CBI CEO Rain‑Newton Smith Shows Thinkers the Green Path
Picture this: the next government thinks it can grow the economy without going green is a bit like saying you can run a marathon in flip‑flops. Rain‑Newton Smith, the CBI chief, shut the door on that idea during a fiery speech today.
Silence? That Gives No Green Light
- All parties have gone deafeningly silent on climate, biodiversity, and net‑zero—like a choir that’s missing its cue.
- She warned that a no‑green platform is grow‑starved business‑wreck.
Why the Climate Heat Is Also The Business Heat
According to CBI Economics, the UK’s net‑zero sector jumped 9% in 2023—even while the rest of the economy slid into a technical recession. That’s proof that green is a growth engine, not a drag.
Some key sales points:
- Missing the global race means missing the cheapest, most reliable, most efficient energies—kind of like using smoky lanterns in a super‑fast car race.
- There’s a huge emerging market for new tech; the pot of gold at the end of the green rainbow is waiting.
The “Going for Green” Report: A £57 Billion Growth Fix
CBI’s latest report shows a next government could add £57 billion to the economy by 2030—pure green‑growth gold.
Five Stepping Stones to Green Growth
- Commit to net‑zero targets that are realistic and locked in.
- Invest aggressively in clean tech and renewable energy.
- Foster innovation hubs to keep the UK in the blue‑chip tech race.
- Support green infrastructure that creates jobs while shaving emissions.
- Measure progress with transparent metrics—so no more silent parties, just visible results.
In short, Rain‑Newton Smith wants governments to remember: you cannot be a #GrowthMogul without being a #GreenChampion. Pick your path—or risk being the party that nobody envies.
Five steps to recharge the economy:
Make net zero part of a revitalised pitch for brand Britain
Britain’s Green Growth Manifesto
Let’s Get Loud, Not Quiet
So, the next government has to step up as if it’s putting on a chart‑topping concert, but instead of a catchy pop tune it’s about green growth that will attract investors worldwide. The message? We’re not here for a fleeting gig; we’re in it for the long haul.
Say Goodbye to Wavering
- No more round‑about promises. If the plan talks about net zero, the policy should be the same.
- No more hidden commitments. The world deserves a clear, audacious pitch that circumvents excuses.
- When the next Chancellor talks, they must sound confident and decisive.
Which Road Will We Take?
Two options sit in the cabinet: keep riding the famed “five growth sectors” or branch out into a fresh, sustainable growth blueprint.
The Chancellor’s Big Move
Regardless of the path, the Chancellor must roll out a national stance that feels like a brand new manifesto—clear, bold, and downright irresistible for investors. In short, they have to set the table for the UK’s green future and let the world taste the promise.
Create an Office for Net Zero to coordinate across Whitehall departments
Reimagine the Office: Net Zero Powerhouse
The plan: create a brand-new Office right in the heart of the Cabinet Office that will drive net‑zero delivery across the entire government. Think of it as the ultimate “North Star” for a greener future, pulling every department into the same eco‑mission.
Why we need a dedicated Office
- Strategic Spotlight: We want a clear, front‑line focus on net‑zero—no more half‑hearted side quests.
- Cross‑Department Coordination: One hub to make sure all the ministries are on the same page, no bureaucracy‑separate‑your‑headphones moments.
- Embed Net Zero in Economic Strategy: From budgets to business policy, net‑zero becomes the backbone, not a footnote.
- Speed & Efficiency: With a dedicated team, we avoid the classic “have you talked to the neighbor?” (or department) delay.
How it Works
Picture this Office as a high‑tech command center: data dashboards, green‑policy playbooks, and a few meme corners to keep morale high. It’ll be the go‑to spot for:
- Setting measurable climate targets across sectors.
- Orchestrating shared resources—like joint renewable tech grind.
- Ensuring every new bill or project hits the net‑zero needle.
- Giving departments a friendly reminder: “Hey, you forgot that carbon‑credit audit!”
Bottom line
By embedding the Office right in the Cabinet Office, we’re turning the ambitious net‑zero agenda from an ideal into a concrete, coordinated action plan—so the government can finally say, “We’re on it!” without pulling out a measuring tape and checking the numbers every other week.
Create a Net Zero Investment Plan
Unleashing a Green Boom: Why Business Is Eager for a Net Zero Investment Plan
In the high‑stakes arena between private ventures and public policy, the trick to staying ahead isn’t to out‑buy your rivals. Instead, it’s about artfully turning taxpayers’ dollars into a magnet that pulls in corporate cash. In other words, public spending can be a catalyst for private investment—once you set the right rules, businesses rush in to fill the void.
