Rishi Sunak joined a live question and answer session with several UK businesses. (file)
London:
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Monday joined a live question and answer session with a number of UK businesses as part of a new Business Connect program which he says will boost his economic growth priority and boost the country’s economy. will optimize conditions for businesses to flourish.
Over 200 of the UK’s highest-profile CEOs and business leaders representing key growth sectors including technology, life sciences and advanced manufacturing gathered in London for the first Business Connect event to hear directly from Rishi Sunak.
Downing Street released the latest figures to show that 1,800 jobs have been created a month from October 2022 – the month Rishi Sunak took office in the wake of a disastrous mini-budget that resulted in predecessor Liz Truss being replaced as prime minister. was removed as
“Since taking office, I have spoken to more than 1,000 business people – because they are the innovators and change makers at the heart of our economy, supporting jobs, attracting investment and driving growth,” Sunak said. speeds up.”
“Business Connect provides the next great opportunity to showcase how we are growing the economy. We are bringing together some of the UK’s biggest companies and investors for meaningful dialogue – and I look forward to unlocking opportunity and progress I am a prime minister passionate about working with business to do that,” he said.
The British-Indian leader said the UK should be proud of its business credentials and pointed to the creation of 162 tech unicorns, smart regulation and world-leading universities as the “right ingredients” to double down on the growing economy.
As well, Mr Sunak also unveiled GBP 100 million in initial start-up funding for a new task force responsible for accelerating the UK’s capability in a rapidly emerging type of artificial intelligence (AI). The Foundation Model Taskforce, building on the success of the COVID-19 Vaccine Taskforce, will develop the safe and reliable use of AI in the economy and ensure the UK is globally competitive in this strategic technology.
“Using the potential of AI offers enormous opportunities to grow our economy, create better-paying jobs, and build a better future through advances in health care and safety. Through our new expert workforce, emerging By investing in the technologies, we can continue to lead the way in developing secure and trusted AI as part of shaping a more innovative UK economy,” Mr Sunak said.
As part of long-term plans to build a more innovative UK economy, the UK government added a new “innovation” category to the Great British Entrepreneur Awards hosted by UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in Downing Street on Monday evening. The new award will recognize bright and innovative ideas that deliver new products and services and can drive our economy forward.
“It is absolutely critical that we are listening to industry leaders, innovators and disruptors – and working with them, as we continue to deliver on our priority to grow the economy,” Mr Hunt said.
The government also referred to plans for new trade deals including the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) being negotiated with India as part of this economic development strategy.
“By securing high-quality trade deals, removing barriers to market access around the world and reducing unnecessary red tape, I will ensure the UK remains one of the best places in the world to start and grow a business,” he said. Be one of them.” Trade Secretary Cammy Badenoch.
A number of British businesses have expressed their support for the government’s Business Connect initiative, which has been designed as a platform for businesses to discuss UK growth plans and the role of technology.
The CS said, “The UK remains a leading financial center that lies at the heart of global capital markets, and Barclays continues to support the UK Government’s ambitious plans for prosperity and economic growth for people and businesses in the UK and beyond ” Venkatakrishnan, chief executive of Barclays’ Indian American group.
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