The value of internal candidates!

Good to see yesterday that the CBI have appointed John Cridland CBE as their next Director-General. John has been the CBI’s Deputy Director-General since 2000 and has been instrumental in helping to achieve a sea-change in business and public attitudes towards everything from the minimum wage and flexible working to industrial relations and the environment.

Apparently, the motivation, energy and appetite for change that John displayed during the recruitment process demonstrated without doubt that he was the best person for the job. The appointment was approved by the CBI Chairmen’s Committee. This followed a search carried out by executive search specialists, Saxton Bampfylde, who presented a genuine choice of candidates from a very wide range of backgrounds. John will formally take the helm at the end of January 2011.

As CBI members, the IPA extends to John their support and collaboration.

'A bit of a salesman'

So said David Cameron in the closing minutes of his address to the CBI conference on Monday.

"I've been called a bit of a saleman in the past...and that's what the country needs right now!"

Go for it, David.

Where will the UK's future demand come from?

This was the question asked at the CBI's annual conference on Monday.

Fortunately the creative industries got a headline mention twice; from both PM David Cameron and Minister for Business Vince Cable.

The mood of the conference was upbeat, all things considered. 'No' to a double dip when the delegates were polled by Jon Snow; 'yes' to new jobs and business growth.