Industry Reacts: Lucy Powell and education reform
The Burnham administration has unveiled an ambitious new vision for Britain’s school system. Mace asks leaders across the education sector for their verdict.
Category Archives: Trade Associations
Rising costs and uncertainty continue to weigh on UK chemical supply chain
Industry leaders say the UK chemical supply chain has “enormous potential” but is suffering due to business costs, trade conditions and uncertainty.
Industry leaders signal a ‘momentous day for social care’
The leading association for not-for-profit care has called the Prime Minister’s announcement ‘a seminal moment’
Industry reacts: Burnham cuts business rates for pubs, clubs and music venues in England by 20%
Mace investigates what industry leaders really think about this new measure.
Travel industry leaders plan to step up lobbying efforts under Burnham government
The leading travel association has set out an engagement program with MPs, civil servants, advisors and government bodies.
Industry Reacts: Small Tech and the social media ban
“If the ban is pitched ever so slightly wrong, then companies which have nothing to do with social media are going to get caught in it,” experts warn.
Industry Reacts: Burnham’s ambitious housebuilding plans
Andy Burnham has promised the ‘biggest rebalancing of power our country has ever seen’. The Mace investigates what industry insiders think of his vision.
Is the pub economy coming home for the World Cup?
As England prepares for next Wednesday’s World Cup opener, The Mace explores how the tournament could boost the pub economy.
Divisive debate erupts over potential workers’ rights overhaul
A new workers’ rights consultation could spell the end of ‘exploitative’ zero-hours contracts, but critics warn the move could further damage the shrinking labour market.
Shipping latest: Dual-fuel fleets continue rapid expansion
Latest data released by the shipping industry reveals duel-fuel vessels are taking over the market.
Two pubs close every day: Voters blame the government
Widespread pub closures comes as troubling news for football fans who want a local venue to watch the World Cup this summer.
Robert Jenrick joins UK tourism trade bodies in hitting out at Holiday Tax
Robert Jenrick, Reform’s Shadow Chancellor, used the Bank Holiday to make clear that his party would not be introducing a tourism tax.
The Silent Engine: Why we must stop kicking the Civil Service and learn to love our Civil Servants
As the Charity for Civil Servants marks its 140th anniversary, Neil Woollard argues that the officials who keep Britain functioning are too often caricatured, underpaid and overlooked — even as their work becomes central to national resilience.
The real lesson of the Iran war energy crisis – learn from the last one.
As war in Iran shocks global oil prices, trade bodies argue that the UK should recognise the importance of renewable energy sources – and begin investing in them.
Report warns that 430,000 homes could become ‘climate mortgage prisoners’ by 2050
Properties which are susceptible to floods could become unsellable, unless the government changes course, warns UKSIF
Industry warns UK faces rising import dependence without fresh North Sea investment
Year on year, the UK becomes more dependent on liquefied natural gas, but North Sea investment could change this, OEUK argues.
Leader in UK Public Affairs: Alastair McCapra, Chief Executive of CIPR
As Chief Executive of CIPR, Alastair McCapra is both a public affairs industry leader and also one of its more persistent critics. In his Mace profile, subjects range from lobby reform to Bismarck and his French bulldog.
Leading UK trade association warns of rising energy prices
As the war in Iran continues, Energy UK warns that bills will continue to rise.
Care bosses hit out as Covid inquiry finds NHS ‘coped but only just.’
Following a report from the UK Covid Inquiry, care providers have expressed their anger over the government’s mismanagement of the pandemic.
Leader in Public Affairs: Ben Spier, Association of Professional Self-Caterers
With English Tourism week running until 23rd March, Ben Spier speaks out about the new tourist levy and the impact of increasing taxation and regulation on tourism.
Energy bodies warn of major disruptions from Iran War
The International Energy Agency, amongst other organisations, have warned of the knock-on effects of the conflict in the Middle East.
‘Drill, baby, drill’ is not a long-term strategy, bodies warn.
Whilst oil and gas may seem like seductive choices, the government must look beyond the soundbites, warns Pablo John.
Logistics body sends an important reminder to the government
Despite the importance that logistics and supply chains carry in Britain’s economy, the government routinely ignores the significance of the sector, argues Edwin Morgan
Maritime trade bodies warn of citizens being caught in Iranian crossfire
As the Iranian conflict continues, maritime trade bodies have warned of the significant loss of human life thus far.
