Responding to the Prime Minister’s speech at Conservative Party
Conference, Roger Barker, Director of Policy at the Institute of
Directors, said:
“Business leaders will welcome the Prime Minister’s vow to put
the wind in the sails of enterprise. But they are also acutely
aware of the precarious state of the economy, with the impending
end of the furlough scheme and the conclusion of the Brexit
transition period.
“The emphasis on lifting productivity is right on the money. For
over a decade this has been the UK’s Achilles’ heel, and requires
action on a number of fronts, including skills, infrastructure,
and business investment. None of this should be delayed by the
pandemic.
“The promise of green investment is particularly positive. Many
company directors see this as a key priority, both for our
immediate economic recovery and for the longer term. The question
now is how quickly this positive message can translate into
action on the ground. We particularly support recent proposals to
standardise company disclosures relating to climate change
impact.
“While the Government’s long-term aims are very positive,
business leaders are largely preoccupied with the challenges at
hand. Supporting job creation and investment in the nearer term
will be key, as will mitigating the potential for disruption as
we prepare to exit the Brexit transition period.”
