Category: Press Releases

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 1 July 2025.

• Government launches a full review of parental leave and pay to better support working families and help children get the best start in life
• Review will look at all types of leave – including maternity, paternity and shared parental leave – to make the system fairer and easier to use
• Part of the Plan to Make Work Pay – boosting growth, improving living standards for working families and ensuring working parents feel supported during this life-changing time

Millions of families could benefit from a better start for their children as the government launches a major review of the parental leave and pay system – the first of its kind in Britain.

As part of the Government’s Plan for Change, this review will look at how to modernise parental leave to support today’s families and help grow the economy.

The review will look at the whole system – from maternity and paternity leave to shared parental leave – to see how it can work better for parents and employers.

Right now, the system is complicated and doesn’t always give families the support they need. One in three dads don’t take paternity leave because they can’t afford to, and take-up of shared parental leave remains very low.

This is a unique moment in family life – the arrival of a child is joyful, but also physically and emotionally demanding. It’s a time when new mothers need rest and recovery, and when both parents need space to bond with their baby and adjust to a new way of life.

That’s why it’s so important that fathers and partners are able to be present – not just to support their partner’s recovery, but to play an active role in caring for their child from day one.

Research shows that better parental leave can help close the gender pay gap and boost the economy by billions of pounds.

The review will gather views from parents, employers and experts across the country and will end with a roadmap for possible reforms.

This delivers on a key pledge in the Plan to Make Work Pay and supports two of the government’s core missions – growing the economy and breaking down barriers to opportunity.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:

“Those early years are the most special time for families, but too many struggle to balance their work and home lives.

“Supporting working parents isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s vital for our economy.

“Through our Plan to Make Work Pay, we’re already improving the parental leave system with new day 1 rights. This ambitious review will leave no stone unturned as we deliver for working families.”

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

“The arrival of a child, whether through birth or adoption, is a life-changing moment. We want to make sure parents get the support they need to balance work and family life.

“Campaigners have long called for change, and this Government has listened. This review is our chance to reset the system and build something that works for modern families and businesses.”

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said:

“Every parent should have the chance to spend time with their children during those precious early years.

“This review delivers on our Plan for Change to support families and give children the best start in life.

“By listening to parents and employers across the country, we’ll build a system that works for today’s working families.”

Jane van Zyl, CEO at Working Families:

“We’re pleased to see the Government take this important step forward and welcome the Terms of Reference set out in the parental leave review. It’s encouraging that several of the key asks in our open letter, signed by 22 leading organisations and 16 academics, have been taken on board, particularly the commitment to deliver a comprehensive review, which considers statutory pay levels and will consult the public.

“Backing up the Government’s findings, our own research shows the current system is falling short, with one in five fathers having no access to parental leave at all, and many others unable to take what they’re entitled to due to financial pressures. This review is a vital opportunity to build a parental leave system that supports the needs of families today.”

George Gabriel, co-founder of The Dad Shift:

“The Government’s review of parental leave is the best chance in a generation to improve the system and make sure it actually works for working families.

“When the last Labour government introduced paternity leave it was groundbreaking. But that offer, unchanged since, is now the least generous in Europe. Our broken parental leave has been overlooked for years, and finally sorting it out would be good not only for parents and children but for businesses too. The tens of thousands of mums, dads and future parents that make up our campaign are delighted the Government is delivering its promised review, and ambitious for the change to come.”

Rachel Grocott, CEO of Pregnant then Screwed:

“It is great to see this long overdue review of the parental leave system. It’s time for the voices of mums, dads, parents and carers everywhere to be heard.

“After 6 weeks mothers are forced to survive maternity leave on 44% less than the National Minimum Wage, and dads are forced to suck up the same benefits for their 2 weeks. Yet we know improving parental leave helps children get the best start in life, as well as being better for parents’ heath and equality at home, and closing gender pay and participation gaps in the workplace too. Investing in parental leave will pay back above and beyond, to the bottom line and to society: it really is a no-brainer.”

The press release issued by the Department of Business and Trade on 1 July 2025.

Government publishes the Employment Rights Bill Implementation Roadmap, setting out timelines for measures in the Bill coming into effect.

• Comprehensive roadmap for Employment Rights Bill to raise living standards across the country whilst giving employers and workers the time to adapt.
• Sets out timelines for new landmark rights with 15 million, or half of all, workers set to start benefitting from later this year.
• Government will continue to consult with employers, workers and trade unions to ensure the best deal for growth and boosting living standards in line with the Plan for Change.

The Government has today (Tuesday 1 July) unveiled its comprehensive roadmap setting out how it will deliver its new package of workers’ rights through the plan to Make Work Pay.

Landmark changes delivered through the Employment Rights Bill including sick pay for up to 1.3 million of the lowest earners and day one rights to parental and paternity leave will be introduced for the first time from early next year, demonstrating the government’s determination to boost living standards and protections for millions, whilst giving employers the certainty they need to plan for future changes.

It also announces that the new Fair Work Agency will launch from early next year, creating a level-playing field so rogue employers cannot undercut good businesses who comply with the law.

Informed by more than 190 pieces of engagement with businesses and other crucial stakeholders over the last 12 months, a phased approach was taken to give workers clarity and employers time to prepare. Key measures in the Bill will come into effect in 2026 and 2027, whilst further consultations are planned from this year into next.

The reforms are a key part of the Government’s Plan for Change – the mission to make the country fit for the future by kick-starting economic growth and boosting productivity.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: 

We’re working fast to deliver our promise of better living standards and more money in the pockets of working people as part of our Plan for Change.

These landmark reforms will kick in within months, demonstrating our commitment to making work pay for millions of workers across the country and delivering real change.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

The Employment Rights Bill is a core part of the Plan for Change, directly benefiting half of all workers and boosting living standards across the country.

Since the beginning, we have been working with businesses big and small to ensure this Bill works for them, and this roadmap will now give them the clarity and certainty they need to plan, invest and grow.

 By phasing implementation, our collaborative approach balances meaningful worker protections with the practical realities of running a successful business, creating more productive workplaces where both employees and employers can thrive.

Whether you’re a worker, an employer in the public or private sector, a trade union, a representative organisation, or from civil society, a wide range of voices have helped shape this Bill.

Delivering change that works for everyone remains a priority, which is why the Government will continue to consult with business groups, employers, workers and trade unions in phases on the detail of the measures, beginning this summer and continuing into the new year.

The rollout of all measures will follow a structured timeline, so that stakeholders can plan their time and resources to make sure they are ready when the changes come into effect. Highlights of the roadmap include:

After the bill is passed:

• Immediate repeal of the strikes (minimum service levels) act 2023 and the majority of the trade union act 2016 to create a better relationship with unions that will prevent the need for strikes.
• Protections against dismissal for taking industrial action to ensure workers can defend their rights without fear of losing their jobs.

April 2026:

• Collective redundancy protective award – doubling the maximum period of the protective award to provide stronger financial security for workers facing mass redundancies.
• ‘Day one’ paternity leave and unpaid parental leave to support working families from the very start of employment.
• Whistleblowing protections to encourage reporting of wrongdoing without fear of retaliation.
• Fair work agency established to enforce labour rights and promote fairness in the workplace.
• Statutory sick pay – removing the lower earnings limit and waiting period
• A package of trade union measures including simplifying trade union recognition process and electronic and workplace balloting to strengthen democracy and participation in the workplace.

October 2026:

• Ending unscrupulous fire and rehire practices to protect workers from being forced into worse terms under threat of dismissal.
• Regulations to establish the fair pay agreement adult social care negotiating body in England to raise standards and pay in the social care sector.
• Tightening tipping law – strengthen the law on tipping by mandating consultation with workers to ensure fairer tip allocation.
• Requiring employers to take “all reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment of their employees to create safer, more respectful workplaces.
• Introducing an obligation on employers not to permit the harassment of their employees by third parties to extend protections to all work environments, including public-facing roles.
• A package of trade union measures including new rights and protections for trade union representatives, extending protections against detriments for taking industrial action and strengthening trade unions’ right of access.

