Brown to seek views of big business
Gordon Brown has created an advisory group of senior business figures, in a move designed to dispel concerns he will be less sympathetic to big business than his predecessor.
Sir Alan Sugar, star of TV show The Apprentice, confirmed he is one of the first high-profile appointments.
The prime minister’s Business Council for Britain will meet two to three times a year. It will also advise Mr Brown on policy outside of its scheduled meetings and inform him when government action risks undermining the UK’s competitiveness.
After leaving the Treasury, Mr Brown wants to continue to make Britain a more attractive place for business.
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has welcomed the proposed council, adding that it does not believe it will undermine its own influence.
Richard Lambert, director-general of the CBI, told the Financial Times the council was a “very constructive development”.
However, small business leaders have raised concerns their interests will be marginalised in government.
Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy, Vodafone chief executive Arun Sarin and Sir John Rose, chief executive of Rolls-Royce are expected to serve on the council.
Stuart Rose, chief executive of Marks and Spencer, is also rumoured, along with Tony Hayward, chief executive of BP and Stephen Green, chairman of HSBC.
Mervyn Davies, chair of Standard Chartered bank and Tesco board member, is expected to chair the council.
Controversially, Damon Buffini, the founder of Permira, has been included to represent the interests of private equity firms.
Mr Buffini was recently called before MPs to defend private equity firms after a slew of criticisms from unions.
Mr Brown is also expected to restructure the Department for Trade and Industry. Yesterday, workmen prematurely removed the sign from outside the building before it was hastily replaced.
