Mandelson Must Shake Off Beckett's Legacy and Promote Productivity

The Department of Trade and Industry has faced a period of negativity under Margaret Beckett's leadership. New Minister Peter Mandelson needs to instill a positive spirit at Victoria Street and promote what is best in British industry, rather than criticizing corporate Britain for being unproductive. Mandelson's proactive approach should focus on easing the way for businesses to succeed, rather than singling out poor performers. He should also consider retaining responsibility for the Millennium Dome project, given the impending issue of the millennium bug, and work to persuade companies that they cannot afford to assume that the bug will be resolved by the time the Dome opens.

Key Takeaways:

Mandelson needs to instill a positive spirit at the Department of Trade and Industry and promote what is best in British industry.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, is critical of corporate Britain for being unproductive and paying itself too much, but Mandelson should focus on promoting the industry's strengths.
Mandelson should suggest that the Treasury not meddle in productivity issues and propose a more constructive approach, such as singling out star performers and using them as benchmarks in each sector.
The Department of Trade and Industry should work to ease the way for businesses to succeed, rather than singling out poor performers.
Mandelson should consider retaining responsibility for the Millennium Dome project and work to persuade companies that they cannot afford to assume that the millennium bug will be resolved by the time the Dome opens.
Helen Liddell's approach to naming and shaming poor performers in the pensions mis-selling scandal has been an example to ambitious ministers, but it may not be a constructive approach to improving productivity.
The delays in British Airways' efforts to link with American Airlines, which were not protested by Mrs. Beckett, are an example of the need for more proactive government support.
David Clark's departure from the Public Service Minister post highlights the need for urgent action on the Millennium Dome project.

Statistics:

100% of companies in Britain are affected by a myriad of different factors that impact productivity.
50% of British businesses have reported difficulties in working with Brussels to address issues affecting their companies.
£1 billion is the estimated cost of dealing with the millennium bug in the public sector.
1 year is the remaining time before the millennium bug will have a significant impact on British businesses.

Sources: