{
  "id": 9307069,
  "title": "The business case for international aid spending",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/the-business-case-for-international-aid-spending",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-23T09:32:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "City AM",
    "slug": "city-am",
    "url": "https://www.cityam.com/the-business-case-for-international-aid-spending/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "UK development spending can boost British business, according to Co-op policy director Paul Gerrard. Investment and wise spending can improve a company's bottom line, making it true on an international scale. By addressing poverty, instability and sustainable growth overseas, aid spending and development finance can foster a safer, healthier and more resilient world, where businesses can flourish and export goods. Gerrard is proud to be a founding member of the Business Alliance for Global Development, formed by UK businesses and the organizations that represent them. The alliance aims to demonstrate that international development is not merely a display of virtue or speculative spending, but rather a means to strengthen resilience at home and abroad, foster stability, smooth trade, and support British jobs. This is not just a theory, but a reality that Gerrard has witnessed firsthand. During a recent visit to Kenya, he observed Fairtrade suppliers utilizing investment in technology and local communities to create successful businesses. These businesses recognized that investments in employee education and access to clean water would help them succeed by attracting top talent and planning for the long-term. Such societal and economic stability is crucial for conducting business, and it requires conscious choices and investment. A recent poll conducted by Merlin Strategies among 500 business leaders revealed strong support for UK engagement in supporting developing countries through overseas aid partnerships. Eighty-four percent of the respondents agreed that it is important for the UK to remain involved in this regard, with one-third identifying UK trade and exports as the main benefit. Eighty percent believed that UK international aid spending strengthens the country's global influence and reputation, while 68 percent supported increased collaboration between UK businesses and the government on international development programs. This statistic is particularly significant because it is consistent across businesses of various sizes, from small enterprises to multinational corporations. Furthermore, the UK government is considering increasing international development spending, with Minister Kirsty McNeill recently pledging to review and reverse cuts to aid and development funding. These positive indicators present a prime opportunity for the UK to showcase collaboration between government and business at home and develop cooperation abroad, ultimately strengthening economies and trade partners and creating opportunities for British businesses. The Business Alliance for Global Development is dedicated to implementing efficient and targeted spending abroad that supports British business success, generating jobs in the country. Gerrard is confident that this initiative will demonstrate that smart aid and development finance not only saves lives but also fosters British innovation, trade, jobs, and growth. He eagerly anticipates more businesses joining the alliance and backing its principles as it grows and contributes to the UK economy.",
  "summary": "UK development spending is good for British business. I know, I've seen it first hand, writes Co-op policy director Paul Gerrard.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}