2027:

• Gender pay gap and menopause action plans (introduced on a voluntary basis in April 2026) to promote gender equality and support women’s health in the workplace.
• Enhanced dismissal protections for pregnant women and new mothers to safeguard job security during pregnancy, maternity leave and a return-to-work period.
• Further harassment protections, specifying reasonable steps which will help determine whether an employer has taken all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment to provide clearer guidance and stronger enforcement against harassment.
• Creating a modern framework for industrial relations to build a fairer, more collaborative approach to workplace relations.
• Bereavement leave to give workers time to grieve with job security.
• Ending the exploitative use of zero hours contracts to provide workers with stable hours and predictable income.
• ‘Day 1’ right to protection from unfair dismissal to ensure all workers are treated fairly from the start of employment.
• Improving access to flexible working to help people balance work with family, health, and other responsibilities.

To ensure employers and workers are in the best possible position when these measures come into effect, the Government will produce clear and comprehensive guidance to help organisations navigate the changes. This guidance will be made available in advance of implementation deadlines to allow time for familiarisation and preparation.

The Government will also work closely with Acas which will play a crucial role in both implementation of the new measures and continuing to provide support to employers and workers moving forward.

By taking a phased and measured approach to implementation, the Government aims to create lasting positive change to employment rights in the UK that works for both workers and businesses.

Peter Cheese, chief executive of the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, commented:

We asked for a clear plan from the government, so we’re pleased to see this roadmap launched today, which will give employers some more clarity to prepare for the biggest set of workplace reforms in decades.

We’re pleased to see that the measures are being phased in gradually over many months. This will give more time for further consultation on key points of detail, and organisations more time to update their policies and practices.

It’s positive to see the recognition of the critical role for Acas in supporting employers to comply with the new measures. We will work with the government to help provide the guidance the HR profession and managers need to implement the upcoming changes. Small businesses in particular will need clear advice and guidance to help them comply.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said:

After the failed era of insecure work and squeezed living standards, the Employment Rights Bill is badly needed. Banning exploitative zero hours contracts, giving workers a stronger voice and ending fire and rehire are all common-sense and popular reforms.

It’s welcome that workers will start to benefit from these long overdue changes from later this year – but this timetable must be a backstop. We need to see these new rights in action as soon as possible. Decent employers don’t need to wait for the law to change. They should be working with staff and unions right now to introduce these changes as quickly as possible.

It’s time to level up Britain’s workplaces and end the scourge of insecure work.

Co-op Group CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq said:

The Co-op is supportive of the Government’s ambitions to strengthen rights for workers through the Employment Rights Bill – as the world’s oldest and UK’s largest consumer co-operative, doing right by our 54,000 colleagues is core to our approach to doing good business.

We are convinced that treating employees well promotes productivity – it helps employers recruit, develop and retain the talent they need.  Working in partnership with Government we believe this Bill is a once in a generation opportunity to ensure all workers are treated fairly whoever their employer might be.

Neil Carberry, Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) Chief Executive, said:

This clear timeline on the Employment Rights Bill gives room for full and frank consultation on how the new rules will be structured. It also gives businesses important time to plan.

Now we have the roadmap, ongoing and meaningful engagement will be critical to ensuring new regulations allow the flexibility workers and companies value to remain. That’s what gives workers freedom and choice, and helps businesses adjust in changeable markets. A clear process which addresses reasonable business concerns about the new rules is essential.

The Bill is a real opportunity to update workplace protections in a way that reflects how people work today, but getting the balance right will be crucial to supporting the government’s growth ambitions.

