Major corporations return to the CBI as the lobby group rebuilds after misconduct scandal

The CBI, which faced a mass exodus of members and serious financial problems following the allegations in April 2023, has taken significant steps to restore its standing.

The group cut a third of its workforce, closed international offices and revamped its governance structure. These efforts appear to be paying off with major companies returning and participating in the CBI’s regional councils and committees.

AstraZeneca, Britain’s most valuable listed company, is now represented on several key CBI committees, including the President’s Commission and the Tax Commission, after pausing its involvement during the investigation. Unilever and GSK have also resumed their active roles, while new members including JLL and Drax have rejoined the leadership of the CBI.

Despite the organisation’s progress, leading retailers Tesco and John Lewis are yet to renew their membership. The CBI remains optimistic about its future, with plans to host a high-profile summer reception in September and publish its annual report in October, highlighting ongoing efforts to rebuild trust and strengthen ties with the new government.