A new world of business opportunity

Labour's landslide victory in the general election has transformed opportunities for UK business. The new government will have some five years before it needs to seek re-election. Barring disasters, this should bring the consistent policy and regulatory environment for which the business community has been appealing.

The King's speech is packed with proposals, many of which will stimulate economic activity. For business, one of the most welcome changes, was set out at the Blenheim Palace European Political Community Summit. It was the proposal from Prime Minister Starmer to reset our relationship with Europe, a move which could help restore lost trade and goodwill with the EU. Despite hitting the ground running, the government's more detailed proposals concerning rebuilding the economy, and improving government dialogue with business and civil society will be work in progress over years. The government has clear policy goals but these, necessarily, need fleshing out in detailed and affordable plans. We therefore expect it to behave much like the New Labour administration in the 1990s in being prepared for discussion and partnership on how goals could be achieved.

This means a welcome change of gear for the Industry Forum. Our previously planned programme is now on hold as we gather feedback from members on their new priority topics and identify the best speakers to invite. One issue which appears urgent, and which several members have flagged, is a likely skills crisis as the economy pivots to building more infrastructure and transitioning to green energy - we hope to feature this in October. Please could members look through the Labour manifesto and the King's speech and let us know as soon as possible which other topics are important to you and who you would like us to invite to speak. There are no guarantees that busy ministers will make time to speak to us but there is also a rich choice of new, well qualified select committee chairs potentially available.

Our research programme on big issues, under the WhatIF banner, is now under way. The choice of one of the topics, 'Combatting the threat of the lone terrorist,’ seems prescient after the attack on Donald Trump at the US Republican National Convention.

Our next scheduled events are our House of Commons Business Reception on 11 September and fringe meetings at the Labour Conference in Liverpool. The fringe meetings will be in the secure zone and will be open to all comers. We hope to see many members and friends of the Industry Forum at these two events. We won't be attending other party conferences this year.