The CBI’s New Business Manifesto – A Roadmap for Sustainable Growth
After Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s recent boost with full expensing, the UK economy still feels the chill of sluggish growth. “We’re still chasing the elephant in the room,” says Rain Newton‑Smith, CBI Chief Executive, and the Business Manifesto is the plan to finally get a grip on it.
Why the Economy Needs a New Vision
- Productivity is stuck in a slow‑motion replay.
- Business investment is playing hide‑and‑seek.
- Labour and skills shortages are the uninvited guests at every party.
High costs and steep interest rates mean companies need a clear, honest long‑term roadmap that turns the future from a hazard picture into a clean, green canvas.
What the Manifesto Promises
Drawing on insight from firms across the UK, the CBI has laid out a concrete programme of actions. These are the bullets the next Government is asked to fire off:
- Boost competitiveness by trimming red tape and investing in tech.
- Tackle labour shortages with a realistic skills strategy.
- Keep the planet happy: honour climate commitments and push for net‑zero.
- Encourage innovation and give businesses a steady platform to grow.
- Re‑forge the partnership between business and government so they’re a team, not a ping‑pong match.
“The UK is at its best when politicians and businesses work together,” Newton‑Smith added. “Now is the time to reshape our economy together and deliver on ambitions for everyone.”
Industry Voices
Sarah Ennis, Siemens GB & Ireland CEO
“I welcome the CBI’s Business Manifesto – it builds on the Government’s recent raft of longer‑term growth measures from the Autumn Statement. It is vital that UK businesses, big or small, are encouraged through better financing and consistent policy to invest in people and the tech needed to cut emissions and boost productivity.”
David Crichton‑Miller, SQW CEO & CBI SME Council Chair
“It’s great to see the CBI and its members setting out a comprehensive and rich set of proposals for growing the UK economy. This manifesto has targeted ideas to ease the pressures and opportunities of businesses, from the smallest shop to the biggest enterprise.”
Karen Betts, Food & Drink Federation CEO & CBI Trade Association Council Chair
“An ambitious pro‑growth agenda is critical for UK businesses to attract the investment they need to innovate, modernise and grow. This in turn boosts productivity and output. Central to this is government creating the right policy environment, setting out a clear roadmap to net zero, and ensuring we have the skills for tomorrow’s economy.”
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