The Chamber network is the only business organisation with local roots, national influence and global reach. That was the message from Sarah Howard MBE, Chair of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), as she closed this year’s Global Annual Conference.
Hosted by the BBC’s Clive Myrie, the event featured keynote speeches from the Prime Minister, the Governor of the Bank of England, and the Leader of the Opposition. At least two other Cabinet Ministers were also in attendance, highlighting the importance of the Chamber network in shaping the national conversation.
My day began with a breakfast session for around 100 delegates, including representatives from some of the UK’s largest companies. BCC President Baroness Martha Lane Fox MBE opened the session and introduced Paul Drechsler CBE, Lead Non-Executive Director at the Department for Business and Trade, and Sally Jones, Deputy Director for Trade Strategy. Sally provided a detailed overview of the UK’s trade strategy, while Paul reminded us of the many advantages of doing business in the UK – ranging from our advanced manufacturing and creative industries to our world-class universities and, crucially, our adherence to the rule of law. He urged us all to be confident, optimistic and enthusiastic.
We then joined the other 500 delegates in the main conference hall, where the Prime Minister delivered the opening address. Sir Keir Starmer used his speech to formally launch the UK Government’s Trade Strategy, which was warmly welcomed by the audience. He thanked businesses for shouldering the burden of the recent National Insurance increase and acknowledged the concerns surrounding certain aspects of the Employment Rights Bill.
In a follow-up interview with Clive Myrie, the Prime Minister was asked about his level of concern regarding global events – specifically, the potential impact of the conflict in Iran on energy prices. He responded by stressing that transitioning to clean energy is not only environmentally essential but also strategically important to protect the UK from future energy shocks.
He described the Trade Strategy as one that aims to make the UK the most connected country in the world, while also ensuring protections for British companies if they are treated unfairly overseas. He also highlighted the need to unblock the planning system and improve access to grid connections. Echoing a theme that would recur throughout the day, he expressed strong support for artificial intelligence, describing himself as someone who “leans into” the potential of AI as a driver of future growth.
BCC Director General Shevaun Haviland introduced the main theme of the conference: “Where is the Growth?” She also issued a clear plea to Government – not to increase business taxes in the upcoming autumn budget.
