Reform UK is set to host its party conference in Birmingham this week, marking a significant shift in its approach to engaging the business community. The party has undertaken a months-long programme of City breakfasts and West End dinners to persuade investors and industry leaders of its plans.
For the first time, business interests will be central to the conference agenda. Companies such as Google, Cadent Gas, and Panmure Liberum are scheduled to participate, a departure from previous gatherings. Lobbyists suggest this reflects a major overhaul of Reform UK's external affairs operation and a sharpening of business interest in the party.
The party has doubled its commercial ticket sales compared to last year, with executives from companies themselves attending rather than just agency lobbyists. A dinner with key Reform figures has also sold out. This comes as Reform UK continues to lead most polls and has expanded its presence in local and devolved governments.
Despite increased engagement, some businesses have faced criticism from the party's home affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf, regarding immigration policies. Vodafone and Deliveroo, both scheduled to have a presence at the conference, were targets of such criticisms.