Ex-Bank economist Andy Haldane to lead British Chambers of Commerce

"Haldane, one of Britain's most influential economic thinkers, served on the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) for more than six years. Known for his unconventional and forward-looking analysis, he famously warned of the "tiger" of inflation in the aftermath of the pandemic - a caution that proved prescient when prices later surged and central banks scrambled to tighten policy. Since leaving the Bank, Haldane has remained a key voice in economic policy."

"His new role at the BCC places him at the heart of the UK's business community at a critical moment. Companies are grappling with slowing growth, geopolitical uncertainty, and the prospect of higher taxes ahead of the government's November budget. Many sectors are also facing labour shortages, fragile consumer demand, and tighter financing conditions, as interest rates remain elevated. Haldane said his appointment came at a pivotal time for British enterprise: "The Chambers have been celebrating and supporting the brilliance of British business for many decades," he said."

Andy Haldane has been appointed president of the British Chambers of Commerce, succeeding Baroness Martha Lane-Fox in February. Haldane served on the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee and warned early about post-pandemic inflation. He joined Jeremy Hunt's Economic Advisory Council in 2022 and leads the Royal Society of Arts, focusing on regional inequality, productivity, and the future of work. The BCC represents tens of thousands of firms through local chambers and acts as a pragmatic business voice in Westminster. Businesses face slowing growth, geopolitical risks, labour shortages, fragile demand, tighter financing, and the prospect of higher taxes ahead of the November budget.

Read at Business Matters