It's time for political and business leaders to gather round the UK camp fire and strum to the same get Britain going tune. That's the view of respected technology business leader Stephen Kelly, CEO of FTSE 100 accountancy software firm Sage (SGE).
'The first priority for the new Cabinet has to be to cut out the sky is falling narrative,' Kelly says. 'We need balanced commentary from our leaders, with a clear vision for Britain making a positive contribution on the world stage.'
The UK now has a new Prime Minister, Chancellor, Foreign and Home Secretaries, and many other news faces in the Cabinet after the latest round of political musical chairs. The appointment of Greg Clark as Business and Energy Secretary, a role that could substantially influence over UK-quoted businesses, is one that may impact private investors more than most.
Bringing clarity is what Kelly thinks Clark and his colleagues should have way up the agenda.
'We need action to help eliminate uncertainty and create positive momentum in the economy,' the Sage CEO says. 'The Government has been clear that there will be no emergency Budget but our economy does need a plan, and it needs it now. Britain’s business mustn’t be left in limbo.'
Kelly has a long history in UK technology, most recently as chief operating officer of UK plc's IT department and the chief instigator behind a switch away from huge IT integrators and opening the doors to the swathe of smaller British suppliers to get in on the government contracts act.
'We need a plan to help turbo-charge growth,' says Kelly. 'This should be focused on investment in the regions and based around a clear strategy of supporting our small and medium-sized businesses and our major industries, from manufacturing to financial services and technology.'
