The IoD's Public Affairs work

The IoD Policy Unit generates a wide range of reports and research on business topics. In order to maximise our influence we need to ensure that this IoD viewpoint is communicated to the full range of policy-makers.

Policy Unit staff are in frequent contact with Ministers, Civil Servants, Special Advisers and government agencies to ensure that IoD members' views are represented accurately at all stages of the policy process.

Party Conference 2011

September and October saw the three major party conferences dominate the news agenda.

A Liberal Democrat leadership coup that never was, a Labour Party that launched an attack on 'predatory' businesses and a disagreement between Conservative Cabinet members over a 'cat' were just some of the stories trailed across the press.

While these stories rumbled on the IoD got down to the real work of representing you. Amongst other work, the IoD's Policy Unit organised a series þT™of private dinners; attended by parliamentarians and IoD members belonging to the Policy Voice research community.

At the Liberal Democrat dinner, discussions focussed on pensions policy with Steve Webb MP (Minister of State for Pensions) addressing the gathering. Angela Eagle MP (then Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury) discussed emerging economic policy with members at the Labour conference.

The IoD's Conservative Party Dinner coincided with IoD Director General, Simon Walker's first day in post. Focussing on business growth, a lively debate was had, ranging across the subjects of regulation, economic policy, the IoD's newly published report
"The Route Back to Growth" and the Chancellor's announcements earlier in the day on changes to Employment Tribunals.

Held in the Lowry Hotel, Manchester, the dinner was addressed by Mark Prisk (Minister of State for Business and Enterprise) and attended by nine Members of Parliament, two Peers, three Welsh Assembly Members, a Member of the European Parliament and a handful of local IoD members.

IoD engagement with Parliamentarians continues 'year round', but 2011's party conference season was without doubt a very successful one for the IoD.