An ambitious and entrepreneurial government could transform the UK economy by playing to its strengths, writes Rod Dowler.

A new report by Dr. Andrew Black of the Global Policy Institute looks at the possible consequences of a hard Brexit, following the failure of Article 50 negotiations between Great Britain and the European Union. Through his detailed analysis, Dr. Black has attempted to fill the gap in economic forecasting which Brexit Secretary David Davis has admitted exists within his ministry. The findings of Dr. Black’s report cast particular doubt upon the view expressed by governmental representatives during the current election campaign that “no deal” with the European Union is better than a “bad deal.” Specifically, Dr Black concludes that a number of sectors of the economy, such as cars, agriculture, and financial services are likely to be hard hit.

Open “Hard Brexit”, International Trade and the WTO Scenario

A Brexit "no deal" and WTO rules would wreck the economy, writes IF Economist Andrew Smith. Countries normally seek trade arrangements which promote successful businesses, but the government is apparently seriously contemplating the opposite - a change in the terms of trade which will threaten the UK's most important sectors.

Open a copy of No, you don't want WTO rules

Anxiety about robots is lazy thinking that avoids the real and difficult issues caused by technological and economic change, writes Rod Dowler in the LSE Business Review, 24 April 2017

Click here to view Why robots aren't the enemy

At the annual Industry Forum economic prospects briefing for 2017, Andrew Smith outlined the increasing risks and uncertainties arising from Brexit, the policies of the new Trump-led US administration, and the widespread political appetite for a return to protectionism. Andrew is the Chief Economic Adviser to the Industry Forum and he made his presentation to Industry Forum members and guests at the City law firm Fieldfisher LLP. His slides can be downloaded below. If you would like to discuss the findings and conclusions directly, please contact Jo Wyer at jwyer@industry-forum.org

Open a copy of Industry Forum Andrew Smith Presentation February 2017

During 2016, Industry Forum Chair, Rod Dowler, assisted Lord Kerslake’s independent review of the Treasury to consider how it should work to promote and manage more sustainable growth in a fairer and more equal society.

Click here to open Rethinking the Treasury