An Intimate Dinner with Mark Garnier OBE
Shadow Economic Secretary to the Treasury & Shadow Pensions Minister

Overview

Join us for a private, off-the-record dinner with Mark Garnier OBE, Shadow Economic Secretary to the Treasury and Conservative MP for Wyre Forest, held shortly after the Government’s Spring Statement.

This dinner forms part of a new Helm Dinner Series: Conversations with Political Leaders, designed to bring founders into direct conversation with figures actively shaping the UK’s economic direction.

The aim is not debate or persuasion, but informed, constructive dialogue at a moment of real economic significance.

Why This Dinner Matters

Taking place in the immediate aftermath of the Spring Statement, this evening will provide space to:

• Unpack the real-world implications of the Statement for founders and operators
• Explore how fiscal decisions are landing with those building and scaling UK businesses
• Discuss investment, pensions, and long-term growth from both a policy and operator perspective

This is a rare opportunity to engage candidly with a senior economic policymaker while the details — and consequences — of the Statement are still fresh.

Discussion Themes May Include

• Key takeaways from the Spring Statement and their impact on business
• The outlook for UK growth, investment, and fiscal policy
• Pensions, savings, and long-term capital allocation
• How economic policy is experienced by founders and operators
• What business leaders should be watching next

About the Guest

Mark Garnier OBE brings deep financial and legislative experience to economic policy.

Before entering Parliament, Mark spent 27 years in the City, including:

• 15 years as an investment banker, specialising in South East Asia and emerging markets
• 10 years as an asset manager

Since being elected to Parliament in 2010, he has served on:

• The Treasury Select Committee
• The Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards
• As Minister for Investment

He now serves as Shadow Economic Secretary to the Treasury and Shadow Pensions Minister, placing him at the heart of opposition scrutiny of economic policy.

About the Series

Helm remains — and will always remain — a non-political organisation.
We do not endorse parties, candidates, or policy positions.

However, we believe that exposure to diverse viewpoints is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy — and particularly valuable for founders operating at the intersection of business, society, and leadership.

This series is not about partisan debate.
It is about listening, understanding, and constructive dialogue with those involved in national decision-making.

A Note for Attendees (Important)

To ensure the conversation is meaningful and well-prepared, all attendees will be asked to submit in advance:

• One key challenge facing their sector, and
• One proposed solution or recommendation

These will be shared with our guest ahead of the dinner so they can arrive fully briefed, and so the discussion is focused, informed, and genuinely useful to both founders and policymakers.

Members booking a place should therefore be comfortable participating in this way.

Ticket cost:

FREE for all event-inclusive membership types. If you’re unsure about your membership type please contact membership@helmclub.co

Cancellations:

We kindly ask that members only sign up for events that they are certain they can attend. If you’re unable to attend an event, please contact the Events Team at least 72 hours in advance, or as soon as possible in case of an emergency. If an emergency does happen, please reach out to your contacts in the Helm network and offer your place to them.

Remember, cancelling an event or not showing up means that another member may miss out on a unique opportunity, as well as there being a financial cost to Helm for the venue hire and staff time.

Any questions please contact eventmanager@helmclub.co

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