Trade bodies warn of “market distortion” in wake of Reform’s Sovereign Wealth plan
As Reform’s ‘Shadow Cabinet’ begins to develop, Richard Tice sets out the party’s policy on a British sovereign wealth fund plan.
Corporate Affairs Awards 2026 shortlist revealed — spotlight on public affairs newcomers
The shortlist for the 2026 Corporate Affairs Awards has been unveiled.
Trade body describes the Government’s new electric HGV plan as a ‘monumental challenge’
With only 1 in 70 new HGV’s being electric, the government must assist with infrastructure investment says industry leader
Trade bodies criticise Blair’s support of North Sea drilling
The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change has published a paper, recommending the expansion of drilling operations in the North Sea. The move challenges the government’s position of a “crackdown” in the North Sea.
Leading energy trade body calls for permanent tax regime
The Offshore Energies UK (OEUK, the leading trade association for the UK’s offshore energy industry association has issued an open letter to the government calling for a permanent tax regime to be implemented by 2026 to prevent further “deterioration” of the offshore energy sector.
Trade bodies press ministers to toughen procurement reforms on standards
Trade bodies and unions in the UK construction and engineering sectors have called on ministers to revise the government’s latest procurement reforms to strengthen standards and address what they describe as a persistent low price culture in public contracts.
Welsh business groups say 15 per cent rates relief falls short
The Welsh Government’s announcement of a 15 per cent business rates discount for pubs, restaurants, cafés and live music venues in Wales has prompted immediate reactions from the hospitality sector and business groups, who say the measure does not go far enough to protect struggling firms ahead of the 2026 to 27 financial year.
UK Chamber of Shipping appoints former SEC Newgate manager to public affairs role
The UK Chamber of Shipping has hired former SEC Newgate accounts manager Harry Brown as public affairs manager to strengthen its engagement with government and policymakers.
Great British Energy names permanent chief executive as state owned power body scales up
Great British Energy appoints Dan McGrail as permanent chief executive as the publicly owned company moves from launch to delivery
Oil’s Climb Tightens the Noose on Energy-Importers
Oil prices rose after stock drawdowns at U.S. hubs and a cautious OPEC+ output increase. The gains add inflationary pressure and squeeze fiscal policy in nations reliant on energy imports. The broader crude build in U.S. stocks clouds the outlook but short-term stress is mounting.
Workers’ rights bill becomes frontline as Rayner resignation sparks union–business confrontation
Labour’s Employment Rights Bill is under pressure after Angela Rayner’s exit. Unions accuse Starmer of weakening core pledges like fire and rehire and day-one rights.
AI Industry Expands Political Footprint Amid Legal Storm
The AI sector has escalated political spending through lobbying and a new Pro‑AI Super PAC as elections near. Firms face legal pressures, including a wrongful death case and industry lawsuits. Regulatory fragmentation across states adds complexity. Surging investment in AI start‑ups continues despite economic concerns and mounting scrutiny.
Norway Climbs Further on Oil and Gas
Norway is ramping up investment in oil and gas even amid green energy expansion. Output continues to exceed expectations, with new licensing rounds and record field development. Political parties differ on the strategy, but the petroleum sector remains central to the economy and Europe’s energy supply.
Driving the Net-Zero Agenda
Pieter Cleppe reveals how Brussels lobbyists are behind the EU’s latest ‘Green Deal’
Business‑backed think tanks are emeding themselves in UK politics
Business‑backed think tanks are rapidly increasing their influence on UK policy through private donor funding, campaign papers and advisory roles. They impact areas from net zero infrastructure to trade. Concerns are growing over transparency and democratic accountability prompting calls for stricter funding disclosure rules.
FTSE 100 closes near record high amid mining gains and weak pound
The FTSE 100 ended Tuesday at 8,254.18, narrowly missing its all-time closing high. Mining stocks and a weaker pound lifted the index, while cautious investor sentiment and upcoming macroeconomic events capped further gains. Global rate expectations, UK labour data, and European political developments all contributed to a watchful trading environment.
OECD Cuts Global Growth Forecast as Trade Tensions Rise
The OECD has lowered its global GDP forecast to 2.9% for both 2025 and 2026, citing U.S. tariffs and weakening investment. Growth estimates for the U.S., UK, and China were revised downward, while inflation remains high. India remains strong, but global trade and fiscal flexibility remain under pressure.
What’s going on in the luxury car sector?
Luca Delfino tells Mace how Maserati is leading the way in design innovation