The voice of business for 60 years

The CBI brings together the British Employers’ Confederation, the Federation of British Industries and the National Association of British Manufacturers.

It was born into a world of state intervention and a time of rampant inflation, together with a severe balance-of-payments crisis.

The CBI set up a Steering Group for Small Firms that later evolved into a fully-fledged council and, ultimately, the Enterprise Forum.

The CBI consultation document advised on issues vital to Britain’s membership of the European Economic Community (EEC).

Nine out of ten of the CBI’s largest 200 members signed an undertaking to avoid price increases where possible or limit them to five percent if unavoidable.

A survey of CBI members by the Europe Steering Committee showed a strong majority in favour of EEC membership. The CBI’s Brussels office was opened, giving direct access to the EEC’s policy machine.

Tripartite talks between the government, the TUC and the CBI helped increase public understanding of the dangers of inflation and paved the way for the pay and prices standstill.

The CBI report set the stage for debate on corporate governance and responsibility.

Following the Commission of Inquiry into Industrial and Commercial Representation report, the CBI strengthened the power of its regional councils to set policy.

The report, produced with input from more than 500 member companies, had a significant impact on government thinking and public attitudes to issues such as spending cuts, lower taxation and further pay restraint to combat inflation.

The CBI's first national conference was attended by delegates from 800 firms, and was widely covered in print and broadcast media.

The CBI moved from its Westminster home on Tothill Street to the landmark Centre Point tower.

Her Majesty The Queen visited the CBI at its new Centre Point home.

The CBI launched its regular monitor of retail sales: the Distributive Trades Survey.

The organisation and its members argued that the discipline of a more stable exchange rate could help increase Britain's share of world trade.

The CBI's Design or Decline initiative, which aimed to improve product design and marketing strategy, was endorsed by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

The initiative would facilitate emerging trade between British companies and newly independent countries.

The CBI lobbied the Maastricht Summit to prevent the retrospective application of the European Court’s Barber judgment on occupational pensions, which would have cost CBI members between £40m and £50m.

The Council provided manufacturers of all sizes and sectors with a platform to influence CBI and government policy.

The CBI's Manufacturing by Design initiative increased young people’s awareness of manufacturing and strengthened business-education links.

Nelson Mandela visited Centre Point during a UK trip to attract foreign investment.

Centre Point hosted the signing of an investment agreement between Prime Minister John Major and his Pakistani counterpart Benazir Bhutto.

The CBI series highlighted key factors in international investment decisions.

At the national conference, Chancellor Gordon Brown stressed the need to build a “stronger, deeper enterprise culture”.

As the financial crisis unfolded, Richard Lambert, Director-General, CBI, called for targeted fiscal stimulus and greater support for small businesses’ cash flow.

Sir Roger Carr, President, CBI, hosted business federations from G8 nations in London, meeting Prime Minister David Cameron and Business Secretary Vince Cable

The A Better Off Britain report outlined how business and government could make growth work for all.

The CBI pushed for a pragmatic approach post-referendum

Daily webinars provided vital support to all businesses, CBI members or not, helping them navigate government aid.

This allowed businesses to deduct 100% of qualifying plant and machinery costs, and is expected to boost investment by £13.9bn by 2028/29.

The CBI also campaigned for and achieved the biggest expansion of childcare support in decades. It’s expected to help over 75,000 parents back into work.

The commitment ensures businesses can navigate planning processes more efficiently. This will lead to faster growth, allowing companies to seize new opportunities and expand with ease.