Business implications of Budget 2026

The first budget of the new Burnham-led Labour administration will also be the first budget of the new Chancellor, John Healey. So far, the government has avoided addressing their inherited economic problems by cutting services, on the bet that a healthy, well educated and well housed nation will, in the long run be a productive and prosperous one. Nevertheless, external conditions have made borrowing more expensive, increased defence spending more urgent, and the Brexit trade loss more painful. We look forward to hearing how the budget will balance these priorities, and will hold our usual budget review meeting on Wednesday 11, November. Our expert panel, will explore the implications of the budget for business, and will include:

The Lord McTague OBE, Former National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses
Vicky Pryce - Chief Economic Adviser, CEBR
Andrew Smith, - Chief Economic Adviser to the Industry Forum
Other panel member TBC