Rival Business Council Launched to Challenge Crisis-Hit CBI

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has established a new Business Council, featuring several major UK companies as its founding partners, with the goal of shaping the future of the British economy. Notable members of the Business Council include Heathrow, BP, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Drax as reported by the BBC. This development coincides with the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) facing a crucial vote on its future amid serious allegations of sexual misconduct.

The CBI has been soliciting feedback from its existing members on a number of reforms, the results of which will be revealed at a critical meeting on Tuesday.

Ahead of the vote, the CBI has received public support from 13 companies, including Siemens and Microsoft. However, the newly formed Business Council aims to attract the support of businesses that have disassociated themselves from the CBI, including prominent names such as John Lewis and BMW. The BCC, known for its quarterly economic survey and its efforts in supporting and connecting thousands of companies in the UK and internationally, will have its director general, Shevaun Haviland, and president, Baroness Martha Lane Fox, engaging with business leaders to discuss the council’s work in representing the interests of UK firms. The Business Council will primarily focus on initiatives related to the digital revolution, people, and work, achieving net-zero emissions, global Britain, and the future of the high street.