The Conservative Party has launched the next phase of its Policy Renewal Programme, with a renewed focus on business.
Speaking today, Andrew Griffith MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade, unveiled plans for what he calls the biggest review and engagement process with British businesses in a generation.
Drawing on his background as a former FTSE100 CFO, Griffith announced a bold initiative to put frontline experience from across the private sector at the heart of policymaking. The strategy will focus on the practical realities facing businesses today — from global corporations to SMEs — rather than relying on what he described as the “Whitehall knows best” approach.
“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 reams of red tape,” Griffith said.
The new Conservative business strategy will be shaped by direct input from business leaders, entrepreneurs, and small business owners, with Griffith continuing a nationwide listening tour. The policy drive will form a centrepiece of the party’s offering to business at the next general election.
Griffith says the party is committed to low taxes, lighter-touch regulation, and policies that enable the UK’s entrepreneurs to thrive. The initiative aims to identify barriers holding back business growth and unlock new opportunities to boost “UK PLC”.
“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.”
The Conservatives are encouraging business voices from all sectors to contribute via policy.conservatives.com, where stakeholders can submit ideas and insights to inform the next phase of party policy.
The business agenda is just one element of a broader Conservative policy overhaul, as the party prepares to take on Labour at the next general election.
Griffith says the strategy is not just about correcting course, but “rebuilding a pro-growth, pro-enterprise vision” that supports job creation, drives innovation, and restores confidence among Britain’s business community.
With the Conservatives pitching themselves once again as the party of enterprise, their message is clear: the door is open, and business is invited back in.