Prime Minister Offers Businesses Faster Decisions and a Stronger Voice in Government

LONDON — Prime Minister Andy Burnham has opened formal talks with leading British business organisations, setting out what the Government describes as a new partnership between Whitehall and the private sector.

The discussions involved organisations representing large employers, manufacturers, small businesses, start-ups, social enterprises, cooperatives and family-owned companies. Participants included the Confederation of British Industry, British Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, Make UK, Institute of Directors and several entrepreneurship groups.

Burnham said businesses would be offered greater policy certainty, a clearer long-term economic direction, faster government decisions and a stronger voice when policies affecting investment, employment and growth are developed. The Government says decisions should increasingly be taken closer to the communities and businesses affected by them.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that rising costs, slow planning procedures and administrative delays have affected employers’ confidence. He said the Government would seek to reform business rates, reduce unnecessary obstacles to investment and use public procurement more deliberately to support jobs, apprenticeships, innovation and skills within the United Kingdom.

The proposed partnership also places obligations on employers. Burnham asked businesses to invest in workers, support their local communities and work with government to address youth unemployment and skills shortages.

The Government says too many young people are leaving education without a clear pathway into stable employment, while companies continue to report difficulties recruiting people with the skills they need. Employers are therefore being encouraged to expand apprenticeships, entry-level opportunities and workplace training.

The Prime Minister also indicated that his administration would intervene more actively where essential-service markets or regulators fail to provide fair outcomes for the public, including in sectors such as energy and water.

The announcement follows the establishment of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, which combines business and trade policy with responsibilities relating to science, commercial innovation and industrial development.

For businesses, the test will be whether the new relationship produces shorter approval times, more predictable regulation and genuine access to decision-makers. For workers and communities, success will depend on whether business support translates into secure employment, stronger wages and long-term investment outside the country’s most prosperous areas.