With the UK general election just months away, businesses across the country are preparing for any changes that a new government might bring.
The election’s outcome could change a lot of policies, which may affect how businesses operate. In order to be prepared, companies are working hard to keep informed on the latest policy changes.
Here, we ask the experts how they think businesses should prepare ahead of the election, in order to safeguard them and allow them to make the most of opportunities in this new political landscape.
Our Experts
- Claire Agutter, Director at Scopism
- Simon Harris, CEO at Avrenim
- Rebecca Armstrong, Managing Director at Making Energy Greener
- James Tate, UK VP at Sonder
- Jen Fenner, Co-Founder and Managing Director at DefProc
- Zain Ali, Co-Founder and CEO at Centuro Global
- Michaela Gartside, Director – HR Dept Bracknell, Windsor and Heathrow
- Nathan Bridson, Director & Founder at Ball Management
- Owen Thompson, CEO and Co-Founder at Cambridge Future Tech
- Philip Brennan, Founder and MD at BusinessComparison
- Kyle Eaton, Business Bank Acounts Expert at money.co.uk
- James McLaughlin, UK VP at WithYouWithMe
- Matthew Stone, Chairman at Renovare Fuels
For any questions, comments or features, please contact us directly.
Claire Agutter, Director at Scopism
“Today’s landscape of political uncertainty can often cause businesses to pause projects, which stalls progress and innovation. Yet, those willing to progress usually have an advantage if they can utilise tools to stabilise and continue growth. By adopting service integration and management (SIAM) principles, companies can navigate choppy waters with resilience and agility, ensuring they not only survive but thrive in uncertain times.
“Stagnation poses a significant risk in politically uncertain environments, which can hinder adaptability and competitiveness. However, SIAM provides a comprehensive framework for businesses to effectively manage services, optimise resources, and swiftly respond to political shifts. From finance to healthcare, industries across the board have reaped the rewards of SIAM implementation, which brings clarity to a complex supply environment.
“SIAM allows you to focus on end-to-end value and identify all of the service providers that support that value. SIAM helps your service providers understand where they fit into the big picture and how they contribute to business outcomes, enjoying streamlined processes and enhanced performance.
“To excel in the face of political uncertainty, businesses must foster a culture of continual improvement and invest in SIAM methodologies. Partnering with seasoned experts like Scopism can further bolster this journey, offering invaluable guidance in SIAM implementation and service optimisation. Embracing SIAM not only shields businesses from uncertainty but also fortifies them to emerge stronger and more resilient in the ever-changing landscape of politics and commerce.”
Simon Harris, CEO at Avrenim
“The upcoming general election is a critical movement in shaping the country’s future. Decarbonising the NHS estate and investing in renewable energy sources for large infrastructure will be central topics that will dominate the national debate over the next 6 weeks. For the facilities management sector, which makes up 3% of GDP, this period could be monumental.
“Political parties will now debate whether prioritising sustainability can be a winning strategy. I believe it can be. I think that the FM sector can significantly benefit the broader economy, especially as the incoming government is expected to prioritise the construction of new hospitals and large estates, while also investing in the upkeep of older buildings.”
Rebecca Armstrong, Managing Director at Making Energy Greener
“During the general election, I am eager to see increased time and focus given to the green economy. I hope for more substantial support for households and SMEs to increase their energy efficiency, reduce energy costs and lower their carbon emissions. Now is the time for change, and I anticipate significant progress, with a focus on the adoption of sustainable energy sources taking precedence in the national debate.
“From an industry perspective, we need strong, clear and decisive leadership to advance the green skills agenda, which is crucial for the future of our economy and the planet, so I hope both parties campaign on a manifesto that prioritises the future of the green economy, placing it at the forefront of the national debate.”
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James Tate, UK VP at Sonder
“When company leaders step into political territory, they risk alienating their people. When organisations take a stance they risk colleagues feeling isolated, excluded and, in extreme circumstances, vulnerable. Organisations therefore must tread carefully to avoid creating a potentially toxic culture.
“Organisations should focus on sustainable Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies. By championing initiatives that address wider issues without becoming entangled in politics, companies can lead from a foundation of integrity and purpose, taking the higher ground.
