Political opinion and current economic theory have for several decades opposed government leadership in the development of industrial strategy. This appeared to change after the Brexit vote and with the formation of the department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Now business and politicians appear united on the need for a UK industrial strategy to address long term economic problems and counter the risks and uncertainties arising from Brexit. Come and hear Rachel Reeves MP, the new BEIS Select Committee Chair, give her views in a discussion of the priorities for and progress towards an effective UK industrial strategy.

There is a cross-party consensus that problems in the housing market, including supply shortages, have not been effectively addressed for a long time. This has tremendous social consequences as well as significant economic effects. It also raises issues of planning, finance and regulation, and the Grenfell Tower tragedy illustrates what can go wrong. These matters are of major concern to businesses in the housing sector and also to the wider business community. Come and hear and discuss the work of the Select Committee for Communities and Local Government, as it relates to such urgent housing issues, with the Committee Chair, Clive Betts MP.

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Many businesses are concerned that the UK needs a really strong focus on science, technology and innovation as part of our industrial strategy. This is particularly important while we grapple with the problems and uncertaintities arising from Brexit. Protecting the strong UK science base, safeguarding individuals and society, maintaining high quality research, and maximizing international cooperation are all also vital issues. Come and hear and discuss the work of the Select Committee for Science and Technology with the Chair, the Rt Hon Norman Lamb MP.

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It is no exaggeration to say that many in the City and the wider UK economy are concerned about the regulatory and competitive disruption that the Brexit process may cause. Like the rest of the economy however, the financial community is determined to adapt and thrive. To do this it is essential to nail down a firm and fair post-Brexit regulatory framework, and start to grasp the new business and technology opportunities that will emerge. One person with a great insight into the challenges posed and current prospects is Mark Hoban a former Treasury minister and now Chair of the International Regulatory Strategy Group that advises the Corporation of London and TheCityUK. Come to hear Mark’s views and discuss how the interests and concerns of business can best be communicated.

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During the recent general election Labour’s economic and business policies marked a distinctive break from recent Conservative, Coalition and New Labour policies. Come and hear about Labour’s approach to macro-economic policy and industrial strategy from key members of the shadow Treasury and BEIS teams led by John McDonnell and Rebecca Long Bailey.

Chair:

Hamish Sandison, Chair of Labour Business

Speakers:

John McDonnell, Shadow Chancellor
Rebecca Long-Bailey, Shadow Business Secretary
Baroness [Diane] Hayter of Kentish Town, Shadow Deputy Leader of the House of Lords
Rajesh Agrawal, Deputy Mayor for Business, London
Seema Malhotra MP, Vice President of Labour Business
Stephen Kinnock MP, Chair of the Labour Business Parliamentary Group
Jim Fox, Associate Director – Public Affairs, Coca Cola
Rod Dowler, Chair of the Industry Forum.

Admission is free, and there will be food & drink.

Hosts: Labour Business

International trade has been high on the agenda ever since George Osborne announced the ambitious target to cut the UK trade deficit by increasing export trade to 1trillion pounds by 2020. If anything, Brexit has made such an objective more urgent but not necessarily easier. Catherine West MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, is joining the newly constituted International Trade Select Committee with a particular interest in high tech sectors, research and development and higher education. Come and meet Catherine to discuss international trade issues and contribute your views and the specific concerns and interests of your company and industry sector.

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