Connecting UK business to global impact
The CBI gives UK businesses a voice where global decisions are made. With access to the OECD, EU, G7 and G20, and partnerships with influential federations in key markets, we help our members shape policy, solve problems, and secure commercial advantage in a changing world. No other UK organisation offers this level of access, influence and global business diplomacy.
Connecting UK business
Why global policy matters for UK business
Sean McGuire, Director - Europe and International
"Global trade is changing. Decisions taken in major capitals now directly affect the UK's competitiveness.
"In an era of economic security and strategic rivalry, being disconnected carries real risk. Businesses need sharper insight, stronger networks, and real influence where global rules are made. The UK's voice abroad is at its strongest when it is back by clear, collective business leadership, and individual firms are more effective when they act as part of a powerful national platform.
"This is the role of the CBI – ensuring UK business has a voice, and an edge, on the international stage."
Representing UK business on the global stage
EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement
Formal seats on international fora
Formal partnerships with sister federations
Deep relationships with UK and overseas governments
Championing the all-island economy in Ireland
Make the most of your CBI membership
B7 & B20
The B7 and B20 are the business tracks of the G7 and G20. These summits influence decisions on supply chains, trade, sustainability and digital transformation. UK business needs a seat at these tables to ensure its priorities are not just heard, but embedded in global strategies for growth.
Our work includes:
- Feeding in sector-specific intelligence
- Building coalitions with international sister federations
- Shaping policy recommendations for world leaders.
How can my business get involved?
- Nominate senior representatives to take part in working groups on topics such as trade, energy, climate, and finance
- Contribute to the CBI’s submissions and provide strategic insights that feed into summit agendas
- Join international delegations or attend business events around the summits.
Business at the OECD (BIAC)
The OECD sets the frameworks that shape national policy on tax, competition, corporate governance, and responsible business conduct. As governments implement OECD agreements, Business at the OECD (BIAC), ensures business has a say at the design stage. With regulation increasingly shaped beyond borders, UK businesses need visibility and input upstream.
Our work includes:
- Shaping guidance on topics such as Pillar One and Two, AI and digital rules, ESG standards
- Engaging in OECD policy committees and expert groups
- Working closely with the government to ensure business views are reflected in national positions.
How can my business get involved?
- Gain exclusive access to BIAC working groups to engage directly with policymakers shaping tomorrow’s rules
- Receive OECD briefings and tailored insights into OECD developments.
BusinessEurope
BusinessEurope is the EU’s most powerful business voice, shaping the policy environment in the world’s largest single market. As the UK seeks a more constructive and pragmatic relationship with the EU, influencing BusinessEurope’s positions is key to reducing barriers and promoting economic ties. Without UK business input, British interests risk being overlooked.
Our work includes:
- Joint advocacy and analysis with BusinessEurope
- Contributions to BusinessEurope’s policy platforms on trade, energy and climate, taxation, digital and AI.
- Strong connections to our sister federations across Europe.
How can my business get involved?
- Share insights on key EU files and regulations
- Feed into BusinessEurope positions
- Engage with our European sister federations.
COP
The UN Climate Conferences (COP) are the central forum for negotiation international climate agreements, setting the direction for global net zero commitments and climate finance. UK firms must engage to ensure climate ambition translates into practical frameworks for growth, innovation and competitiveness.
Our work includes:
- Feeding UK business priorities into global climate negotiations
- Partnering with government and international stakeholders to shape ambitious and pragmatic outcomes, including through the SB COP Business Council
- Amplifying the role of business in delivering solutions on critical issues like energy.
How can my business get involved?
- Share case studies and sector intelligence to showcase UK leadership and inform COP outcomes
- Contribute to high-level dialogues with the UK's negotiators and international stakeholders
- Engage in year-round policy fora shaping climate pathways beyond the annual summit.
International partnerships
Global challenges demand a coordinated response from business. By working with our international sister federations, we make sure that UK business is part of collective efforts to influence international trade, climate, and digital frameworks. These alliances strengthen our voice, taking the UK's priorities from national to global.
Our work includes:
- Forming joint positions with sister federations across Europe, North America, Asia and beyond
- Welcoming international delegations to the UK, creating opportunities for collaboration on policy and innovation
- Building coalitions that reinforce the UK's influence on global issues and in international negotiations.
How can my business get involved?
- Participate in inbound and outbound international delegations, taking advantage of policy co-creation and networking opportunities
- Share perspectives on global policy issues to shape collective advocacy
- Join co-hosted events with sister federations on country-specific issues.
International Working Group
Shape global competitiveness, drive impact:
Steer the course of international trade policy by adding your voice to conversations on priority topics facing your sector. From the EU-UK relationship to US tariffs and a new strategy on China, join forces with senior executives to drive impact.
Apply insight to global challenges:
The International Working Group offers a cross-sectoral platform for members to share insights which shape our input into government policies and actions. Together, we tackle the trade challenges and geopolitical issues that keep you up at night, ensuring your business thrives in the global arena.
Unlock growth opportunities:
Tap into a wealth of strategic discussions to understand how shifting geopolitical dynamics and the latest trends might impact your business. From supply chains and critical minerals to Free Trade Agreements and market access barriers, the topics covered by the Working Group are varied and critical to the UK's competitiveness.
Take advantage of new opportunities:
Maximise your impact with our quarterly meetings, feed intelligence directly into government discussions, and be first in line to hear about exciting international engagement opportunities.
Seize the opportunity:
Contact Erin Henwood to learn more about the International Working Group. Your expertise is instrumental in driving impactful change.
Influence the rules that govern global business...
... including through exclusive access to OECD working groups and opportunities to join delegations to the B7.
Gain early visibility...
...into developments in key markets that will impact your operations.
Access strategic intelligence...
... from our global network of sister federations and policymakers.
Shape the UK’s response...
... to rapid global developments, from bilateral summits to evolving tariffs.