A Report on the “Voices of British Business” Good Practices For Better Collaborative Working was today launched at the Trade Association Forum’s Best Practice Exchange in London.  The purpose of the project is to define what is best practice in the relationship and structure of the interface between Government and Trade Associations.

The Report identifies four key recommendations and these will be developed by establishing a pilot scheme, which focuses on a particular sector that crosses several Government Departments.  This will demonstrate good practice in action, and act as a model for successful engagement between Trade Associations and Government.

Ian Lucas, Minister for Business and Regulatory Reform, welcomed today’s announcement.  He said: “It is important that BIS positions itself as a strong voice for business at the heart of Government, and we will need to change not just what we do, but how we do it.

“The way Government sees its own role in the market needs to change in order to deliver a more coherent and effective approach. Government can promote investment, growth and jobs in Britain through policy consistency across departments, regulatory certainty, smart public procurement and a readiness to intervene where necessary.

“This involves Government acting creatively and pragmatically in new ways to supplement the market, but not substitute itself for the market. We have published our “Building Britain’s Future – New Industry, New Jobs” policy statement which identifies key areas where Government action can have the most impact. 

“We are investing in growth to speed recovery and building manufacturing capability and services, which is essential to ensure British people and businesses can compete successfully for the jobs of the future”.

The ‘VOBB’ Project offers enormous potential for Trade Associations to represent their members in an effectively coordinated fashion when interacting with Government, and quickly cascading messages about Government policy. 

“By building on the solid partnership that already exists between BIS and the Trade Association Forum, it is intended that the Project can be the catalyst for much improved methods of better collaborative working that helps boost the value of communication between businesses and Government.”