The Core Idea
- Public capital fuels the green economy. By earmarking government funds for clean‑tech, carbon‑capture, or renewable infrastructure, you create a fertile ground for private funds to sprout.
- Private firms see the signal. When government budgets say, “We’re ready to invest, but you need to match or exceed this,” companies are tempted to deploy their own capital to tap the same markets.
- All the while, the country moves toward Net Zero. The result? A self‑reinforcing loop that drives the planet and profits forward.
So What’s the Bottom‑Line for Business?
Business leaders aren’t just looking for a vague pledge. They want a concrete framework that spells out:
- Clear timelines. When will the net‑zero milestones hit? A target timeline provides a horizon, avoiding the fuzzy “we’ll work on it.”
- Sector‑specific incentives. From subsidies for solar farms to tax breaks for green R&D, tailored tools can help firms decide where to invest.
- Risk mitigation. Guaranteeing public funds, credit lines, or revenue‑sharing models reduces the uncertainty that usually shackles long‑term ventures.
- Data transparency. Open dashboards and reporting make it easier for investors to assess progress and align portfolios with policy l‑goals.
Why This Matters Now
Financial markets are buzzing about the next decade being the trillion‑dollar green boom. The Net Zero Investment Plan is the launchpad that transforms lofty ambition into real jobs, tech breakthroughs, and a healthier planet.
A Humor‑Infused Call To Action
Picture this: a government’s budget meeting turns into a “match‑maker.” The chairperson throws out a public shell, and the private investors flip their poker chips ready to play the largest hand ever. No more “supply & demand” drama; it’s government sponsorship that gives the industry a talking point, and investors a reason to accrue.
The jargon may feel a bit serious, but that’s your cue: it’s time to sprinkle some optimism. After all, investing in net‑zero isn’t just good for the environment—it’s a golden ticket for growth.
A Final Pitch
Next governance: Deliver a Net Zero Investment Plan that marries public purpose with private profit. When the authorities say, “We’ll put a dollar in; you put yours,” we’ll see a wave of clean‑tech projects, green jobs, and a resilient economy. Get ready to ride the green wave—this is the difference between staying behind and surfing ahead.
Transformational tech
Tech’s Big Power in the Net‑Zero Race
Think of tech as the turbo‑charged engine that’s driving the global move to net zero. It’s not just about gadgets; it’s the whole ecosystem. And the early‑adopter who gets their foot on the accelerator gets the double‑minted rewards.
Why First‑Movers Win
- They snag the tech edge before the competition.
- They gather the data, build the network, and bleed out the learning curve.
- They’re the ones that governments and investors cheer the loudest for.
What the New Government Can Do
- Green Innovation Credit. Picture it as a superhero cape for private R&D – it helps companies put the future in the lab instead of in the vault.
- Slash the corporation tax on green tech profits, so cash flows faster into the next breakthrough.
- Create “green” lanes on the policy highway so that high‑tech ideas can sprint up to big‑business greatness.
Bottom line
When the government plays the right notes, tech can turn a net‑zero ambition into an unstoppable, profit‑driven revolution. Let’s keep that engine humming!
Back rapid grid growth, knock-out nimbyism
Why the Power Grid Is the UK’s Secret Weapon
The last decade’s push to make the electric grid stronger has hit a major roadblock: the relentless “NIMBY” crowd. Tens of billions of pounds are waiting to flow into net‑zero projects—but they’re blocked if the grid can’t keep up.
What’s at Stake?
- Investment power: Without an upgraded grid, the UK could miss out on some of the most lucrative green infrastructure deals.
- Economic future: A modern grid is the backbone of any green growth strategy.
- Global standing: Falling behind would mean the UK misses out on cheaper, smoother, and smarter energy solutions that emerging markets are already grabbing.
Rain Newton‑Smith on the Risks of Doing Nothing
“It’s a fatal mistake to think the economy can stand alone from net zero,” Rain Newton‑Smith warns. “We’re still asking, ‘Can we afford to chase net zero?’ The real question is, can we afford not to?”
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) estimates the GDP hit from inaction could be five times higher than if we step up now. Add the cost of lagging in the race for cutting‑edge, cost‑effective tech, and you’re looking at an economic storm that’s hard to weather.
A Whole‑Economy Playbook
“With sabermetrics from every sector, we help fine‑tune the UK’s economic play,” Newton‑Smith says. “Together, we amplify strengths, outmaneuver rivals, and clinch green growth.”
She’s thrilled to welcome four global heavyweights – JLL, Schroders, Phoenix Group, and Smith & Nephew – into this journey toward a flourishing green future.
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