New Which? research reveals most UK businesses support strong consumer protection regulations as a contributor to consumer confidence and economic growth.

The clock is ticking on the UK’s status as an attractive and competitive location for future manufacturing investments and jobs. The Government’s ‘Invest 2035’ industrial strategy is an opportunity to prioritise the chemical sector and recognise its contributions to UK growth. With around 95% of all manufactured goods containing chemicals, it is difficult to imagine a modern economy without a thriving chemical industry.

The average consenting time for major infrastructure projects has almost doubled from 2.6 years to 4.2 years in the last decade, often delaying the construction of critical infrastructure and the creation of jobs and economic boosts that kick in only once a shovel hits the ground.

As Chair of the UK Advertising Exports Group (UKAEG) and Group CEO of VCCP, I’m fortunate to be in the engine room of the UK advertising industry – where creativity, innovation, and global ambition drive us forward. UKAEG isn’t just a collection of companies; it’s a dynamic network of over 70 leading UK advertising and marketing services firms, excelling in creative, production, AdTech, digital, AI, and more. Together, we’re making waves globally, proving why the UK is a go-to destination for world-class advertising.

Britain’s trust ports are crucial drivers of investment and the energy transition

With the launch of its ‘Invest 2035’ industrial strategy, the UK government must prioritise foundational industries like chemicals to bolster supply chain resilience and boost economic growth. While often overlooked, these industries underpin the growth-driving sectors.

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) calls on government to harness UK’s environmental horticulture industry for growth

The Prime Minister’s clarion call to business leaders to ‘back Britain’ has been underpinned by the Attorney General’s message that “the rule of law matters for growth, jobs and people’s livelihoods”.

International infrastructure renewal programmes can inspire how the UK funds and delivers economic growth, writes Ian Edwards, President and CEO of AtkinsRéalis.

As the UK’s busiest port and the critical gateway for trade with the EU, the Port of Dover is central to the nation’s economic future. A series of receptions during the recent party conference season gave politicians a chance to hear more about why collaboration will be key to delivering the Port’s ambitions and unlocking national economic growth.

Investment in infrastructure can fast-track economic growth and unlock opportunity in every part of the UK, but turning ambition into action requires long-term plans centred on people, place and – above all – pace.

With 60% of UK jobs based outside of London and ad spend reaching £40bn, in times of tight budgets the advertising and marketing industry’s ability to drive growth and generate revenue for the Exchequer should not be under-estimated.

Luton is a hub of innovation. According to the think tank Centre for Cities, Luton has the second highest number of start-ups per 10,000 people. The scale of opportunity for job creation in the town is immense – people are hungry for jobs and growth.

However, Luton is also one of the most economically challenged parts of the country with too many families are living in poverty.

SSE’s Chief Executive writes on the once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our energy system and kickstart economic growth through partnership between industry and the new government.

The Chemical Industries Association launched its manifesto in parliament emphasising the role of the UK chemical industry as a key building block of the economy.

All political parties believe that innovation can be a key driver of economic growth. A recent parliamentary event gave MPs and peers a chance to hear more about a major new Mastercard report focused on how payments and fintech innovation is driving inclusive growth and hear firsthand from some of the exciting small businesses that are powering change.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has announced a cut to National Insurance and abolished non-dom tax status in the Spring Budget.

Business leaders and ministers are at odds over issues ranging from migration and Brexit to planning and tax. Shevaun Haviland, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, tells Tali Fraser she is braced for a tough year. Photography by Louise Haywood-Schiefer

Labour leader Keir Starmer has said that Britain is now in a “new era” that needs a “new economic consensus” with an “obsession” for growth and security, in what he described as a “very unusual” stance from Labour.

Starting a small business is tough, and founders need help to succeed. PoliticsHome considers how Mastercard’s Strive UK programme is supporting entrepreneurs across the UK in building their capabilities and resilience, enabling them to not only grow but thrive.

Companies in one of Britain’s biggest manufacturing industries are fighting the toughest of economic battles. Chemical companies across the UK, who export 90% of what they make, have seen sales fall dramatically, with the latest survey of members of the Chemical Industries Association confirming that nearly 60% of companies saw a fall in sales in Quarter 2 of 2023, up from 33% in Q1.

From the light bulb to the World Wide Web, to ground-breaking theories in gravity and black holes, DNA’s double helix and the deployment of the world’s first Covid-19 vaccine, we can all rightly be proud that the United Kingdom has been at the forefront of scientific discovery for centuries.

Paul Johnson, director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), has told PoliticsHome Brexit and last year’s political turmoil may be among factors that have contributed to the IMF's gloomy economic forecasts for the UK.