2024 Annual Conference: highlights

At yesterday’s Annual Conference, business leaders and policymakers came together to tackle the challenges and opportunities shaping the UK economy. Discussions focused on practical steps to drive growth, build resilience and foster innovation in a competitive global environment.

There was optimism about the UK's leadership in net zero and technology, but delegates emphasised the need for urgent action in key areas to unlock long-term potential and ensure the UK stays at the forefront of global progress.

Stability, strategy and infrastructure

Speakers emphasised the need for a clear industrial strategy to support sustainable growth, with a particular focus on unlocking infrastructure projects that are critical to the UK’s future. Simplifying planning regulations was identified as a priority to accelerate developments in energy and transport, removing bottlenecks that currently slow progress.

By addressing planning challenges, the UK can modernise its transport networks, boost connectivity and deliver renewable energy projects at scale. Public-private collaboration and community engagement were also highlighted as essential to overcoming barriers and building trust in ambitious initiatives.

A well-defined strategy, paired with decisive action on infrastructure, would create a foundation for long-term investment and greater economic resilience. The CBI’s Blueprint for UK Competitiveness report identifies five critical economic shifts that must be leveraged for the UK to gain a competitive advantage.

Investment and risk

Risk emerged as a recurring theme, with a focus on how businesses can make bold investments amid economic uncertainty. While profitability remains essential for reinvestment, delegates also called for closer government collaboration to de-risk large-scale innovation projects.

Rebuilding confidence in the UK as a destination for investment is a priority. Speakers shared inspiring examples of successful risk-taking that led to breakthroughs, urging businesses to adopt a long-term perspective while leveraging government support wherever possible.

Green growth and innovation

Optimism about decarbonisation and technology ran high. Panellists celebrated the UK’s position as a global leader in net zero and identified opportunities to drive growth by leading clean energy solutions. AI and other advanced technologies were also spotlighted as transformative tools to enhance competitiveness and efficiency.

Decarbonisation is more than a compliance necessity; it represents a pathway to new markets and regional regeneration.

Productivity and workforce

The UK’s persistent productivity challenge was a key focus. Rupert Soames OBE, President and Chair of the CBI Board, urged businesses to tackle workforce participation head-on:

"We need to reduce, by about one million, the number of people not working… that challenge is going to fall on the private sector’s five and a half million businesses."

Upskilling, better labour market engagement and leveraging technology were identified as essential steps to bridging the productivity gap. Delegates called for stronger partnerships between businesses, government and education providers to ensure the workforce is equipped to meet future demands.

Positive actions your business can take

• Engage with policymakers: Collaborate with the CBI to ensure your business’ needs shape critical policies, particularly around infrastructure, energy and innovation
• Embrace innovation: Invest in AI and other technologies to improve efficiency, boost productivity and position your business for the future
• Upskill your workforce: Partner with local providers to close skills gaps and develop your talent pool to meet emerging demands
• Adopt sustainable growth strategies: Leverage opportunities in clean energy and decarbonisation to drive growth while supporting the UK’s net zero leadership
• Collaborate for impact: Build partnerships across sectors and within your community to address shared challenges and amplify progress

Get involved

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, emphasised the value of business input at the conference, saying: 

"We will consult on the business rates bill… We’ll continue these consultations to make sure we get those investments right… There is no policy which can’t be improved upon by direct contact with business." 

By sharing your views and engaging with the CBI’s consultations, your business can directly influence the policies that shape the UK’s economic landscape. Speaking up for business ensures that government decisions are informed by real-world challenges and opportunities, creating the conditions for growth and success. 

The Blueprint for UK Competitiveness report is a key part of the CBI’s work on industrial strategy, designed to position the UK as a global leader in innovation, investment and growth. Similarly, our response to the government’s Invest 2035 consultation ensures business perspectives are at the heart of decisions that will affect competitiveness for years to come. 

View the CBI’s full consultation response or contact Mark Goldstone to learn how you can get involved and shape the policies that matter most to your business. 

Or, contribute to critical policy recommendations by joining the CBI’s  Employment Bill Working Group or the Capital Markets Working Group. 

Finally, save the date for next year’s Annual Conference: 3 November 2025. Partnering with or sponsoring the event is a powerful way to showcase your business, influence the agenda and connect with leaders driving the future of the UK economy. Get in touch to find out more.  

In the media...

The 2024 Annual Conference was covered on the front page of The Times, The Telegraph, The Guardian, City AM, in the Financial Times and more.

We also delivered our message on the damage of the Budget in interviews on Channel 4, Sky News, the Today Programme and many others. Across the day and the following morning, we secured more than 350 stories in the media, including over 170 in national newspapers, TV and radio. We've heard the pressure the Budget is putting on many sectors and we're raising your voice at the highest level.

Looking for more insights?

Explore thought leadership from our partners:

• Craig Elder, Partner at Browne Jacobson: 'Developing a new private finance model to ‘get Britain building again’'
• Stuart Brocklehurst, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Exeter: 'Opportunity and risk in a changing climate'
• Salman Amin, CEO at pladis: 'Why economic strategy can’t forget industries that built the UK'