The new President of British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), Andy Haldane, says the UK must shift from strategies to action, with policymakers backing businesses to deliver growth.
His comments come as he takes up his role today (2 Feb) after being elected at the BCC’s Annual General Meeting in October. He succeeds Baroness Martha Lane-Fox, who will continue working with the Chamber network in an ambassadorial role.
As President, Andy will work alongside Director General, Shevaun Haviland, to represent the interests of businesses, of all sizes, in all sectors, all over the country at a critical time for the UK economy.
Andy is a former Chief Economist at the Bank of England and former Chief Executive of the Royal Society for Arts. He was a member of the BoE’s Monetary Policy Committee, and Permanent Secretary for Levelling Up at the Cabinet Office. He is a previous Chair of the Government’s Industrial Strategy Council and the Levelling Up Advisory Council.
His first major engagement in the new role will be speaking at the BCC’s Driving International Trade Conference in Central London on Thursday 26 March.
The BCC’s latest economic survey shows less than half of responding firms (46%) are expecting to increased turnover in the next 12 months. Over half of firms (52%) are expecting to raise their prices in the next three months.
New BCC President Andy Haldane said:
“The UK’s economic warning lights continue to flash, and business confidence remains low.
“2026 must be the year of delivering growth. The British Chambers of Commerce will be a powerful agent of that change, and I’m delighted to be joining the team.
“Growth won’t come from slogans, it will come from backing businesses to get on and grow.
“The UK doesn’t have a shortage of ideas and ambition; it has a shortage of delivery. Chambers of Commerce are where ambition meets reality.
“If we’re serious about boosting productivity, investment and trade – we need fewer strategies and more spades in the ground, more deals done, and more businesses scaling in every part of the country.”
BCC Director General Shevaun Haviland said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Andy as President of the British Chambers of Commerce. He shares my belief that 2026 must be the year of delivering growth.
“He brings a rare combination of deep economic expertise and a genuine love for listening to businesses on the ground.
“Andy understands the power of our Chamber network to turn insight into action.
“At such an important time for the economy, I’m really looking forward to working closely with him to champion firms, support growth, and drive positive change across the UK.”