Acas Chief Executive Niall Mackenzie said:

We welcome the publication of the Employment Relations Bill Roadmap, giving clarity to employers and workers on the timescale for these important changes to employment law. At Acas, we know that good workplace relations is at the heart of resilient, successful organisations and good business. It is encouraging to see the government place employment relations at the heart of its plan to grow the economy.

Acas will continue to work with the Department for Business and Trade, employers, trades unions and others to support employers and workers. We are proud to be the go-to organisation to help navigate changes to workplace relations through our expert Codes, guidance and freely available advice.

Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said:

Clear and precise timelines on when aspects of this legislation, and the processes to deliver them, will come into force is essential, and it was important that the Government embark on providing clarity.

There are substantial changes for businesses in the Employment Rights Bill and it’s right that the Government is using the appropriate implementation periods for the most complex issues for hospitality, in order to get the details right for both businesses and workers.

Prospect General Secretary Mike Clancy said:

With such an important and technical piece of legislation, there is always a balance to be struck between speed and precision, and this sensible timetable ensures that there is sufficient time to make sure the legislation is robust and works as intended.

The Bill rightly involves a significant rebalancing of workplace power in favour of employees, and this must lead to improved industrial relations based on constructive working between unions and employers.

Ultimately, the big change we need in the labour market is an increase in trade union membership and density in the private sector, and it is welcome that next year will see the lifting of many of the restrictions that have constrained the growth of unions and our ability to represent workers across the economy.

Community Assistant General Secretary Alasdair McDiarmid said:

It’s great that we now have a comprehensive roadmap in place for the Employment Rights Bill.

The government has engaged diligently with unions and businesses during the development of the bill, and we are proud to have played a role in shaping what we believe will be a transformative piece of legislation for working people across the UK.

We will continue to work closely with the Department for Business and Trade to ensure that the bill is successful, and we would encourage other stakeholders to do the same.

Gary Smith, GMB General Secretary, said:

It is good to see that this Government is matching words with action on trade union rights. There’s always more that can be done, but the Employment Rights Bill represents the biggest improvement in workers’ rights for a generation.

GMB members now know when these much-needed improvements will happen – we urge good employers not to wait; do the right thing and make these changes a reality today.

Notes to editors: 

• Full details of the implementation roadmap are available here: Implementing the Employment Rights Bill – GOV.UK
• Employment Rights Bill to be implemented in phases, giving employers the time and certainty they need to adapt.
• Roadmap outlines timelines for delivery, ranging from soon after the Bill is passed to April 2026, October 2026 and 2027.
• Government will continue to consult with employers, workers and trade unions to ensure the best deal for growth and boosting living standards in line with the Plan for Change.
• The 15 million workers figure is based on analysis of the Labour Force Survey (October to December 2024) to avoid double counting, and includes workers that will benefit from Unfair Dismissal, Zero Hour Contracts, Statutory Sick Pay, Trade Union changes and Fair Pay Agreements.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 25 June 2025.

The strategy will make the UK the most connected nation in the world while protecting vital industries from global threats and backing businesses to thrive.

New Trade Strategy to protect and boost British business

• Trade Strategy sets out how UK will unlock £5 billion for businesses and expand UKEF capacity to £80 billion, delivering growth as part of the Plan for Change
• Trade defence toughened up with new and improved tools to better protect our vital industries from global threats
• UK sets its sights on quicker deals that firms can benefit from sooner, with a strong focus on services and high growth sectors

British Businesses will be given greater access to global markets more quickly as the UK tomorrow [Thursday 26 June] publishes its first Trade Strategy since leaving the EU.

The Strategy will make the UK the most connected nation in the world and secure billions worth of opportunities for businesses, helping deliver the economic growth needed to put money in people’s pockets, strengthen local economies, create jobs, and raise living standards.

