May
19
Hearing the British Chamber of Commerce on 5Live this morning reminded me that employers organisations don’t represent my views. Listening to David Miliband last night enthused me with the need to contribute to the renewal of the Labour party. So how’s this idea: a association of entrepreneurs, supportive of Labour values, poorly represented by the big beasts of the CBI, IOD and BCC, and keen to ensure that Labour hears from -and engages with – entrepreneurs who are risking everything to grow responsible businesses.
The association would be aligned with the Labour Party – a significant proportion of its income would be donated to the party (or maybe even candidates with a good business background?). It would seek to influence party policy and shadow spokespeople both through private events and by having a strong presence in the party.
Progressive Entrepreneurs would gain its legitimacy through public set-pieces such as research papers, polling, or proposals around the budget. It would be an alternative business voice to the status quo, showing that progressive businesses do support the minimum wage, recognising trade unions and offering flexible working opportunities. But it would also oppose initiatives which see Labour on the wrong side of entrepreneurs.
It should also be a good networking opportunity – though plenty of other organisations fill that gap. But the events must be fun and probably not too self-important.
I see no reason why it needs high overheads – and membership must be affordable. A broad base will guard against allegations of buying influence (as will transparency of its policy positions).
But it should be more policy oriented than the Thousand Club and have more legitimacy than Business for Labour.
Success for the organisation would have three elements: a Labour party with progressive policies which are neither unreasonable for workers or entrpreneurs; a public face for progressive businesses which didn’t just blindly attack regulation and criticise the public sector; an association of people some of whom would not have joined the Labour party but can make a constructive input to its future.
This idea is fresh and inevitably rough round the edges. But if you can help improve it, please comment below. And if you think it has legs, I’ll take it to the next stage.
Related posts: