Events

Westminster Business Forum Keynote Seminar - Priorities for developing the UK’s Industrial Strategy

Context:

• The publication of the final report of the Industrial Strategy Commission, which makes wide-ranging recommendations for the development of the strategy, including the establishment of an independent body to monitor its long term impact - the agenda includes a keynote address from the Chair of the Commission, Dame Kate Barker;  
• Is expected to follow the publication of the Government’s white paper, which builds on the consultation from the last Parliament - Alexandra Jones, Director of Industrial Strategy, Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy is also a keynote speaker at this seminar;
• Comes as the Government develops the National Investment Fund and follows the Patient Capital Review’s consultation on financing growth in innovative firms; and    
• Takes place as policymakers take forward the next stages of the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund.

Key discussion points:

• The strategy’s scope and focus: priorities for developing the strategic framework for a new strategy, with latest thinking on the effectiveness of sector deals and ensuring appropriate levels of government intervention;
• Industrial innovation: perspectives on the most effective allocation of investment and developing the UK’s existing industrial strengths;
• Sector skills: future options for boosting STEM skills, proposals to improve technical education and priorities for tackling current and emerging skill gaps;
• Supporting business growth: ensuring policy provides the right environment for business growth, including access to finance;
• Regional development: priorities for driving growth and economic investment throughout the UK, as well as how a strategy can best integrate existing regional initiatives, such as the Northern Powerhouse; and 
• Brexit: challenges and opportunities posed by Brexit to trade, investment and industrial growth.

Speakers:

Keynotes: Dame Kate Barker, Chair, The Industrial Strategy Commission and Alexandra Jones, Director of Industrial Strategy, Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy.

Further confirmed speakers: Professor Pal Ahluwalia, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), University of Portsmouth; Julian Ashworth, Global Director of Industry Policy, BT Group; Richard Baker, Head of Strategy and Policy, North East Local Enterprise Partnership; Patrick Brown, Head of Insights and EU Engagements, British Property Federation; David Connell, Lead, Review of Small Business Research Initiative; Dr Peter Kenway, Director, New Policy Institute; Sonali Parekh, Head of Policy, Federation of Small Businesses; Mike Rigby, Head of Manufacturing, Transport and Logistics, Barclays and Joanna Woolf, Chief Executive, Cogent Skills.

Register: Here