“By navigating wider politics sensitively and embracing responsible ESG practices, organisations can build environments where every voice is heard, and every perspective valued. This isn’t just about adherence to regulations; it’s about building trust, fostering collaboration, and driving meaningful change.”
Jen Fenner, Co-Founder and Managing Director at DefProc
“The upcoming General Election will test the potential incoming government. Industry faces a significant skills gap that cannot be solved quickly. The existing Skilled Worker visa requirement, which mandates a minimum salary of £38,700, makes it challenging for businesses to hire suitable candidates. I’m hoping that a party will address this issue, which remains a significant concern for industry leaders.
“Additionally, there are reservations about Labour’s Great British Energy initiative. The private sector has already invested heavily in green energy, including alternatives like hydrogen. It is not clear how this new initiative will fit with ongoing efforts. With carbon-neutral targets set for 2030, starting a new large-scale project like GB Energy will likely slow down current progress. The incoming government should focus on accelerating existing renewable energy projects to meet these targets, as the UK has been lagging behind Europe due to delays by the current government.”
Zain Ali, Co-Founder and CEO at Centuro Global
“Rishi Sunak’s surprise calling of a summer general election has created the potential that a new raft of employment regulations will become law much sooner than anyone expected. If Labour’s New Deal for Working People is adopted, anyone hiring in the UK will be subject to sweeping new rules like ‘the right to switch off’ and work autonomously. This would be most complex for foreign companies based in different time zones who hire remote UK employees. We won’t know exactly what the Conservatives are proposing in this area until their manifesto release. Still, we do not expect such wide-ranging reforms if Sunak retains power.”
For any questions, comments or features, please contact us directly.
Michaela Gartside, Director – HR Dept Bracknell, Windsor and Heathrow
“The first consideration for any business should be about the campaign period, as interest and debate on the outcome increases, so too can tensions in the workplace. Being clear that your workplace is a “politics free” zone can avoid workplace disputes when employees have differing opinions. It is also important to reinforce the importance of keeping focused on the current tasks required by the business and their customers, no business can afford a period of stagnation waiting for the election outcome.
“Then there is the anticipation of what might change post election. Keeping appraised of the manifestos is important but avoiding knee jerk reactions to “headline grabbing” stories will be important. Whilst there may be some short term legislation changes following an election it is critical that you don’t try and anticipate them all, making significant changes and causing disruption only to find later that you have misunderstood the proposal and/or it never actually happens.
“Maintaining good working practices and communication with staff will help your business manage the changes that may or may not be required post election and for the term of the next government.
“On election day, make sure that you accommodate staff requests to adjust hours or work location to facilitate voting, if their current schedule will make this difficult.”
Nathan Bridson, Director & Founder at Ball Management
“Of course UK Businesses need to put in place a contingency plan for the General Election 2024, with the Election coming it means there will be political uncertainty which means Businesses cannot plan or strategise long term as we have to wait for the outcome. UK Businesses should plan for a potential change in Taxation as a different party if they get in would want to implement new policies! At Ball Management LTD we deal with creators all over the world so we have to take into account a new government could have tighter regulations on products coming into the country which for overseas trade could cause issues and could be a loss of income for the business if this were to happen.
“There is also the fear of losing Tiktok and it being sold due to security threats, the new government could follow suit with the USA and fully support the banning of Tiktok in the UK which would have a huge impact on our business and we would need to pivot to other social platforms to continue a stream of revenue.”
Owen Thompson, CEO and Co-Founder, Cambridge Future Tech
“As the General Election approaches, business leaders, particularly in the tech sector, should strategically prepare for potential policy shifts. A priority is to advocate for the British Business Bank (BBB) to receive increased government capital, enabling more frequent Limited Partner (LP) commitments to UK venture capitalists (VCs) and reducing the LP application process to six months from the current 18. The BBB could further support foreign VCs establishing a European Fund base in the UK, fostering a dynamic investment landscape.
“Pushing forward with the Edinburgh and Mansion House Reforms is also crucial. These reforms aim to establish a national wealth fund, allowing for more direct government investments into UK startups.
“A coherent and detailed national industrial strategy is essential. Instead of juggling multiple objectives, prioritising the goal of becoming a ‘science and technology superpower’ will better support this strategy. Appointing a Senior Civil Servant to lead venture activities and aligning all governmental grants with this goal will bring necessary focus. Additionally, linking foreign LP capital pursuit to UK strategic foreign policy and creating a more practical deep tech strategy will ensure long-term success. Finally, fostering regional government venture specialists and standardising University Technology Transfer Offices’ operations around equity will further bolster the tech ecosystem.”
