UK Businesses Warn Government: Don’t Waste Our Potential to Solve Nation’s Jobs and Mental Health Crisis

Britain’s leading companies have issued a stark warning to government: you’re missing a golden opportunity to tackle unemployment and the worsening mental health crisis by shutting business out of the solution.

A new report from the charity ReGenerate reveals that more than three-quarters (77%) of UK businesses—ranging from high street names like Greggs and Greene King to fast-growing firms like Octopus and Olio—want to play a bigger role in addressing the nation’s social and economic challenges. But over half (55%) say their attempts to engage with government are falling on deaf ears.

According to the report, titled Partnering for Mission Delivery: Unlocking the Power of Business, business leaders believe they could help the government deliver its economic and social aims faster, more effectively, and at lower cost—if only they were invited to the table.

“If the government is serious about fixing the enormous social and environmental challenges we face in this country, then they urgently need to step up to unleash the full potential of the UK’s businesses,” said Tessa Clarke, Co-founder and CEO of food-sharing platform Olio.

A £5.3 Trillion Opportunity

The report highlights the economic scale and untapped capability of UK businesses: a combined turnover of £5.3 trillion and a workforce of 27.8 million people. Many are already innovating solutions in housing, employment, clean energy, and mental health—but say that collaboration with government is either non-existent or far too difficult.

Nearly two-thirds (64%) of companies say they struggle to connect with a relevant department or senior figure in government. For micro businesses, which make up a fifth of all UK firms, this figure rises to 68%.

“Businesses are making an impact in tackling social challenges, despite the system, not because of it,” said Ed Boyd, CEO of ReGenerate. “A more joined-up approach from the government could significantly improve society.”

The report’s findings come at a crucial moment, as the government seeks to deliver on its five national missions, including economic growth, net zero, and healthcare reform—while facing major fiscal constraints.

Business Leaders Back National Impact Strategy

ReGenerate is calling for the creation of a new Office for the Impact Economy, a cross-departmental unit to foster genuine public-private partnerships. Backing for the idea has come from across the business world.

“There is a huge amount of power in businesses to solve key social and environmental challenges,” said Graham Briggs, Head of Partnerships at Greene King. “To help inspire broader societal change we need a clear focal point within government that we can turn to—for support and to share our expertise.”

Chris Hulatt, Co-founder of Octopus Group, added: “The power of enterprise to positively affect people’s lives is phenomenal. Any means of working with government to further this agenda is one we would deeply welcome.”

The proposed office would act as a central hub to coordinate engagement with business, develop a National Strategy for Purpose-Driven Business, and ensure the best ideas and initiatives are scaled up.

Business Case for Doing Good

Beyond altruism, the report also reveals that doing good is good business. Purpose-led firms are more likely to experience 10%+ growth, making social impact a key driver of future profitability.

Greggs CEO Roisin Currie CBE described how the company’s Fresh Start programme—providing jobs for ex-offenders—has delivered benefits not only for individuals but for local communities and the business itself.

“Empowering more businesses to do what we do will help to bring more people into work and help to build stronger and safer communities. We’re proud to support ReGenerate’s call for an Office for the Impact Economy.”

Government’s First Steps

The report follows recent government commitments to support purpose-led business, including the creation of the Office for Responsible Business Conduct within the Department for Business and Trade. ReGenerate and its supporters hope this signals the start of a more open and collaborative approach.

However, the report warns that unless the government moves beyond symbolic gestures and engages directly with business, it risks missing targets in areas ranging from energy security and job creation to housing and public health.

As the UK continues to grapple with economic uncertainty and rising social need, one message is clear from business leaders: don’t overlook the engine of solutions that’s right in front of you.

For more information and to access the full report, visit: www.regenerate.org.uk