As the government focuses on its five core missions, it is clear that long-term problems remain in the provision of adequate housing in the UK. The volume and quality of new housing vary sharply across the country and there are problems in the rented sector, and the provision of social housing. Together, these cause serious inequality and also impact UK economic performance. Matthew Pennycook MP, Shadow Minister for Housing and Planning will lead an Industry Forum roundtable on ‘Real solutions to UK housing problems’. This meeting is kindly hosted by NHBC

To address the climate emergency, the Labour party, in its industrial strategy ‘Prosperity Through Partnership,’ has announced an ambitious mission to deliver clean power by 2030. Achieving the decarbonisation of electricity will involve a range of renewable energy sources, deploying energy storage infrastructure, and improving the grid network for smart energy collection and supply. It will also need active consumer participation, and provide many thousands of new jobs throughout the country. Bill Esterson MP, Shadow BEIS minister will discuss how this can be achieved, and some of the issues to be overcome, besides winning the next election.

Recently, Shadow Further Education and Universities Minister, Matt Western MP, led a spirited Industry Forum roundtable on whether higher education can help solve the UK productivity problem which has persisted since 2008. The meeting was hosted by Workday, the major US cloud-based people management software company, at its UK head office, in the City of London. James Johns, head of corporate affairs for Workday, welcomed the invited audience of executives, university professors and diplomats, and there was a general agreement on the large social and economic benefits of a lifelong approach to learning and skills training. In particular the UK should reverse cuts to the Sure Start programme, reform the apprenticeship levy system, learn lessons from other countries such as France and Germany and take more seriously the benefits of good qualifications and skills.

With intense interest from business in the industrial and economic policies of the Labour party already apparent, the Industry Forum kicked off 2023 with a broad look at the ‘Future direction of Labour Policies,' covering social, health, industrial relations policies, the treatment of women and minorities, and our relationship with the EU. Anneliese Dodds MP, Chair of the Labour party, Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities, and previously an MEP, was the perfect person to lead the roundtable hosted by Paul Morris, Head of Corporate Affairs for Vodafone UK, at their south London HQ. It was attended by major national and international businesses and trade organisations based in the UK. Inevitably there was a lively, broad discussion covering topics such as employment practices, science policy, the energy transition, gender issues, and pensions. It was clear that what businesses need for their own planning and investment purposes, is that government policy makers have consistent, focused objectives and deliver stability. What they value most, however, is good dialogue about how to work together to tackle changing economic and social challenges.

UK international trade is suffering badly from Brexit, the pandemic, the Ukraine/Russia war, supply chain problems and inflation. So, the Industry Forum invited Shadow International Trade Secretary, Nick Thomas-Symonds to lead a roundtable on ‘Boosting UK international trade’. The meeting was in the City offices of @Workday the fast-growing, US enterprise software company. @James Johns, head of corporate affairs at @Workday welcomed Nick Thomas-Symonds and representatives from a range of European and US companies to the meeting. Some of the key issues discussed concerned regulating data transfer and storage with the EU and the US, the need for improved trade arrangements with the EU, and the opportunities to work with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to support overseas trade. There was wide agreement that the UK, international trade strategy should focus on UK strengths including services and education, and link to an ambitious green programme for the economy. Nick Thomas-Symonds confirmed that his plans for international trade include working in lockstep with Labour’s well-received industrial strategy ‘Prosperity Through Partnership’.

Much is happening in the Asia-Pacific region upon which, the UK government is increasingly focused for new diplomatic and trade opportunities. This may mean new trade deals, a more complex relationship with China, new defence alliances like AUKUS, and strengthening relationships with the administrations in Australia and New Zealand. It is not, however, clear what an increased role for the UK in the Asia-Pacific would actually add up to. In particular what would be its significance, and the benefits to the UK? Australian-born, Shadow FCO Minister for Asia and the Pacific, Catherine West MP, will lead the discussion of such issues. A small panel will respond followed by a general Q&A.