The Conservative Party has unveiled the latest phase of its Policy Renewal Programme, placing a strong emphasis on revitalising ties with British businesses. Shadow Business and Trade Secretary Andrew Griffith MP announced what he described as “the biggest review and engagement process with British businesses in a generation.”
Speaking on Thursday, Griffith—drawing on his experience as a former FTSE100 Chief Financial Officer—outlined an ambitious strategy to place private sector insights at the core of Conservative policymaking. The initiative, he said, aims to move away from a “Whitehall knows best” model and towards a more pragmatic, business-led approach to shaping economic policy.
“Britain’s businesses have been hammered by a punishing Labour government, which has trash talked the economy, hiked taxes to record highs, and drowned businesses in red tape,” Griffith said. “We are determined to change that.”
The plan will be built on nationwide engagement with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and SMEs. Griffith has already begun a listening tour and promised to continue gathering views across industries. The feedback will be used to craft a new pro-business manifesto that the Conservatives intend to make a central plank of their campaign heading into the next general election.
The strategy reaffirms the party’s long-standing commitment to low taxes, lighter regulation, and fostering an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive. Griffith said the review will identify barriers to growth and propose solutions that unlock the UK’s economic potential.
“We will always back the wealth creators, the entrepreneurs, and the risk takers who power our economy,” he added. “I am bringing British business leaders into the heart of this policy renewal programme – and if you want to play your part, I want to hear from you.”
Businesses and stakeholders from across the UK are being invited to submit their views and policy suggestions through the party’s online platform, policy.conservatives.com. Griffith emphasised the importance of collaborative input, urging businesses of all sizes and sectors to contribute ideas to shape a “pro-growth, pro-enterprise” agenda.
This business outreach forms part of a broader policy reboot for the Conservatives, as they seek to sharpen their offering ahead of a likely showdown with Labour at the ballot box. Griffith insists the goal is not only to correct past missteps but to restore confidence and ambition within the UK’s business community.
Framing the party as once again the natural home for enterprise, the Conservatives are making a clear appeal to the private sector: the door is open, and business is being invited back into the policymaking fold.
