Alpesh Paleja

Alpesh Paleja is the Deputy Chief Economist at the CBI, where he leads the teams monitoring and analysing the UK and global economies. A trusted voice on the business outlook, he is known for steering the delivery of the CBI’s flagship UK economic forecast and long-standing business surveys. His biggest achievement is producing economic commentary that influences business decisions and government policy, helping firms navigate challenges such as inflation, investment uncertainty and global shocks.

Alpesh began building his expertise after earning a BSc in Economics and an MSc in International Business Economics from City, University of London. He joined the CBI in 2008, initially focusing on the UK economy, emerging markets and policy-led economic analysis. These early roles gave him a strong foundation in data interpretation and a deep understanding of how macroeconomic forces affect businesses. His analytical approach and clear communication style saw him quickly rise through the organisation’s ranks, becoming a trusted source of insight for both internal and external stakeholders.

Over more than sixteen years at the CBI, Alpesh has held a series of senior roles, including Principal Economist, Lead Economist, and since June 2024, Deputy Chief Economist. He oversees the production of the CBI’s highly regarded economic surveys, which are frequently cited in national media, and leads the organisation’s influential UK economic forecast. Regularly quoted in outlets such as Reuters, City A.M. and The Times, he provides clarity on growth, inflation, business sentiment and monetary policy. Beyond his core role, Alpesh has contributed to the CBI’s wider mission by serving as a Defined Benefit Pensions Trustee and as Co-chair of the CBI’s BAME Network, championing diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Alpesh Paleja is a compelling choice for conferences, board briefings and private events because he translates complex economic data into practical insight. He speaks on the UK’s economic outlook, sector performance across manufacturing, services and distribution, global spillovers such as trade and tariffs, and what policy makers must do to unlock business confidence and capital spending. These topics are critical as companies face subdued demand, rising employment costs and regulatory pressures. Audiences leave with a clear understanding of what lies ahead and what levers they can pull to prepare.