Responding to the UK Government’s Immigration White Paper, Restoring Control over the Immigration System, Alex Hall-Chen (she/her), Principal Policy Advisor for Skills and Employment at the Institute of Directors, said: “For the many employers already struggling to access the skills they need, today’s announcement may raise further concerns. The latest IoD research shows that more than…

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Responding to the announcement of a UK-US trade deal, Emma Rowland, Trade Policy Advisor at the Institute of Directors, said: “This deal is a win for the UK. The US is the UK’s largest single trading partner, and this shields some of our key export sectors from the worst excesses of US protectionism. It cements our important economic…

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The British Malaysian Society (BMS) – David Stringer-Lamarre, MD, Fortis Consulting London was pleased to be the moderator, within his role as Chair, BMS International Trade Group. He said “It was a remarkable panel which delivered an interesting and engaging session looking at trade & investment opportunities between the UK/Malaysia/ASEAN. “Mei Sim Lai OBE DL,…

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Commenting on today’s data from the Office for National Statistics, that showed the annual rate of CPI inflation weakening to 2.6% in March 2025 from 2.8% in February, Anna Leach, Chief Economist at the Institute of Directors, said: “Inflation has come in a little lower than expected again in March, with services inflation easing to 4.7% while…

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A snap poll of 562 Institute of Directors members following the President Trump’s tariffs announcement has found that over a third (37%) of business leaders expect to be impacted by the tariffs and of those, over two-thirds (70%) expect their profits to decrease as a result. In response to the tariffs, 35% of members will…

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The IoD Directors’ Economic Confidence Index, which measures business leader optimism in prospects for the UK economy, rose slightly to -58 in March 2025 from -64 in February. Business leader confidence in their own organisations also rose slightly to +5, from +2 in February. The IoD Directors’ Economic Confidence Index, which measures business leader optimism…

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Responding to the Spring Statement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Anna Leach, the Chief Economist at the Institute of Directors, said: “The Chancellor has rightly responded to a fiscal rules ‘miss’ by taking proportionate action to reduce the deficit and re-build fiscal headroom. This was necessary to ensure market confidence and stability. But the balance of…

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Commenting on this morning’s release of ONS labour market data, Alex Hall-Chen, Principal Policy Advisor for Employment at the Institute of Directors, said: “Despite a small increase in payrolled employees, the continued decline in job vacancies and increase in the unemployment rate reflect weak business hiring intentions as a result of the Government’s employment reforms. “Our…

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Commenting on ONS data that shows GDP fell by 0.1% in January 2025, following growth of 0.4% in December, Anna Leach, Chief Economist at the Institute of Directors, said: “January’s growth disappointment was driven by a broad-based decline in manufacturing. The ONS highlight weakness in the manufacture of motor vehicles, who are facing profound trade uncertainty on…

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Aldgate Ward Club New President Elected: Vanessa Dal Busco. Alderwoman Dame Susan Langley was the guest of honour. David Stringer-Lamarre, MD, Fortis Consulting London, was pleased to attend. He said “Many congratulations to Vanessa and all other officers elected during the Installation Dinner within the Guildhall, City of London. Also congratulations to Immediate Past President…

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Melanie Hampton – many congratulations upon election as Chair, The Construction Liveries Group from the team at Fortis Consulting London! Melanie is Immediate Past Master, The Worshipful Company of Paviors. The Construction Liveries Group (CLG); ‘We’re here to promote the art, craft and science of construction, and to support the professional and personal development of…

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The IoD Directors’ Economic Confidence Index, which measures business leader optimism in prospects for the UK economy, dropped back to -64 in February 2025, from -59 in January. Business confidence remains at historically depressed levels, just above the recent nadir of -65 in November 2024 and close to the lows reached during Covid. Business leader…

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‘Breaking Barriers: Female Entrepreneurs Innovating for the Future’ – Bayes Business School. David Stringer-Lamarre, MD, Fortis Consulting London, was pleased to attend. He said “It was a very engaging and interesting panel, competently moderated by Zoe (Yiting) Lu. “The welcome address was delivered by Professor Andre Spicer, Dean, Bayes Business School. The panel was comprised…

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‘Where Design Meets Digital Performance’ – Hungarian British Business Alliance business presentations and networking event, City of London. David Stringer-Lamarre, MD, Fortis Consulting London, was please to attend. He said “What a splendid evening, well done to all involved! There were a range of informative presentations from several companies, including interior design, company performance improvement…

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Commenting on this morning’s release of ONS labour market data, Alex Hall-Chen, Principal Policy Advisor for Employment at the Institute of Directors, said: “Despite a small increase in payrolled employees, the continued decline in job vacancies points to low business confidence in hiring new staff. “The cumulative impact of recent employment reforms, coupled with upcoming increases…

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