Historic West Country firm cuts all ties with beleaguered CBI

A leading West Country manufacturer has resigned from the CBI after further allegations emerged about the troubled organisation.

Dorset based REIDSteel had issued a warning about the organisation after allegations off misconduct amongst staff emerged.

Following the initial warning the director general Tony Danker was sacked and a second woman has come forward claiming she was raped while working for the organisation.

A string of companies have either suspended or ended their association with the embattled organisation.

High street names who have said they are suspending their membership include John Lewis, Aviva, Zurich, Virgin Media, Asda and PwC.

REIDSteel decided to resign its membership after the emergence of further serious allegations.

Managing director Simon Boyd has also resigned his position as a founder member of the CBI’s manufacturing council.

Simon Boyd, managing director of Reid Steel.

The business – which employs 130 people – acted immediately, citing allegations of misconduct at the organisation as completely incompatible with its own company values.

Mr Boyd said: “It is wholly inconceivable that REIDsteel can continue any association with the CBI following the latest, incredibly serious allegations.

“We have taken the decision to resign our company’s corporate membership and my personal position on its manufacturing council with immediate effect.

“The latest allegations are deeply concerning and completely at odds with our company’s values and culture where respect and inclusivity are absolutely paramount.”

REIDsteel previously said that it was reserving judgement about its CBI membership pending further developments.

Simon added: “Our thoughts are with those at the centre of the latest allegations, and anyone who has been negatively impacted in any way with failings at the organisation.

“Our thoughts are also with the many hardworking personnel at the CBI who do work with integrity as well as member businesses who do not tolerate misbehaviour or a culture that allows misbehaviour to happen.

“It must be emphasised that the overwhelming majority of businesses in this country are reputable and responsible companies, which make a huge contribution to the UK’s economy, tax receipts and prosperity.”

The latest allegations, reported in the Guardian, surround a second allegation of rape. It also revealed details of a case where a female employee was stalked by a male colleague.

The CBI represents 190,000 businesses. The government has suspended engagement with the group while the law firm Fox Williams conducts an investigation.

REIDsteel employs 130 people from its head office and factory in Christchurch, Dorset. It designs, engineers, makes and constructs all kinds of steel structures and buildings worldwide.

John Reid & Sons (Strucsteel) Ltd – trading as REIDsteel – was founded in 1919 by Colonel John Reid.

The firm remains owned by the Reid family and is based on a four-acre site in Christchurch.