Doug Gurr, the permanent Chair of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), has reaffirmed three commitments for the regulator's approach during his five-year term. Speaking at the International Chambers of Commerce, UK Competition Conference, Mr Gurr pledged to maintain a stable and predictable regulatory regime, continue improving how the CMA operates, and be as transparent as possible.
Mr Gurr, who was appointed permanent Chair since his last appearance at the ICC, stated that the CMA published its first-ever clear three-year strategy at the end of 2025. This strategy is guided by the principles of promoting competition and protecting consumers, with decisions made independently and objectively, while also delivering tangible benefits for the UK's economy, citizens, and businesses.
The CMA aims to cultivate conditions that instil business confidence, acknowledging that companies make investment decisions over long horizons. Mr Gurr emphasised that predictable outcomes do not mean guaranteed outcomes, and the CMA will continue to take action against anti-competitive conduct and infringements of consumer law.
Improvements in operations include embedding the '4Ps' – pace, predictability, proportionality, and process – across the CMA. This has led to significantly shorter pre-notification periods and faster clearance decisions in its mergers regime, according to Mr Gurr.