The BCCJ is pleased to be partnering with the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) to deliver this breakfast event on April 19, looking at the UK’s rapidly changing economic landscape ahead.

After exiting the EU on January 31, 2020, the UK has focused on the importance of forging global relationships as a way to reduce its dependence on any one trading partner, expand the customer base for UK businesses and ensure that UK interests are represented in global standards and regulations. The significance of the country’s relationship with Japan was reflected in the UK’s first major post-Brexit free trade agreement being signed with Japan in October 2020. And most recently, the UK has announced its agreement with the EU on the Windsor Framework deal, and its anticipated accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a milestone for all 11 member countries involved, with the collective GDP of the pact anticipated to grow from £9 trillion to £11 trillion, reaching 15.4% of global gross domestic product.

Despite these bilateral and regional trade agreements in place, the IMF has forecasted that the UK will be the only leading economy to shrink this year. So in what direction is the future of UK business really heading?

Join us for ‘New Horizons’ and hear the latest view from International Director at the CBI, Andy Burwell, who will share:

• Perspectives on what is really going on in the UK and how companies are adapting to this new reality;
• Perspectives on the post-Brexit British business sentiment in light of the Windsor Framework;
• Business priorities and needs from the new government at a domestic level, looking at stability, unlocking business investment in the UK, etc;
• Business for the UK’s international agenda, including a view on the UK’s anticipated accession to the CPTPP.

The CBI (The Confederation of British Industry) is the UK’s premier business organisation, providing a voice for firms at a regional, national and international level to policymakers that helps business create a more prosperous society.

Andy Burwell joined CBI as International Director in 2020 with significant experience across government, in policy development and working with global business on trade and geopolitics.

Andy leads the CBI’s international and trade teams, helping to inform and shape UK trade, foreign and national security policy. He and his team work with business and government to unleash UK exporting potential and support global business leadership at the fore of the Global Britain agenda. They lead business input into UK trade negotiations and work with CBI members on the global growth and risk mitigation. Andy is the UK’s business sherpa for the G7 and G20 and collaborates across global business to support UK positions at the WTO and other multilateral organisations.

Prior to CBI, Andy had an 11-year career across the UK civil service with a focus on international trade, investment, business, and national security. During that time, he spent five years in Hong Kong and China, working with foreign investors and British business to deliver UK growth. He has responsibility for the CBI international offices in China, India, and the US.

Andy Burwell joined CBI as International Director in 2020 with significant experience across government, in policy development and working with global business on trade and geopolitics.

Andy leads the CBI’s international and trade teams, helping to inform and shape UK trade, foreign and national security policy. He and his team work with business and government to unleash UK exporting potential and support global business leadership at the fore of the Global Britain agenda. They lead business input into UK trade negotiations and work with CBI members on the global growth and risk mitigation. Andy is the UK’s business sherpa for the G7 and G20 and collaborates across global business to support UK positions at the WTO and other multilateral organisations.

Prior to CBI, Andy had an 11-year career across the UK civil service with a focus on international trade, investment, business, and national security. During that time, he spent five years in Hong Kong and China, working with foreign investors and British business to deliver UK growth. He has responsibility for the CBI international offices in China, India, and the US.