Burnham summons corporate titans to chart growth strategy

The guest list reflects the breadth of the Prime Minister’s economic focus, pairing banking heavyweights like Standard Chartered with energy majors Shell and BP. Alongside them, telecom leaders from BT and Vodafone will join the discussion on how regional policy shifts can unlock productivity.

This engagement follows reports of a strategic delay regarding the Shell-backed Jackdaw gas project, a decision now sidelined until after next month’s parliamentary by-election. Before the evening reception, Burnham will host a roundtable featuring entrepreneurs from fintech, AI, and advanced manufacturing sectors. These sessions serve as a precursor to the upcoming annual budget, where Finance Minister John Healey must navigate significant tax and spending pressures to deliver on the administration’s promise of economic renewal.