ICAEW Wales: In conversation with the Bank of England | BCM report review | 2026

Event Information

Stephen Hicks, Bank of England's Agent for Wales on economic analysis and inflation projections, provides a critical briefing on the nation's economic health and future outlook. These sessions move beyond the headlines to deliver direct analysis from the Bank, helping you navigate current market conditions and plan for the future.

What to expect

• Monetary policy deep dive | Receive updates on the latest Monetary Policy report, including detailed economic analysis and inflation projections, and understand their specific implications for businesses in Wales.
• BCM report deep dive | A detailed analysis of the report’s key findings, including current confidence levels, investment intentions, and performance indicators.
• Regional economic outlook | Expert perspectives on the distinctive economic challenges and opportunities defining the business environment in Wales.
• Strategic counsel | Practical strategies and actionable insights for members in both business and practice to guide decision-making and client advice.
• Forward-looking insights | Learn about the future outlook for the UK and the economy for Wales, with a focus on critical local impacts such as energy and food prices, sustainable growth, and local employment trends.
• Regional benchmarking | Gain a clear understanding of where Wales stands through a comparative analysis against national and other national economic trends.
• Contribute to the discussion | This is your valuable opportunity to contribute directly to the discussion and provide feedback that will be considered in the Monetary Policy Committee's next review. Don't miss this chance to hear directly from the Bank of England.

This joint session provides an essential briefing, delivering direct economic analysis from the Bank of England alongside a review of the latest ICAEW Business Confidence Monitor (BCM) report for Wales. It is tailored for members in business and practice, helping you navigate current market conditions and plan for the future.

• ICAEW BCM trends | Get a clear overview of the quarterly BCM report findings. Discover the latest trends, emerging opportunities, and key challenges facing businesses today, offering practical strategies to thrive in an ever-changing environment.

The event operates under the Chatham House Rule to encourage open and candid discussion among all participants.