Haldane, one of Britain’s most influential economic thinkers, served on the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) for more than six years. Known for his unconventional and forward-looking analysis, he famously warned of the “tiger” of inflation in the aftermath of the pandemic — a caution that proved prescient when prices later surged and central banks scrambled to tighten policy.
Since leaving the Bank, Haldane has remained a key voice in economic policy. He was appointed to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Economic Advisory Council in 2022, a group formed in the wake of the Liz Truss mini-budget to help rebuild confidence in Britain’s fiscal management. He also leads the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), where he has focused on regional inequality, productivity, and the future of work.
His new role at the BCC places him at the heart of the UK’s business community at a critical moment. Companies are grappling with slowing growth, geopolitical uncertainty, and the prospect of higher taxes ahead of the government’s November budget. Many sectors are also facing labour shortages, fragile consumer demand, and tighter financing conditions, as interest rates remain elevated.
Haldane said his appointment came at a pivotal time for British enterprise: “The Chambers have been celebrating and supporting the brilliance of British business for many decades,” he said. “Yet their role has never been more important than it is today.”
The BCC, which represents tens of thousands of firms through its nationwide network of local chambers, has increasingly positioned itself as a pragmatic voice for business in Westminster.
Haldane’s arrival is expected to strengthen the organisation’s economic credibility and deepen its engagement with policymakers — particularly on productivity, regional growth and industrial strategy.
Amy Ingham
Amy Ingham is a reporter at Business Matters, covering UK business news with a focus on breaking news, business policy, late payments and insolvency. She joined the magazine in 2026 after completing the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism at Harlow College's journalism school. Her recent reporting includes British Steel's nationalisation and its impact on SME suppliers, the decline in late payments by large firms, and Insolvency Service director disqualifications. Reach her at aingham@cbmeg.co.uk.
