Our Business Manifesto priorities

Ahead of the General Election, business leaders and politicians can act on the emerging consensus that unites them – to deliver sustainable economic growth which improves our standard of living today and in the future.

Informed by hundreds of industry leaders and 70 trade associations representing thousands of businesses, and spanning all regions of the UK, the CBI Business Manifesto: Delivering Sustainable Growth, sets out a programme for government across five missions, with ambitions for its first 100 days, 100 weeks, and Parliamentary term.

This is the time to come together to take decisive action in an uncertain world, delivering prosperity through a positive vision for the UK economy.

Here’s how to do it:

Signal ambition to make the UK economy the most competitive and reliable destination for investment   

Demonstrate that the UK is open for business and secure greater private investment in economic enablers, by showing long-term policy and regulatory stability, through a business tax roadmap, a reformed planning system, and a leading global trade and investment strategy.

Futureproof the UK’s labour market to drive inclusive growth  

Forge a new approach for our labour market by building a skilled, productive and healthy national workforce that underpins economic growth, through a cohesive plan to ease shortages, including barriers to work, a skills revolution, and immigration reform.

Honour climate commitments to drive green growth for the benefit of all    

Instil confidence in the delivery of the UK’s net zero transition by unlocking private investment, through a net zero Investment Plan, ambitious but certain policy commitments, a competitive incentive regime, and a delivery-focused operating environment.

Demonstrate UK global leadership in high-growth technology and innovation    

Secure global R&D investment and innovation by creating a balanced policy landscape, through ambitious targets, long-term budget commitments, targeted technology adoption, future-focused AI regulation, and competitive support for financing scaleups.

Deliver resilient public services through a new era of partnership     

Equip UK public services to face into transformation by encouraging partnership, through public-private investment forums, outcomes-focused regulatory regimes, a renewed public-private model for rail, an independent Health Commission, and a strengthened National Infrastructure Commission. 

This manifesto is just the beginning. Through 2024, the CBI will continue to lead the economic debate, add industry-led detail to recommendations, and deliver implementable policy and reform for a new government by the General Election.