PwC boss: Brexit vote illustrated public's trust issues with business and establishment
Brexit shows that majority of UK public have major trust issues with business and political leaders, says PwC's Kevin Ellis
THE Brexit vote was indicative of the lack of trust the British public has with the business and political establishment, according to new PwC chairman and senior partner Kevin Ellis.
In his first speech as host of the annual Building Public Trust in Corporate Reporting Awards last night, Ellis said that he and the firm had backed the Remain camp – and while Remain’s approach to the EU Referendum had been rational and analytical, there had been a failure to appreciate society’s trust issues and wider problems that led to a majority leave vote.
“For me, the Brexit vote has further heightened the importance of the trust agenda, transparency and moving from organisations being faceless to having greater humanity,” said Ellis.
“Trust in large organisations seems to be at a particularly low ebb. We can do more to demonstrate shared values with the communities in which we operate, and to act in ways that people can see for themselves are fair and responsible.”
M&S and Network Rail scoop awards
The awards, which recognised reporting excellence, saw Marks & Spencer pick up the FTSE 100 award, while Network Rail scooped the public sector award. The RNLI won the charity category.
Ellis became the figurehead for PwC UK in July, after eight years of Ian Powell’s rein.