{
  "id": 9786322,
  "title": "‘Last days of the honeymoon’: Anxious bosses prepare charm offensive at Labour conference",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/last-days-of-the-honeymoon-anxious-bosses-prepare-charm-offensive-at",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-25T16:02:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "City AM",
    "slug": "city-am",
    "url": "https://www.cityam.com/last-days-of-the-honeymoon-anxious-bosses-prepare-charm-offensive-at-labour-conference/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As the Labour Party Conference approaches, businesses are bracing themselves for a potential charm offensive from the Prime Minister, Andy Burnham. With the Budget just one month away, there is a palpable sense of anxiety among the country's top executives and lobbyists, who will be descending on Liverpool for the event. Burnham, who will be accompanied by a fleet of business representatives, hopes to win over the private sector's support for his devolution ambitions. The Business Day on Monday will provide an opportunity for London-based business chiefs to experience firsthand the government's vision for growth across the regions. While there are indications that businesses may be receptive to Burnham's proposals, the labour market remains a contentious issue. Just weeks after Reeves pledged to deliver the most pro-business budget in a generation, her Budget in 2024 saw the introduction of a £25bn tax bill on labour. This has left businesses wary of Burnham's promises and skeptical of the government's ability to create a favourable environment for investment. Despite these concerns, Burnham's team has been actively reaching out to Britain's most recognisable brands in an attempt to secure their backing. However, past engagements with Chancellor Healey have been sparse, leaving many businesses eager to see what fresh insights Healey might offer. Retailers and hospitality groups are particularly keen to hear Healey's plans, given the combined impact of rising business rates and national insurance contributions. With the Budget imminent, businesses are hoping that Burnham will address their concerns and demonstrate that there is a path forward for investment in the regions.",
  "summary": "Ahead of the Labour Party Conference on Sunday, and one month away from the Budget, businesses are feeling nervous, write Mauricio Alencar and Felix Armstrong Stepping onto an early-morning Avanti West Coast train from London Euston is now a familiar feeling for the Prime Minister. Andy Burnham is set to make the journey more regularly [...]",
  "key_points": [
    "Labour Party Conference nears, businesses wary of charm offensive",
    "Andy Burnham to woo private sector with Business Day event",
    "Budget introduces £25bn tax bill on labour, fueling skepticism"
  ],
  "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."
}