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What did Thatcher do for business?

The daughter of Lincolnshire shop owner, and the woman who presided over some of the biggest ever changes in the British economy.

Privatisation; championing of entrepreneurship and wealth creation; rolling back of the state; and focus on the consumer, were all components of Margaret Thatcher’s tenure. All components that now shape reaction to her death from the business community.

Writing for the Telegraph, Archie Norman, former boss of Asda and Tory MP, suggested that at the time, big business was sceptical, “almost sniffy” about her policies. He said it was the entrepreneurs, the “little guys” who were really excited about her.

For swathes of the former industrial heartlands, Thatcher’s interest rates, increase in VAT and loss of tax incentives were unwelcome. The invisible hand of the market was left to rule.

So, what do you think Thatcher did for British business? Let me know in the comments below.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .