Navigating Headwinds: Can the UK Find Its Growth Engine in 2026?
The UK economy enters 2026 facing inflation pressures, tighter financing conditions and heightened geopolitical uncertainty. A more fragmented global trade environment is reshaping competitiveness, investment decisions, and supply-chain resilience.
We are delighted to invite AERL Members to our annual AERL Economic Outlook entitled: Navigating Headwinds: Can the UK Find Its Growth Engine in 2026? The discussion will focus on the macro baseline and scenarios for growth, inflation and interest rates, alongside the key downside risks. We will also explore how the Government’s fiscal framework and Budget priorities may shape investment, productivity, and living standards, and consider the implications of global trade fragmentation and geopolitical uncertainty for UK competitiveness and business confidence. Speakers include:
Dr Ben Caswell, Senior Economist at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR)
Mr Sanjay Raja, Chief UK Economist, Deutsche Bank
Dr Jamie Rush, Director of Global Economics, Bloomberg Economics
This event is kindly hosted by our partner, the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), in Central London.
Programme
16:00 to 16:15 - Registration
16:15 to 16:20 - Welcome and opening remarks by:
- Ms Annabel Fogden, Head of International, LCCI
- Ms Sophia Arvanitis, Co-Chair AERL
16:20 to 17:00 - UK Economic Panel Discussion
moderated by Mr Ahmet Yalcinkaya, AERL Board Member and Chief Treasury and Finance Counsellor Turkish Embassy in London
17:00 to 17:30 - Q&A, followed by a Networking Reception
18:00 - End