CBI chief to deliver keynote speech to Island business

The leader of the UK's most powerful business organisation the CBI is to give a keynote speech in the Island tonight (9 July).

Director General John Cridland will deliver the Chief Minister's International Lecture to an audience of local business leaders and politicians at the Mount Murray Hotel in Santon.

Mr Cridland's regarded as the voice of British business - he represents the sector with the UK government and is widely quoted in the media.

John Cridland CBE follows in the footsteps of recent high-profile figures to give the annual lecture, including last year's speaker Scotland first Minister Alex Salmond.

Mr Cridland was invited to the Island by Allan Bell when the pair met at last year's Tory party conference.

It's understood the CBI chief has been supportive of the Island's contribution to the global economy and is keen to find out more about the Manx economy.

John Cridland has recently made clear his view that Britain's economic success depends on it remaining a full member of the EU, in order to boost British jobs, growth and investment.

That warning was issued last month after it emerged more than 150 Conservative MPs would campaign for an exit from the union in a referendum - and Prime Minister David Cameron admitted he faced an uphill battle to convince the public to stay inside the EU. 

On another sensitive issue the Confederation of British Industry has controversially declared its opposition to Scottish independence, a move which has alienated some of its members.

The chief minister's International Lecture was conceived to raise awareness of the Island's unique identity further afield, and to help those living here to better understand the global environment in which the Island must operate.