In this section

Economic insight for MKBLP members

Date: 12 Nov 2025

Add to Calendar

At a full MKBLP Breakfast Briefing last week, Kieran Dent, Agent for the South East and East Anglia at the Bank of England, provided members with a measured and timely overview of the UK’s economic landscape - just weeks before the Chancellor’s Budget.

The economy in focus
Speaking at a pivotal moment for the UK economy, Dent outlined the forces shaping both global and domestic conditions. Internationally, he highlighted how trade realignments and new tariff regimes are reshaping global growth patterns, while domestically, the UK continues to experience modest expansion: household spending remains subdued, business investment cautious, and while wage pressures are gradually easing as the labour market normalises, overall employment levels have edged lower. Dent noted that with rising employment costs, including higher employer National Insurance contributions, total labour expenditure has remained broadly static, a trend also influenced by technology and productivity shifts.

He noted that inflation has likely peaked and is expected to decline steadily through 2025 and into 2026, though underlying price pressures, particularly in services and food, continue to influence the Bank’s thinking on interest rates.

Fiscal stability and confidence
In discussion, Dent also reflected on the wider policy environment and the interaction between monetary and fiscal decisions. He emphasised the value of a stable and predictable fiscal framework, suggesting that excessive uncertainty around government budgets and public finance positions can dampen confidence and hold back private sector investment.

With the forthcoming Budget likely to set the tone for the next phase of economic management, the timing of this conversation could not have been more relevant for business leaders.

Connecting insight with leadership
The morning’s turnout, with a full room of members and a strong showing of new and prospective participants, underlined both the appetite and need for informed dialogue at a time of significant economic uncertainty.

For MKBLP, the event reflected its ongoing role as a trusted forum for business and policy insight, bringing authoritative voices to the table and enabling the city’s leaders to stay connected to national conversations that shape local realities.

Thank you to Holiday Inn Central, Milton Keynes for hosting the MKBLP Members’ breakfast. 

 

Back To Events

Events

Upcoming Events

Past Events

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015