Following the 2008 banking crisis, most UK politicians have emphasised the importance of increased focus on the SME sector in order to achieve a successful and sustainable economy. In Germany, thriving SMEs are the foundation the national economy, although the structure of companies, attitudes towards enterprise and innovation, and particularly the mechanisms for funding, are very different. KAS, the GPI and the Industry Forum have therefore organised this comparison of UK and German SME funding, with the aim of identifying what practical lessons can be learned and applied.
Speakers from the German and UK banking sectors.
About the Industry Forum
The Industry Forum promotes constructive dialogue between public policy makers, industry operating in the UK, and leading commentators. It has operated for nearly 20 years and has established good relations with the main political parties and the parliamentary select committees.
Focusing on current key issues, it provides opportunities for policy makers to explain policies and objectives face-to-face with businesses that can give practical and unfiltered feedback. The aim is that this process should lead to economic and social benefits by improving public policy related to business.
The core membership programme focuses on a range of key current or strategic issues and features some 20-plus meetings per year on topics chosen by members. Our events are informal and interactive, and adhere to the Chatham House rule. The majority are held in Central London sponsored and hosted by members. Attendance is by invitation-only to members and guests. Attendees are predominantly business professionals who bring their own current and practical views and information
The Industry Forum is set up as an independent not -for-profit company unaligned to any political party or interest. It is registered under the Companies Act and operating in accordance with the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.