On Wednesday evening I attended a reception at Buckingham Palace hosted by King Charles to recognise the contribution of small and medium sized businesses to the UK economy. There were some great conversations with representatives from a fascinating range of organisations and we were pleased to help ensure that governance professionals were well represented. Our members work in every sector as organisations across business, public bodies and not for profit all benefit from the skillset and knowledge of qualified governance professionals. It was good to see real understanding of this when I talked to guests from the construction, hospitality, manufacturing, and charity sectors.
While the behaviour of FTSE companies make national headlines, I am reminded that SME’s employ more than half of all the full time and part time workers in the UK and are often deeply in tune with their local communities and social causes. They are essential to our daily life, and it is right that tremendous contribution be celebrated, particularly when many are under severe pressure due to the current economic difficulties.
Sara Drake, CEO, CGIUKI