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Philip Brennan, Founder and MD at BusinessComparison
“Small businesses who don’t have continual financial advice might be wise to seek out an advisor in the run up to the election. Tax changes are likely whichever way it goes, with Labour potentially either raising tax or offering tax incentives, and the Conservatives likely to attempt to refresh their relationship with businesses by making changes in this area too. The best way to get ahead of this might be to talk to a professional and get a solid understanding of the impact of these possibilities.
“As business leaders, we all need to be aware of employment law – there are currently several laws at various stages of the process of going through, which if the government changes, may or may not be picked up. There are also laws that Labour plan to introduce, which may include new statutory sick pay rules and a review of shared parental leave. Stay on top of employment law so that you can be confident that your company is operating in compliance with all current legislation.
“No doubt both parties will be aiming to increase economic growth – inflation is still rising (although slower than before), and consumers and businesses alike are struggling with high costs.”
Kyle Eaton, Business Bank Acounts Expert at money.co.uk
“While different parties are promising a range of measures to UK businesses, there are some common themes. These include building skills for the labour market, maximising opportunities for investment and championing SMEs to grow the business landscape and create better-paid jobs and opportunities across the country. In order to make the most of any new policies, businesses should be proactive in readying themselves to qualify or be prepared to capitalise on any relevant support measures.
“For example, business leaders hoping to benefit from policies supporting the training and recruitment of skilled staff should review their hiring and training procedures. Ensuring you have the right processes and support in place is crucial to the successful recruitment and development of new apprentices and employees.
“For any opportunities related to investment or other business support, SMEs will likely need to demonstrate their financial situation and needs, so it’d be wise for business leaders to review and ensure their finances are all in order in their business bank account. It’s also a good idea to check over any other relevant financial records that might be required to access the support or attract investment.
“By forward-planning, SMEs can be prepared to maximise the benefit of any new support introduced following the general election and lead the charge towards growth in the UK business landscape.”
James McLaughlin, UK VP at WithYouWithMe
“With an election looming comes the opportunity to reflect on the direction of policy development. Regardless of the outcome, the next UK government must prioritise delivering on digital skills. However, with so much uncertainty moving forward, businesses must take the initiative on upskilling their workforces to prepare ahead of the election.
“With demand for tech talent outstripping supply, the UK is suffering from a digital skills gap. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, those lacking digital literacy are being left behind. This carries major implications for individuals and businesses, which encounter problems with attracting talent, driving innovation, and remaining competitive.
“For companies seeking to future-proof their workforces, investing in digital upskilling initiatives is imperative. By leveraging AI and machine learning to conduct skills-mapping, businesses can analyse current capabilities and identify gaps requiring development. This will ensure upskilling programmes are targeted to meet future needs. Digital competencies likely to be covered include coding, data analytics, and cybersecurity awareness. Opportunities should be widely accessible, with an emphasis on inclusion for underrepresented groups such as neurodivergent individuals and veterans.
“Adapting our increasingly digital world has become non-negotiable. By acting now, companies can avoid falling irreparably behind more proactive competitors.”
Matthew Stone, Chairman at Renovare Fuels
“With the main parties shortly revealing their manifestos and a likely of a change of government within weeks, organisations will be keen to learn what a new administration means for them.
“In what will be an intense few weeks, with both main parties reluctant to commit to high spend policies, aligning yourself where possible to broader policy ambitions will give you the room to complement and influence existing aspirations, whether it be on boosting the nation’s digital skills capacity or investment in renewables.
“Demonstrating the role your business plays in your sector and communicating your purpose also helps to contextualise your goals. Indeed, green technology innovators such as Renovare Fuels have benefitted from targeted support from governments of all colours, enabling huge steps to be taken in the UK’s journey to net zero.
“Keeping an open mind and remaining agile in the months ahead is vital too, and is no doubt something we have got used to in recent years. With such a big political shift likely to take place, continued collaboration between industry and policymakers will be needed, with the post-election period providing an important chance to drill down into the real detail of the government’s plans.”
For any questions, comments or features, please contact us directly.
