackling climate change; considering whether good public services are compatible with a competitive economy; and also how we can compete with US innovation.