International trade is extremely complex. At present any company attempting to forecast future sales needs to factor in uncertainty affecting future business risks linked to EU membership and also potential opportunities linked to other international markets. These issues do not just affect companies involved in directly exporting but also subcontractors who may be affected by their customers switching suppliers. Bill Esterson has extensive business experience and has focused, in parliament, on financial, trade and small business policies. He will discuss how Labour would look after the vital SME sector in the critical years ahead.

Recent economic policies, especially the focus on austerity, have not stimulated the investment in infrastructure and skills needed to increase productivity and real wages. Labour has identified the need to change course and has proposed an approach involving a new National Investment Bank and the clearer differentiation between investment spending and current expenditure. Anneliese Dodds is an ex-MEP who now represents a constituency where the BMW Mini is manufactured. Come and hear her discuss how Labour’s approach will address key financing and investment issues while navigating a future overhung with Brexit uncertainty.

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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.

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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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