{
  "id": 7176635,
  "title": "'Culture shift' needed in how UK does business, PM urges",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/culture-shift-needed-in-how-uk-does-business-pm-urges",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-13T21:30:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC News",
    "slug": "bbc-news",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clyl18x4734o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Prime Minister Andy Burnham is urging a cultural shift in how the UK does business ahead of a meeting with some of the country's biggest business leaders. Burnham believes that those who take risks in business should be supported by the government, and local leaders should have the power to work with businesses. The current Labour government has faced criticism for increasing costs for businesses, including national insurance contributions and minimum wage changes introduced under Burnham's predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer.\n\nBurnham will meet with the chief executives of companies such as BP, Shell, HSBC, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, BT, Vodafone, Rolls-Royce, and several others at Number 10. He aims to give people confidence that if they have a great idea, they will receive all the necessary support to bring it to life. Burnham emphasized that when local leaders have the tools to make a difference and the government partners with business, it can lead to investment, job creation, and the transformation of communities. The government, he added, will be a partner for growth, ensuring that every part of Britain benefits.\n\nThe meeting comes amid challenges for governments worldwide, as higher borrowing costs impact their ability to spend on business support or investment. Official data revealed a surprise boost in the UK economy in July, driven partly by artificial intelligence (AI) investment. However, experts predict growth will slow in the coming months due to high energy prices. The US-Israel war with Iran has caused a sharp increase in oil prices, which has led to higher energy and fuel costs affecting both households and businesses.\n\nThis rise in energy costs has raised concerns about inflation persisting at high levels and increasing the likelihood of central banks raising interest rates to control price rises. The expectation of higher interest rates, combined with competition for debt from AI firms looking to invest in development, has contributed to higher government borrowing costs in many countries, including the UK. The UK's 10-year bond yield, a key measure of government debt costs, is higher than those of countries like the US, France, and Japan. This can be attributed to several factors affecting investor confidence in the UK, such as multiple changes in leadership within a short period.\n\nChancellor John Healey recently called for restoring confidence in Britain despite acknowledging the challenge of high borrowing costs. Conservative shadow business secretary Julia Lopez argues that the prime minister should cut taxes to help businesses thrive, deliver jobs, and drive growth. Labour's policies, including the jobs tax and employer red tape, have been criticized for negatively impacting businesses, resulting in a shrinking jobs market, weaker investment, and increased costs for companies.",
  "summary": "Burnham has said those who take risks should be backed by government, but his government has been criticised for increasing business costs.",
  "key_points": [
    "Prime Minister Burnham urges cultural shift in UK business practices",
    "Government to support risk-taking businesses with local leaders' power",
    "Meeting with major business leaders to boost confidence and investment"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Business",
        "title": "'Culture shift' needed in how UK does business, PM urges",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/culture-shift-needed-in-how-uk-does-business-pm-urges-7180478",
        "published": "2026-09-13T21:30:21.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}