The UK government has announced that Clare Barclay, chief executive at Microsoft UK, will lead its new Industrial Strategy Advisory Council.

The council will focus on driving growth in eight sectors including financial services; clean energy; digital and technologies; life sciences; and advanced manufacturing.

Barclay currently leads the strategy and delivery of Microsoft’s business in the UK and focuses on helping organisations accelerate technology-driven growth.

She has around three decades of experience in the technology industry and has held a range of senior leadership roles, including chief operating officer at Microsoft.

The government claims the council will help to create a pro-business environment to attract a greater share of international investment which will allow UK companies to scale up their growth.

“Our modern Industrial Strategy will hardwire stability for investors and give them the confidence to plan not just for the next year, but for the next 10 years and beyond,” said business and trade secretary Jonathan Reynolds. “Clare’s wealth of talent and experience will help ensure the Industrial Strategy delivers its mission of unleashing the potential of high productivity sectors to spur growth, spread wealth, and drive-up employment across the UK.”

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