The Princess of Wales sets up business taskforce for Early Childhood

The Princess of Wales has launched a new business taskforce in support of the early years.

The Business Taskforce for Early Childhood is an initiative that will be run by businesses for businesses to help them affect long-term change in the field.

Kensington Palace shared the news ahead of an engagement Catherine will attend on Tuesday, noting the “key role of the business community in both the growth of our economy and in shaping our society, as well as the clear interest in developing a strong future workforce, this is an opportunity to come together to affect long-term change.”

Eight businesses will meet for an inaugural meeting at the NatWest headquarters in London, and they include NatWest Group, Unilever, Aviva, Deloitte, IKEA UK and Ireland, Co-op, The LEGO Group and Iceland.

“We all have a role to play in building a supportive and nurturing world around children and those who care for them, and it is fantastic to see business leaders placing the subject of early childhood at the heart of their organisations,” said Amanda Berry, chief executive the Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales, in a statement.

“Businesses play a key role within society and with their huge reach to their employees, consumer and the wider community, their involvement can have a transformative impact on the health and happiness of generations to come.”

The Business Taskforce is Catherine’s second major programme this year for the Royal Foundation’s Centre for Early Childhood.

NatWest Group’s chief executive, Dame Alison Rose, said: “I am delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Wales, and leaders from a wide range of sectors to our headquarters for the inaugural meeting of the Business Taskforce for Early Childhood. This is a critical issue for the future growth and success of our businesses, our economy and our society.”

Catherine launched Shaping Us earlier this winter to highlight early childhood’s societal and pivotal role in our lives, trying to get everyday people to focus on its importance.