HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : World Class Management – The Key to Improving UK Productivity [July 1998]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 28 July 1998.

“Britain needs more world-class management.” This was the message from the fifth in the series of seminars aimed at boosting UK productivity hosted by the Chancellor, Gordon Brown, and the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Peter Mandelson. The seminar was addressed by CK Chow and Sir Christopher Hogg.

Setting out the agenda for today’s meeting, Gordon Brown said :

“Improving the quality, drive, and ambition of British management lies at the heart of meeting the national challenge we have set ourselves – to raise the productivity of the British economy. Without outstanding management at every level and in every sector of the economy then we will struggle to invest, we will struggle to innovate, and we will struggle to compete internationally.

“Too many of our brightest and best choose to avoid management as a career. We need to ask ourselves why industry fails to attract them.

“British industry has recognised the challenge. Throughout this series of high-level seminars their representatives have consistently highlighted the critical role of management. Today’s seminar therefore addresses the subject directly and represents a first step towards taking up the challenge.”

Mr Mandelson said:

“Management has a vital role to play in raising Britain’s competitiveness. Spreading best practice is a challenge for large and small firms, and is a key element of my Department’s work. Together with partners such as the CBI, TEC/Business Links and the Management and Enterprise NTO, we shall continue to seek to improve practices and business performance.

“But we must also look to the managers of tomorrow. Schools and business have a responsibility to foster the spirit of enterprise in our young people. They hold the key to building the world class management this country needs.