It takes a more agile and targeted approach than the previous government’s, focusing on quicker, more practical deals that deliver faster benefits to UK businesses. It strengthens trade defences, expands export finance – especially for smaller firms – and aligns trade policy with national priorities like green growth and services. It’s a smarter, more responsive plan for a changing global economy.

The Trade Strategy:

• Unlocks billions of pounds worth of opportunities for UK exporters through the new Ricardo Fund, which will tackle complex regulatory issues, shape global standards, and remove obstacles for UK businesses selling abroad.
• Expands UK Export Finance (UKEF)’s capacity by £20 billion to a total of £80 billion, announces a new Small Export Builder to give smaller firms better access to export protection insurance, and introduces improvements to help overseas buyers finance repeat orders from trusted UK suppliers in a more streamlined way.
• Vows to bolster our trade defence toolkit and make our trade remedies system more agile, assertive, and accountable to guard British businesses against global turbulence and the growing threat of unfair trading practices.
• Targets more mutual recognition of qualifications to boost the UK’s status as a services superpower – the 2nd biggest exporter of services in the world.
• Builds on existing clean energy and green sector agreements with partners including Norway, Japan and South Korea and explores new, deeper cooperation with markets such as Brazil, the Philippines and Mexico.
• Announces the UK will join the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA), a temporary arbitration arrangement for resolving appeals to WTO trade disputes, demonstrating our commitment to an effective rules-based international trading system

The Trade Strategy comes amid a backdrop of turbulent economic waters, resurgent protectionism and unfair trading practices creating significant challenges for businesses and industries across the whole of the UK. Together with our modern Industrial Strategy – a plan to grow the UK’s growth-driving sectors – we are strengthening businesses at home and setting clear direction to ensure success abroad and create high-paid, secure jobs in every part of this country.

It follows three significant trade deals agreed last month with huge benefits for UK businesses, jobs and consumers. Not only does our deal with India add £4.8 billion to the economy and £2.2 billion to wages each year, its reduced and liberalised tariffs means more whisky and gin is likely to be sold to Indian consumers and British shoppers could see cheaper prices on things like clothes, footwear and food products.

Our landmark deal with the US, the only one they have agreed with any country, protects hundreds of thousands of British jobs from automotive workers in the West Midlands, to aeroplane builders in Wales, to steelmakers in Scunthorpe. It shows the government delivering on its promise to champion British businesses and put jobs and livelihoods first.

The EU agreement, meanwhile, cuts red tape and improves access to our biggest trading partner. It means Scottish salmon farmers can sell their fish more easily to the EU, Welsh sausages and lamb mince exports will no longer be blocked, and British pets can join their owners on holiday with less headache.

Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said:

What works for business, works for Britain. It means more jobs, more opportunities, and more money in people’s pockets.

That’s why I’ve backed British industry through global headwinds – securing major trade deals with the US, India and the EU that protect jobs and drive growth right across the country.

Today’s Trade Strategy is a promise to British business: helping firms sell more, grow faster, and compete globally. It’s about delivering growth as part of our Plan for Change—and making sure working people feel the benefits.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

The UK is an open trading nation but we must reconcile this with a new geopolitical reality and work in our own national interest

Our Trade Strategy will sharpen our trade defence so we can ensure British businesses are protected from harm, while also relentlessly pursuing every opportunity to sell to more markets under better terms than before.

Broad and complex trade deals like we secured with India will bring billions to our economy every year but to deliver the Plan for Change we will strike more agile, targeted deals that exploit the sectors which drive the most growth for our economy.

It comes as the government works in partnership with industry to shape future steel trade measures which will prevent cheap imports from undercutting UK businesses, following the expiry of the current UK steel safeguard measure in June 2026. Collaboration with steel producers, consumers and unions will help ensure the new phase of our trade defences continue to protect UK businesses and jobs, while providing a fair and competitive market.

UKEF measures included in the Strategy accompanies news this week that up to £13 billion of direct lending will be used to help boost exports across key industrial sectors, marking a £3 billion uplift in UKEF’s facility.

