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| Whatever the outcome of the June 23 referendum vote, the logjam of deferred actions and decisions on the UK economy must shift. If the vote is to remain, we will need invigorated policies for greater and more energetic cooperation with our EU partners. If the vote is to leave, there will be much work to ensure that separation happens smoothly while we build a range of critical new relationships with key world players. Either way, we will need determined action to address long-term issues facing the economy.
For the Industry Forum, 2016 so far has been extremely active. We are delighted to welcome new members including:
- CISCO - the giant networking company
- LV - the fast-growing mutual insurance company
- Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders - the trade association representing the fast changing UK automotive industry
- Westbourne Communications - a leading London communications agency
- Western Solar - a pioneering solar power company that is entering the market with factory-built, zero carbon homes
- Acuvate – the Hyderabad software house that built the Industry Forum website
- David Green - Executive Chairman, International Council for Sustainable Energy.
Post referendum, once the political landscape has (hopefully) stabilised, we will focus on meeting the key policy-makers working to get the economy firing on all cylinders. Beside infrastructure and skills, this will involve looking at key industries, particularly technology and manufacturing, regional rebalancing, ways to grow trade and investment, and the problem of productivity. Topics we are working on include: world class connectivity, the gig economy, devolution, fresh ideas on housing, a smart strategy for energy and more. Do let us have your ideas, and keep up to date with what's on at www.industry-forum.org
Rod Dowler
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Fresh ideas on Business, Innovation and Skills
Setting out a potential change of direction for BIS, Angela Eagle MP, the Shadow Business Secretary, in April, outlined a raft of ideas for building the economy by concentrating on high value jobs, infrastructure investment, regional rebalancing, and helping key productive industries. This prompted an active discussion and it was clear that the Shadow BIS Minister had come to seek ideas and learn as well as promote her own views. She has invited further comment as she hones her plans for a department that can oversee a strong, and balanced economy that will underwrite progressive social and international policies. |
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Understanding pension policies
In May, Pensions Minister and acknowledged pensions expert, Baroness Ros Altmann CBE came to help unravel the mysteries of pensions. She explained why the government has made changes to the basic pension, the retirement age, incentives for saving, and access to pension savings. She then led a detailed discussion of some of the problems that have affected both public and private sector pensions schemes. |
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Events Coming Soon
- Louise Ellman MP, Chair, House of Commons Transport Select Committee: Addressing the key issues and decisions for transport
- Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, Co-Chair APPG Trade & Investment: Boosting UK exports and attracting foreign investment
- Richard Burgon MP, Shadow Economic Secretary to the Treasury (City Minister): The role of the City Minister
- Professor Alasdair Smith, Chair, Retail Banking Market Investigation: Conclusions of the CMA Retail Banking Market Investigation
- Robert Goodwill MP, Minister of State for Transport: Improving transport will improve the economy
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Energy priorities
With a legacy transmission grid network, a traditional dependence on carbon-based and nuclear electricity generation, and an array of options for increasing the already considerable use of renewable energy, it is not surprising that developing a UK energy strategy is challenging. The Chair of the Select Committee for Energy and Climate Change, Angus McNeil MP, was well on top of these matters when he lead a wide-ranging and well-informed discussion focussing on some key issues including the economic case for the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station, the benefits of a smart grid, and energy storage. |
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EU membership
Prior to the full referendum campaign David Lidington, the longest-serving Europe Minister ever, came to speak about the government’s case for remaining a member of the EU. During the detailed discussion that followed, it appeared that most of those present agreed with him. |
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Treasury matters
The Treasury is renowned for its power, financial orthodoxy and dominance of other departments. In February, Seema Malhotra, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, outlined Labour’s social priorities and then discussed how different Treasury policies could improve economic performance and accommodate these priorities within a framework of fiscal responsibility. |
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