Baroness Ruby McGregor Smith CBE and entrepreneur Michael Hayman MBE will be amongst those chairing the work of the British Chambers of Commerce’s new National Business Council.
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has announced five top business leaders who will each chair one of its Future of the Economy challenges.
Last month, the BCC announced the formation of its new National Business Council, with Heathrow, Drax, IHG Hotels & Resorts and BP joining as the first founding partners. The National Business Council will provide a new unified voice for firms up and down the country, developing business-backed, pro-growth policies to support the UK economy.
The Future of the Economy initiative will be driven by the National Business Council, with its members uniquely placed to help shape BCC policy thinking and engagement around core business challenges.
The challenges and appointed chairs are:
1. People and Work: Baroness Ruby McGregor Smith CBE, former CEO of Mitie Group PLC and former BCC President.
2. Global Britain: Michael Hayman MBE DL, co-founder of StartUp Britain and Chairman of Entrepreneurs at Coutts & Co.
3. Digital Revolution: Priya Guha MBE, Venture Partner at Merian Ventures and former UK Consul General to San Francisco.
4. Green Innovation: Lisa Witter, entrepreneur, CEO of Apolitical Foundation, Co-Founder of Apolitical and emeritus member of the board of directors for Climate Counts.
5. Future of the High Street: Sebastian Munden, Chair of WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) and Ad Net Zero, former Chief Executive of Unilever UK & Ireland.
The overall initiative will be led by BCC President Baroness Martha Lane Fox.
Baroness Martha Lane Fox, BCC President, said:
“I am delighted to be chairing the BCC’s Future of the Economy initiative, which will look at key strategic challenges facing the UK economy, including People and Work, Global Britain, the Digital Revolution, and Green Innovation.
“I am looking forward to working with the Chairs of these challenges, as well as members of our new National Business Council, to address these issues and the opportunities they present for UK businesses.”
Baroness Ruby McGregor Smith CBE, Chair of the People and Work Challenge, said:
“As former BCC President, I’m delighted to be working once again with this brilliant organisation on their new Business Council by chairing the People and Work Challenge.
“Working with business leaders and experts on this issue, we will develop a comprehensive plan to reform the labour market and tackle skills shortages which are crushing the ability of many UK businesses to expand and grow.”
