- Prime Minister launches Business
Connect – a new conference that champions the dynamism of
UK businesses to unlock innovation and grow the economy
- Event will convene the country's biggest industry leaders and
investors with Government ministers for direct and detailed
discussions across key industries
- Comes as PM welcomes creation of 11,000 jobs as a result of
inward investment since October, in vote of confidence in UK
economy
Business Connect, launching today, creates a new
platform for businesses to engage with Prime Minister 's pro-growth, pro-enterprise
Government, as part of efforts to deliver on the people’s
priorities to grow the economy.
Over 200 of the UK's highest-profile CEOs and c-suite business
leaders will gather in London for the event, representing key
growth sectors including tech, life sciences and advanced
manufacturing.
Speaking directly to delegates at the event, the Prime Minister
will underline his commitment to optimise the conditions for
businesses to thrive and in turn, drive growth – recognising that
Government cannot achieve its economic priorities alone.
As a result of increasing business confidence in the UK, latest
figures show 1800 jobs a month have been created since October.
Prime Minister said:
"I am working every day on our five priorities – to halve
inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and
stop the boats.
"Business Connect provides the next fantastic
opportunity to demonstrate how we are growing the economy. We are
bringing together some of the UK's biggest companies and
investors for meaningful dialogue – and I'm a Prime Minister
passionate about working with business to unlock opportunity and
progress.
“Since taking office, I've spoken to over 1000 business people -
because they are the innovators and change-makers at the heart of
our economy, supporting jobs, attracting investment and driving
growth.
“The UK can be proud of its business
credentials. Through the creation of 162 tech unicorns, smarter
regulation and world-leading universities – we’ve got the right
ingredients to double down on growing the economy."
In his first-ever LinkedIn Live event on Monday morning, a range
of entrepreneurs, SMEs, innovators and young people, who are key
to growing the economy, will also have the opportunity to ask the
Prime Minister any business question – whether that’s looking at
the future of British fintech or how we can reach net zero.
Building on his long-term plans to create a more innovative
economy, the Prime Minister will unveil a new ‘innovation’
category at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards this evening,
hosted by the Chancellor at Downing Street. The new award
will recognise bright, innovative ideas that deliver new products
and services and can drive our economy forward.
Chancellor said:
“We want the UK to be the best place in the world to start, grow
and invest in a business. At Spring Budget we took steps to
reduce business taxation, boost access to talent, and get smarter
with our regulation – and that was just the beginning.
“It’s absolutely vital that we’re listening to – and working with
– industry leaders, innovators and disruptors as we deliver on
our priority to grow the economy.”
Business and Trade Secretary said:
“The UK succeeds when our businesses succeed. Our door is always
open at the Department for Business and Trade, we’re here to help
companies bring in valuable investment, create jobs and grow the
economy.
“By securing high-quality trade deals, scrapping market access
barriers around the world and cutting needless red tape that
holds businesses back, I will ensure the UK remains one of the
best places in the world to start and grow a business.”
Debra Crew, CEO-designate, Diageo, said:
“Such high-level engagement by the Prime Minister and other
members of the Government is really welcome for Diageo. We see
Business Connect as a great opportunity to promote
international trade in Scotch and spirits, an export powerhouse
that is bringing jobs and investment to Scotland and across the
UK.”
C.S. Venkatakrishnan, Group Chief Executive, Barclays,
said:
“I am pleased to join the UK Government and business leaders in
the discussion about the growth opportunities that lie ahead for
the United Kingdom. The UK continues to be a prominent financial
centre that sits at the heart of global capital markets
and Barclays continues to support the UK
Government’s ambitious plans to drive prosperity and economic
growth for people and businesses here in the UK and beyond.”
Alex Baldock, Group Chief Executive, Currys PLC,
said:
“It’s important that business can make its voice heard in
government at events like today’s. Given the size of the
retail sector in the UK, we’re well placed to help power the UK’s
growth. I’m looking forward to discussing with ministers the
skills, infrastructure, regulatory and tax environment we need in
order to do so.”
