Since the Brexit vote there has been an increase in the number of policy-makers and economists advocating that the UK should develop an industrial strategy to meet the major economic challenges now facing us. These challenges include reducing the trade deficit, increasing skills and productivity to provide more high value and highly paid jobs, investing in physical and digital infrastructures, building strong competencies and capacity in innovative and sustainable sectors, and helping our companies connect more extensively and profitably with overseas markets. Clive Lewis MP, Shadow Minister for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy will outline Labour’s priorities and plans, and lead a discussion on these vital topics.

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During the EU referendum campaign in 2016 many economists predicted disastrous economic consequences in case of a “Leave” vote. However, the current economic climate is far from this scenario. Were the economic models used at the time wrong? Were the predictions wrong or will they still take effect with delay? These will be among the questions to be discussed by our expert panel. This is partner event run by the Federal Trust.

Panellists:
Professor Iain Begg
Professorial Research Fellow, European Institute, London School of Economics and Political Science
Andrew Smith
Independent economist and commentator; Chief Economic Adviser to Industry Forum and former Chief Economist at KPMG
Dr Swati Dinghra
Assistant Professor, Centre for Economic Performance, Department of Economics, London School of Economics and Political Science

RSVP by email to events@fedtrust.co.uk or by telephone on 020 7320 1677.

Fixing the UK’s housing problems is challenging: Should London be treated as a special case? Would greater devolution of housing powers help better address the characteristics of each local market? What needs to be done to free up availability of land? The new government white paper is the first attempt at a comprehensive rethink on housing since 2007. Come and hear, Housing Minister, Gavin Barwell MP outline the Government’s approach and discuss the practicalities of achieving its goals.

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After the trauma of the Brexit vote and with a new American administration on the scene, businesses in the UK and the EU face a changed set of challenges and opportunities. Andrew Smith, formerly Chief Economist at KPMG, will give a detailed analysis of the overall economic landscape and its implications for the UK. Andrew has extensive experience of briefing senior executives on complex economic matters and has a great ability to interpret what has happened, and outline what could happen, with precision and humour.

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For a long time, Britain has had a significant international trade deficit that successive governments have tried to reduce. The Brexit vote has increased the urgency for the country to gear up to increase international trade and vigorously address non-EU markets. Edward Barker, Director, Trade Strategy & Capability at Department for International Trade who works closely with the Minister for Trade Policy, Lord Price, will outline Government policy and plans, and lead a discussion.

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Following the surprise EU referendum outcome, the change in government leadership, and the sharp drop in growth forecasts, policy-makers and economists are discussing the need for investment-led growth and a more ambitious industrial strategy. Come and hear Rebecca Long Bailey, Labour’s Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, respond to the Chancellor’s  Autumn Statement and outline and discuss her views on how to put the economy on a sound footing by ‘Financing for Growth’.

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