Business organisations have been quick to respond to the general election results. Anna Tobin investigates what they had to say

The  Confederation of British Industry 

Following the news of the general election results, Carolyn Fairbairn, the director general of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), urged the Government to speedily give business clarity on Brexit, she said: “Congratulations to Boris Johnson and the Conservative Party. After three years of gridlock, the Prime Minister has a clear mandate to govern. Businesses across the UK urge him to use it to rebuild confidence in our economy and break the cycle of uncertainty.

“Employers share the Prime Minister’s optimism for the UK and are ready to play a leading role. They can bring the innovation, investment and jobs for a new era of inclusive growth. The biggest issues of our times – from tackling climate change to reskilling the workforce for new technologies – can only be delivered through real partnership between Government and business.

“The starting point must be rebuilding business confidence, and early reassurance on Brexit will be vital. Firms will continue to do all they can to prepare for Brexit, but will want to know they won’t face another no deal cliff-edge next year. Pro-enterprise policies on immigration, infrastructure, innovation and skills, will help relaunch the UK on the world stage.

“Despite recent challenges, the UK remains a great place to start and build a business. A new contract between enterprise and Government can make the UK a global magnet for investment, powering higher productivity and living standards across the UK.”

Federation of Small Businesses

Mike Cherry, the national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), has his fingers crossed that the majority Government formed following the general election will bring the stability that SMEs crave. He said: “After more than three years of Brexit absorbing Government bandwidth, the Conservative Party has pledged to tackle the many domestic challenges that have been neglected during that time.

“In the coming days we will see a Queen’s Speech and steps towards leaving the EU next month. Amid this, small businesses the length and breadth of the UK will be looking to the new Government to achieve positive change for small firms in its first 100 days, not least with publication of a pro-business Budget in early February.

“The restoration of small business confidence and trust in politics rests on seeing the Conservatives’ pledges to us swiftly enshrined in a programme for Government. It’s now time to turn kind words on bread and butter issues facing the small business community into tangible action.

“This Government needs to deliver a business-friendly Brexit. That means one that protects the three t’s: trade, talent and a proper transition. The third of those is absolutely critical. We have to avoid a scenario where we suddenly crash out of the EU with no time for small firms to prepare for what’s coming next.”

“Restoring business, investor and consumer confidence – and firing up the economy – must now be the Prime Minister’s top priority.

“Campaign slogans must give way to a renewed focus on the details that matter. Our business communities need to see swift, decisive action to avoid a messy and disorderly exit from the EU and to tackle the barriers holding back investment and growth here in the UK.”

British Chambers of Commerce

Avoiding a no-Deal Brexit and restoring business confidence are among the demands that Dr Adam Marshall, the director general of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC),  is making of the new Government, following the general election. He said: “Restoring business, investor and consumer confidence – and firing up the economy – must now be the Prime Minister’s top priority.

“Campaign slogans must give way to a renewed focus on the details that matter. Our business communities need to see swift, decisive action to avoid a messy and disorderly exit from the EU and to tackle the barriers holding back investment and growth here in the UK.”