TAF and CBI Partnership FAQ's

TAF and the CBI share a common goal: ensuring that UK business policy is informed by real-world, sector-level insight and reflects the diversity of the UK economy.

Trade associations sit at the heart of this ecosystem. They represent hundreds of thousands of businesses, track regulatory impacts closely, and understand how policy plays out on the ground. This partnership is about connecting that insight more directly into national policy conversations.

By working together, TAF and the CBI can:

• Strengthen the visibility and influence of trade associations in policymaking

• Improve the quality of evidence feeding into national business advocacy

• Ensure sector perspectives are reflected earlier and more consistently in policy development

In short, this partnership helps turn collective expertise into collective influence.

UK businesses are operating in an environment of significant economic, regulatory, and political change, from net zero and workforce reform to devolution, AI, productivity, and investment.

At the same time, policymakers are increasingly looking for:

• Clear, aggregated sector insight

• Evidence of real-world business impacts

• Trusted intermediaries who can speak for groups of businesses

This partnership reflects that context. It positions trade associations more firmly as partners in policymaking, not just consultees, and ensures their insights are better integrated into national business advocacy at a critical moment.

The partnership was developed through a series of structured conversations between the senior leadership teams of both organisations.

Over a number of months, TAF and the CBI explored:

• Shared objectives and values

• Where collaboration would genuinely add value for members

• How to protect independence, governance, and distinct membership offers

The proposed partnership framework was then formally reviewed and approved through each organisation’s respective governance processes, including sign-off by senior leadership and the relevant board or executive committee.

This approach ensured that the partnership:

• Is aligned with each organisation’s strategic priorities

• Has clear accountability and oversight

• Reflects the interests of members across both organisations

The Memorandum of Understanding provides a transparent, non-binding framework for collaboration and will be reviewed regularly to ensure it continues to deliver value.

As a TAF member, you can expect benefits in three main areas:

• Stronger Championing of trade associations: The partnership reinforces the role of trade associations as essential intermediaries between business and government, strengthening the case for engagement with your sector.

• Greater policy reach: Your priorities, evidence, and insights have clearer routes into national business policy debates through CBI platforms.

• Improved access: TAF members will benefit from discounted access to selected CBI research, events, and conferences, alongside opportunities to contribute to CBI surveys and campaigns.

No. TAF remains fully independent.

The MoU is explicitly non-binding and confirms that:

• TAF and the CBI retain separate governance, strategies, and membership offers

• TAF continues to advocate for trade associations themselves, not individual company interests

• Neither organisation can speak on behalf of the other without agreement

The partnership is designed to strengthen influence without compromising independence.

No. The MoU is explicit that:

• No membership lists, contact data, or proprietary information will be shared

• Any information exchange will be voluntary, non-confidential, and GDPR-compliant

• Data sharing would only occur where explicitly agreed in writing

Member data protection remains unchanged.

No. Your current membership remains unchanged. According to the MoU:

• The partnership is designed to enhance collaboration, not alter individual membership terms or conditions.

• Both organisations will continue to operate separate and distinct membership offers, with their own governance, fees, and benefits.

• Your rights, benefits, and obligations as a member of either TAF or the CBI will remain exactly as they are today.

The partnership is intended to add value, not replace or dilute existing memberships. Over time, members may benefit from additional opportunities such as shared events, improved access to insights, or preferential rates for certain activities, but these will sit alongside, not instead of, your existing benefits.

If you are already a member of TAF or the CBI, you will continue to receive your usual services, with the potential for additional opportunities arising from closer collaboration between the two organisations.

While the partnership strengthens collaboration, TAF and the CBI serve different but complementary purposes. Membership of both provides broader support, deeper insight, and greater influence. 

1. Distinct Membership Offers

TAF and the CBI will continue to deliver different services, networks, and expertise, tailored to their respective audiences:

• TAF supports trade associations themselves — leadership, governance, best practice, peer networks, and advocacy for the role of associations.

• CBI focuses on direct business and sector advocacy, economic analysis, and national policy engagement.

Being a member of both ensures you benefit fully from what each organisation uniquely offers, rather than a limited subset through partnership activity alone.

2. Broader Representation and Influence

• TAF supports trade associations by:

• Facilitating peer networks and leadership communities

• Sharing best practice on governance, operations, and member engagement

• Advocating for the role and value of trade associations in the UK economy

• CBI represents business and sector views directly through:

• Strong access to government and policymakers

• National policy platforms and economic research

• High-profile advocacy on issues affecting UK business

Membership of both gives you access to complimentary services one designed to leverage best practice from a collective of trade associations, and another through direct engagement in national business policy.

3. Enhanced Access Through the Partnership

The partnership will create additional access points between the two organisations — for example:

• Discounted or priority access to selected CBI events for TAF members

• Invitations to relevant TAF events or forums for CBI members

• Greater sharing of insight and intelligence between networks

However, full membership of both organisations ensures:

• Unrestricted access to all member-only resources and services

• Priority involvement in policy development, thought leadership, and strategic initiatives

• Greater visibility and engagement across both networks

4. Tailored Support for Different Needs

Your reasons for engaging may vary depending on your role:

• If you are a trade association leader, TAF offers:

• Peer support from fellow association professionals

• Practical guidance on governance, leadership, and effectiveness

• Advocacy for the role of associations within the policy ecosystem

• If you are a business leader or policy-facing organisation, the CBI provides:

• Economic analysis and policy expertise

• Direct lobbying and representation at national level

• Strategic platforms to shape debate and influence decision-makers

Dual membership allows you to draw on the right support at the right time, depending on your objectives.

The partnership will be continually reviewed to ensure it delivers for both organisations and their collective and individual members:

• Each organisation will appoint named leads responsible for delivery

• The MoU will be reviewed annually

• Either party can terminate the agreement with 30 days’ notice

This ensures the partnership remains purposeful, proportionate, and member-focused.

TAF and CBI will provide ongoing updates about the partnership through:

• Member communications and briefings

• Events and forums

• Opportunities to engage directly with partnership activity

Members will be informed not just that the partnership exists, but how it is being used.

Now that the partnership has been announced, we are working to roll out the benefits. Initial priorities include:

• Embedding TAF input into CBI policy planning

• Rolling out member access to discounted research and events

• Identifying joint thought leadership opportunities

• Ensuring early, visible member benefits from collaboration

This partnership is intended to evolve over time,  shaped by member engagement and feedback, so please do get in touch if you have any questions, comments or suggestions.