Response to the outcome of the confidence vote by CBI’s members
06 June 2023
In response to the outcome of today’s confidence vote by CBI’s members, trade bodies have released the following joint statement.
Topics
These organisations are:
- British Retail Consortium (BRC)
- UK Hospitality
- Build UK
- Betting and Gaming Council
- Energy UK
- British Property Federation
- Food and Drink Federation (FDF)
- Advertising Association
- National Farmers Union (NFU)
- Building Engineering Services Association
- Recruitment and Employment Confederation
- Flexible Space Association
- Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders
- Building Merchants Federation
- TechUK
- CBM
- British Ports Association
- Country Land and Business Association
- Rail Partners
- Chemical Industries Association
- British Home Enhancement Trade Association
- Nanotechnology Industries Association
- Association of International Courier & Express Services
- Manufacturing Technologies Association
"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."