Overview
- Kate opened the Royal Foundation’s Future Workforce Summit at Salesforce Tower in the City of London, addressing more than 80 business leaders alongside speakers including Mishal Husain, Sir Gareth Southgate, Marc Brackett, Robert Waldinger and Philippa Perry.
- The summit announced five new corporate initiatives and reported that taskforce-backed programs have reached about 500,000 babies and young children, with a goal to reach one million by 2026.
- In her remarks, Kate urged firms to value “time and tenderness” in early life and said profitability can align with positive social impact, framing caregiver support as an investment in the workforce.
- The Business Taskforce’s 2024 report argued early-years investment could generate an estimated £45.5 billion for the UK, a case reinforced by showcasing company actions across retail, finance and consulting.
- Examples highlighted included IKEA partnerships with baby banks, LEGO Education resources for early-years providers, Co-op funding for apprenticeships, Deloitte-backed leadership training for teachers, Iceland staff tools for supporting families and NatWest lending to early-years settings.