We agree it's critical that we ensure that our trade association members are at the heart of the CBI’s work.
As part of our programme of change, we committed to ensuring stronger voices for the regions and nations, SMEs and our Trade Associations in shaping CBI work.
Following the successful vote at our EGM, several of our trade association members issued a joint statement.
Signatories included the British Retail Consortium, Build UK, Energy UK, Food and Drink Federation, National Farmers Union, Recruitment and Employment Confederation, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, TechUK, UK Hospitality, British Ports Association, Rail Partners, British Home Enhancement Trade Association, Association of International Courier & Express Services, Betting and Gaming Council, British Property Federation, Advertising Association, Building Engineering Services Association, Flexible Space Association, Building Merchants Federation, CBM, Country Land and Business Association, Chemical Industries Association, Nanotechnology Industries Association, Manufacturing Technologies Association, Walpole and The Association of British Pharmaceutical Industry.
Our associations benefit from an overarching business organisation representing our collective views, so we welcome today’s members vote in favour of the CBI’s programme for change.
We welcome, too, the CBI’s recognition that it must change, following serious allegations about its culture and the behaviour of some staff, which prompted police investigations. We believe that the prospectus they put to the EGM sets out a credible way forward, which we are prepared to support.
However, that journey of change has only just begun, and we will hold the CBI and its Board to account and tighter scrutiny, to ensure that all members - including the many sector trade associations in membership - can be confident that the CBI's culture, role and purpose are refreshed and responsive to our needs.
Our associations drive both the UK's employment and economy, so it's critical that the CBI ensures that trade associations are at the heart of its work. That includes incorporating trade bodies in the CBI's governance, and a plan to ensure it enables and amplifies sectoral advocacy, rather than duplicates it.
The coming weeks and months must see the CBI put words into action and deliver the far-reaching changes it has promised, then it will be able to win back everyone's trust and confidence.
We look forward to working with these members – and others – to do just that.
