The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has issued a "Roadmap for Growth" to incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham, calling on the new administration to abandon political drift and partner with industry to drive national economic renewal.

As Mr Burnham prepares to assume office, business leaders are pressing for a collaborative approach that replicates the "Manchesterism" model of economic development—previously championed by Mr Burnham during his tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester—on a national scale.

The CBI argues that the transition of power must not lead to a "summer of speculation." Instead, it urges the government to prioritise the delivery of long-term economic foundations, including an Industrial Strategy, infrastructure reform, and a reset of UK-EU trade relations.

Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Chief Executive, said: “We want Andy Burnham and his team to succeed. ‘Manchesterism’ provides a coherent theory of growth, and our members support the goal of good growth in every postcode. The challenge is execution."

The roadmap highlights significant headwinds currently stifling business dynamism, including high energy costs, rising employment expenses, and complex regulatory frameworks. According to the CBI, these pressures are directly impacting the capacity of firms to invest, innovate, and boost wages.

Ms Newton-Smith added: “The UK does not lack ambition. What business wants is delivery at a pace that matches the scale of the country’s economic challenge. We cannot afford a summer of speculation and drift."

The CBI’s proposal emphasises that the divide between the "cost of living" and the "cost of doing business" is a false dichotomy. By creating conditions that allow businesses to invest with confidence, the organisation argues the government can effectively lower economic inactivity and strengthen public finances.

The roadmap sets out three key pillars for the new government:

Stability: Maintaining fiscal credibility and protecting capital budgets.

Delivery: Accelerating infrastructure, grid connections, and planning reform.

Dynamism: Addressing skills gaps and reducing tax and regulatory complexity.