The event will be a forum for representatives from the leading business trade associations, including the CBI, IoD, EFF, BRC, BBA, FSB and the BCC, to discuss the challenges faced by businesses and ensure that the negotiation of the UK’s future relationship with the EU is carried out in the interest of UK companies, investors, potential investors and workers.
CEOs and senior business representatives from some of the UK’s largest sectors, including aerospace, defence, automotive, oil and gas, steel, rail, tourism and food and drink are also expected to attend to talk about the issues their industries will face.
The Business Secretary is expected to acknowledge that while the economic risks of Brexit can’t be ignored there will be opportunities for businesses. He will also provide assurances that his department will do all it can to minimise risk and support businesses to continue to grow and thrive.
Speaking ahead of the roundtable, the Business Secretary Sajid Javid said:
I along with most business leaders wanted the UK to remain in the European Union. But a clear majority of the country has voted to leave – the people have given the government their instructions and it is our duty to carry them out.
My objective now is to ensure that the negotiation of our future relationship with the EU is carried out in the interest of UK companies, investors, potential investors and workers. I want to do that hand in glove with businesses and that’s why I’ll be sitting down with leaders of Britain’s biggest business organisations, CEOs and other senior industry representatives to hear their views.
There are significant challenges ahead, but the economic success of the past few years means we’re better able to withstand the current market turbulence and work towards a better future. The UK remains open for business.
The Business Secretary will also use the roundtable to urge business leaders to feedback information they are hearing from their investors, exporters and employers regarding any concerns they have.
It is expected this will be the first in a series of meetings.