Taking action to deliver change

A STRONG, collective, national voice of business as we approach a General Election is clearly both needed and wanted by UK firms. We are determined to be that voice, a role we have proudly carried out for nearly 60 years.

To maintain this privilege, we need our members’ trust. We needed to listen. And we’ve directly engaged with more than 1,000 business leaders, conducted an in-depth survey, held focus groups and listening sessions in each of the regions and nations of the UK.

Businesses across our region have been telling me how much they value our role in giving the voice of business a Geordie accent; our regional convening role, and our tireless efforts to reinforce the opportunities in the North East and Tees Valley to a national and international audience.

Around 70% of respondents to our Purpose and Culture survey cited the CBI’s ability to ‘speak for all business, across the whole economy on the issues of national importance’ as ‘absolutely critical’. Our ability to unite sectors, multiple parts of Government, both local and national, as well as economic regulators, has been noted as hugely valuable. And the CBI’s policy influence and insight, as well as our Government and economic intelligence, has also been deemed critical to most businesses we’ve spoken to.

Since we paused group activity, our efforts have been steadfast. Our commitment to change has culminated in our prospectus – A Renewed CBI – for our Members, our Stakeholders and our People. This is an extensive piece of work outlining the actions we’re taking underpinned by the very people we serve, our members.

One of the key themes that CBI members have communicated to us is the need to bolster our governance structures. Reform in this area has been rapid and radical.

From the creation of a new People and Culture sub-committee to the appointment of a new advisory board, we’re taking action. Since the allegations emerged, we’ve been taking steps to best protect our people, reinforce HR practices and ensure long-term cultural transformation.

We are determined and hopeful that members see the serious change we are delivering. We are acutely aware that our purpose as an organisation is more important than ever, particularly as the UK faces serious economic challenges.

For nearly 60 years we have brought a unified business voice to issues of national importance, and we’re determined to carry on with this privilege. We take nothing for granted, but we are confident that our members will give us their backing at our EGM.

Together, we will continue to amplify the voice of business across all regions and nations in the UK.