This year’s reception is again jointly hosted with CIMA – the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants – and forms part of our ongoing, joint programme of lectures, the first of which was given by Stephen Green of HSBC at Mansion House exploring the theme of ‘Tomorrow’s Value’. Subsequent lectures have been given by Anant Nadkarni of Tata, Pavan Sukhdev Head of Green Economy Initiative, UNEP, Professor Michael Mainelli Professor of Commerce at Gresham College and Founder Director of the Z/Yen Group and Paul Walsh, CEO of Diageo. Joe Garner Deputy CEO and Head of UK Retail Bank HSBC plc is ournext contributor.

We are asking what we mean by value, why this matters so much and how it can best be measured. These issues are set out in depth in our briefing paper. Central to the way we run the economy is the assumption that we know what value is – and that the value of goods and services are reflected by prices set through the market. But if these assumptions do not hold true, can we be confident that the recovery will last, and that business will be a force for good, contributing fully to the sustainability of people and planet?

Tomorrow’s Company and CIMA believe that the relationship between value and values is fundamentally changing: that sustainable value creation must now recognise ‘the triple context’, combining economic drivers with social and environmental imperatives. CIMA’s qualification upholds the highest ethical standards for members throughout their careers.

This year’s Parliamentary Reception renews our tradition of hosting a wonderful event at this superb and memorable location, bringing together influential and outstanding leaders in business and beyond from across the world.