The new director general of the CBI (www.news.cbi.org.uk) used her first day in the job to urge industry to grasp the “golden opportunity” for growth offered by devolution.

In her inaugural speech to CBI members, Carolyn Fairbairn said that she wants to see “prosperity for the whole country” and that growth outside London is “a defining issue for Britain.

One of the most exciting opportunities for the UK over the next five years is to make the ideals behind the Northern Powerhouse and growth beyond London a reality, while at the same time supporting the capital to reach new levels of success as one of the world’s truly great cities.

“The CBI’s role will be to bring a strong business voice to the devolution settlements and then work with the UK’s nations and regions to build momentum for change and growth.

“Above all, I would like the CBI — and my leadership of it — to be judged on our achievements in making a positive impact on productivity, growth and future prosperity across the whole of the UK.”

The CBI’s 11th director general also welcomed Prime Minister David Cameron’s proposed reforms of the European Union: “Most of our members want to be in a reformed EU because of the benefits of the single market, and the CBI is clear on what those reforms are: developing the single market, more trade deals, less and better regulation, and ensuring that the integrity of non-euro-zone countries such as the UK is protected.”

Ms Fairbairn has more than 25 years of experience in industry and holds a number of non-executive positions at organisations that include Vitec, Lloyds Banking Group, the Competition and Markets Authority and the UK Statistics Authority.

As Director of Strategy and Distribution at the BBC, she created and launched the Freeview service. She replaces John Cridland.