Trade Minister Douglas Alexander said:

This new hard-headed, data driven, and agile approach to trade policy is guided by our pragmatic patriotism. In this changed and challenging world, we will promote what we can and protect what we must to advance the UK’s national interest.

Through our Trade Strategy, we are supporting our businesses to expand and export with a wider range of trade tools that harness our high-growth industries of the future to deliver this government’s Plan for Change.

As we target these agreements, we will take every step necessary to safeguard British businesses from the increasingly protectionist mood in much of the world by sharpening our defensive toolkit.

To complement the Trade Strategy, we have also today published the Global Trade Outlook 2025 which explores the long-term trends that may shape the global economy and international trade in the coming decades.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General at the BCC, said:

The Trade Strategy sets out a clear, evidence-based approach to raising the UK’s export game. It rightly targets our strength in services, and vital high-growth goods sectors while identifying key markets in the Indo-Pacific, Americas and European neighbourhood.

A focus on sectoral and digital trade deals is also welcome, alongside a commitment to a functioning rules-based global trading system.

Place matters in trade. This strategy can generate economic growth in every nation and region of the UK, lowering tariffs and removing trade barriers. Our Chamber Network stands ready to build, invest and deliver on international trade as a partner of government and an engine for economic growth.

Rain Newton-Smith, CEO, CBI said:

Businesses are clear that positioning the UK as an outward looking nation is a show of strength in this increasingly fragmented world. Backing free trade is critical to facing the great global challenges and opportunities of our time.

The UK must be bold and ambitious to be a key player in the global race for growth. Today’s Strategy offers a dynamic vision which will help the UK to position itself as one of the world’s leading locations for investment and trade. Leaning into that openness, our international commitments, and partnerships with like-minded allies will be integral to our success.

We now need government and business to work together to turn this ambition into action and ensure that the UK seizes on the opportunities available within the global economy.

Ian Stuart, CEO of HSBC UK:

I welcome today’s announcement of the Trade Strategy. It provides a vital blueprint to ensure the UK’s continued role as a great trading nation and leading services exporter, with a focus on the sectors that will drive growth in the decades to come.

It also rightly recognises the challenges many exporters face at a time of heightened global uncertainty. This is a necessary first step in giving businesses the tools they need to thrive on the world stage. HSBC looks forward to supporting businesses to take advantage of the strategy and unlock the full benefits of international trade.

Jon Holt, Group Chief Executive and UK Senior Partner, KPMG, said:

Our professional and business services industry is an international success story with our expertise in demand around the world. As a high-growth sector, we have long called for a Trade Strategy that enables UK businesses to take advantage of new global opportunities and expand into emerging markets.

Today we have a clear plan. From removing barriers to overseas markets, to making it easier for our highly skilled people to travel and work across borders, this approach will strengthen our connectivity, boost inward investment and make sure our sector remains globally competitive.

The strategy’s success will depend on a strong partnership between business and Government.

Stephen Phipson CBE, CEO of Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation said:

Industry will welcome the Trade Strategy which, for the first time, aligns hard on the heels of the Industrial Strategy and is a perfect example of joined up thinking across Government which has long been missing.

In particular, as well as a focus on new markets, it will help optimise market access and signposting for companies, especially SMEs, to take advantage of current trade deals with a new focus on strategic economic partnerships with key trading partners.

At the same time, as well as helping boost exports, it will strengthen trade defences against the threat of dumping and support UK firms in reporting possible trade discrepancies to the Trade Remedies Authority.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:

UK Automotive is a trade powerhouse, generating imports and exports worth £108 billion a year and typically Britain’s biggest exporter of manufactured goods. Free and fair trade is fundamental to our success and recent agreements with India, the US and, particularly, the EU signal that intention.

Today’s trade strategy, aligned to the industrial strategy announced earlier this week, provides confidence to help our sector navigate the many headwinds we face and sets a foundation for future success.

