UK business leaders tasked with building a “vibrant economy”

Grant Thornton UK LLP has announced the launch of the Vibrant Economy Commission: a body of leading UK business figures that will explore opportunities and strategies for building a more “vibrant economy”.

Members of the commission include CEO of Brompton Bicycle Will Butler-Adams, Ella’s Kitchen founder Paul Lindley and the managing director of Silicon Valley Bank Gerald Brady.

Through a series of nationwide inquiries, the commission will explore the challenges facing UK business, cities, people and communities, discussing how they can be tackled and how growth can be more equally shared to boost the UK economy.

Members will discuss everything from the role businesses can play in healing societal divisions and addressing social and economic problems, to the importance of transparent communication between businesses, customers and employees.

The Vibrant Economy Commission also includes director of Cisco Africa Tunji Akintokun, Claire Braithwaite of The Co-operative Group and Nida Broughton, chief economist at the Social Market Foundation.

The commission members have also signed an open letter calling on others in the business and public sector to join forces with community representatives to create a more vibrant economy.

Sacha Romanovitch, CEO of Grant Thornton UK LLP, said: “As a firm we’ve set a bold strategic agenda anchored in our purpose of helping to shape a vibrant economy, grounded in the belief that great businesses work holistically to contribute to the system on which their sustainable growth depends.

“[…] I’m delighted to be able to announce the launch of our Vibrant Economy Commission made up of external people, to oversee this work and to ensure the insights create lasting value for the UK economy.”

Butler-Adams added: “I’m confident that this commission will play a key role in stimulating ideas and activity that will help create a more vibrant economy – one that realises the shared potential of the UK. One in which growth is more sustainable, prosperity more widely shared, and people and communities are better able to realise their potential.”