Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister of the UK, is launching a charm offensive with business leaders to galvanize his growth agenda and counter the Labour Party’s growing success in wooing corporate Britain. Sunak is aiming to reset the relations between business and the Conservative government following economic upheaval and acrimony during the regimes of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss. This initiative is aimed at strengthening links with senior business leaders and embedding practical business insights into policymaking.

To further boost his engagement with the business community, Sunak has introduced Franck Petitgas, a former Morgan Stanley executive, as his new business and investment advisor. Sunak’s cabinet, including Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch, will be joining him in a series of events in London called “Business Connect”. A lot of C-suite business figures are expected to attend the event, and the government officials confirmed that Sunak wanted to step up business engagement.

The current UK Prime Minister wants to counter Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s “prawn cocktail offensive” and win over some in the business community. Labour is expected to sell out its business events at this year's annual party conference, which is also attracting many senior executives. John Allan, the chair of Tesco, has already praised the Labour Party's economic policy as credible and committed.

However, some business leaders argue that politicians must engage in the substance of policy, not just hold drinks parties. It is easy to engage on a broad level, said one senior business figure. Senior Tories also admit that Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is winning over some in the business community through relentless engagement.

Sunak’s initiative is expected to reset the relations between business and the Conservative government and create an environment of cooperation and growth. The Prime Minister has emphasized the importance of practical business insights and engagement, which he believes can lead to a more prosperous and successful UK.