Balanced trading relationships that break down tariffs and regulatory barriers to trade will enable automotive companies to grow and get great British products into the hands of consumers all over the world, boosting jobs, business and prosperity at home.

Heathrow’s Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, Nigel Milton, said:

We welcome this Trade Strategy, which is set to provide greater support for exporters and champion the importance of free trade.

As the UK’s hub airport and largest port by value, we know firsthand how trade can serve as a powerful engine for economic growth.

With our unrivalled access to global markets Heathrow is the UK’s gateway to growth and we stand ready to support the Government and exporters from across the country with the rollout of the new strategy.

Paul Nowak, TUC General Secretary, said:

This is an important step forward to a trade agenda with workers’ rights and good jobs at its heart.

It’s right that the government is focusing on removing barriers to trade with our largest trading partner – the EU – on which thousands of quality jobs depend, and it’s vital that the government continues to show ambition in its trading reset with the bloc.

Standing up for good jobs in sectors such as steel is essential and hugely welcome, especially with global trade wars leading to countries undercutting British products with cheaper foreign imports.

The government has set out a path towards a values-based approach to trade, which supports international labour standards and human rights globally. We look forward to seeing the full detail and working with them to deliver this.

John Pattinson, Founder and Managing Director of Air Covers Ltd, and a DBT Export Champion, said:

The UK Government plays a vital role in enabling and accelerating the journey to export – a critical driver of economic growth. At Air Covers, we have benefited greatly from our close partnership with DBT Wales.

The support we’ve received from DBT Wales, as well as from UK embassies and High Commissions around the world, has been instrumental to our expansion and success in international markets.

We believe that the UK Government’s Trade Strategy will open new opportunities for growth, both in established regions and emerging markets. For UK exporters, free trade agreements and the simplification of cross-border regulations are essential to unlocking global potential and maintaining a competitive edge.

Julian David, CEO of techUK, said:

TechUK welcomes the launch of this trade strategy as a landmark moment. For the first time, we have a coherent, long-term plan that reflects the realities of current geopolitics and the UK’s unique strengths – particularly in services and high-growth, innovation-driven sectors like ours.

It’s especially encouraging to see government pulling together the full suite of tools at its disposal – from digital trade agreements to commercial diplomacy and meaningful trade defence instruments. We look forward to working closely with government to turn this vision into impact and ensure the UK remains a leader in the global digital economy.

Marco Forgione, Director General of the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, said:

Today’s new Trade Strategy is a welcome step forward that reflects many of the priorities we’ve been championing on behalf of our members, especially SMEs, who need targeted, accessible support to grow internationally.

From the Small Exports Builder to enhanced UK Export Finance, these are practical tools designed to reduce friction and unlock potential for thousands of firms across the UK.

We’ve worked closely with government to feed in the real-world experiences of our members, and it’s encouraging to see those insights reflected in today’s announcement.

Launched alongside the Industrial Strategy, this sets a more joined-up direction for trade and growth. Now the focus must be on delivery, and we stand ready to help make it happen.

Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, said:

Small firms know exporting is good for growth, so it’s good to see a clear strategy on trade. We welcome the government’s commitment to creating better digital tools, less red tape and putting stronger focus on practical support beyond just trade deals.

We also need to see more money and new funding programmes for SMEs wanting to trade internationally, as well as more bespoke support for the smallest firms, who do not qualify for one-to-one help.

Small firms have been bogged down by unnecessary rules and costs for far too long, and today’s strategy is the first step to creating a better environment for exporters and importers.

Notes to editor

• Department for Business and Trade (DBT) analysis of UNCTAD (2025) Global import data 2013-2023, mapped to industry sectors using sector definitions from DBT (2023) Global trade outlook.
• The GTO will be published at 0001 Thursday 26 June here
• The Trade Strategy will be published 0915 Thursday 26 June here
• More information on the UK Steel Trade Measures Call for Evidence will be issued separately, embargoed until 22.30 Thursday 25 June.