BCC forms Business Council to rival embattled CBI with big business backing
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has established a new lobbying organisation, the Business Council, in a move that could pose a challenge to the beleaguered Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Among the founding members of the Business Council are Heathrow Airport, BP, and IHG Hotels & Resorts. Business leaders are convening in London today to discuss the new body’s objectives, with BCC director general Shevaun Haviland and BCC president Baroness Martha Lane Fox in attendance.
Haviland stated that the largest companies in the UK are seeking a different kind of representation, and the Business Council will focus on areas such as the digital revolution, people and work, net zero, global Britain, and the high street. These challenges are expected to be central to the next general election, which is anticipated to occur before the end of next year.
The CBI has recently lost the support of prominent members like Aviva and the John Lewis Partnership, following allegations of serious sexual assault made by CBI employees against colleagues. Both opposition and government politicians have declared they will not engage with the CBI while a police investigation into the allegations is underway. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt stated there is “no point” in communicating with the CBI during this time.
An extraordinary general meeting (EGM) is scheduled for tomorrow, where members, including those who have suspended their memberships, will vote on the organisation’s future. The CBI still has the support of companies such as Siemens, Microsoft, and others.
