Tag: Business and Trade Department

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 12 August 2026.

New projects to move UK science away from animal testing.

• £22 million push to ramp up UK’s move away from animal testing in science brings together cutting-edge tech and research. 
• New £20 million centre to grow miniature organs from human tissue – helping to deliver effective treatments for patients with more accurate testing. 
• Backing for nine projects worth £2 million, including beating heart cells in a dish, lab-grown human ear models, and AI predicting how drugs move through the body.

New projects to move UK science away from animal testing – vital to the safety and sustainability of our environment – will unlock new tests for products that can help products reach market more quickly and save lives. 

A dedicated national research hub and nine new high-tech projects will develop better ways to test medicines on human biology rather than animals. It means treatments for conditions like cancer and inflammatory bowel disease could be developed faster and more precisely – helping patients across the UK, while moving science away from traditional animal testing. 

The latest figures show there were 2.54 million animal testing procedures in Great Britain in 2025, down 3.8% on 2024. With a further update due to be released later this year, the UK is now moving to capitalise on that momentum. 

Announced by Science Minister Chris McDonald today (Wednesday 12th August), a new Pre-clinical Translational Models Hub, based in Cambridge and backed by £20 million in Government funding, will lead work to build and share models of human tissue – grown from NHS patients – to test new treatments.  

The new hub will accelerate the development of testing on ‘organoids’: tiny, simplified versions of a human gut, tumour or brain, using cells donated by patients. Because they retain crucial features of a patient’s own biology, they will help researchers learn how a real person may respond to a drug – providing additional insights that can complement information currently obtained from animals.  

Scientists in universities and drug companies will then be able to use these cutting-edge techniques in their own labs to work out which medicines are worth pursuing – slashing the time it takes to get potentially life-changing treatments to market.

Science Minister Chris McDonald said:

Today marks another significant step forward in the UK’s move away from animal testing in science and research.  

This is all about backing our world-leading researchers and innovators to improve lives, giving them the tools they need to deliver more effective treatments for horrendous diseases like cancer, while also preventing the need for animal testing wherever possible. 

It’s also a boost for our life sciences sector – with British firms using samples donated by real people and harnessing AI to predict how a medicine behaves – fuelling opportunities for new investment and new jobs, and ensuring Britain is better off.

Alongside the funding for the new Hub, Innovate UK is investing up to £2 million on nine cutting-edge projects aimed at identifying new methods of animal-free scientific testing. From beating heart cells in a dish to lab-grown human ear models and AI that predicts how medicines move through the body, many of the projects target the safety studies that still rely on dogs and monkeys. 

At CN Bio, the team is building tiny working versions of human organs that are small enough to fit on a microscope slide. These complex models allow researchers to better understand how a new drug moves through and interacts with the body – providing a new approach to pre-clinical research that previously relied solely on animal testing. 

Meanwhile, Vivosphere UK is building on their work growing tumour and liver models to develop human heart tissue in the lab, meaning they can spot dangerous side effects from treatments early. 

Promising early-stage projects like these are foundational to the UK’s life sciences sector, which generates around £147 billion in turnover and employs some 360,000 people. They have the potential to drive long-term transformative, life innovations for patients, and lead to growth and skilled jobs in every corner of the country.

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Professor Matthias Zilbauer, University of Cambridge, said:

Over the past decade, we’ve seen the enormous potential of patient-derived organoids and other New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to transform the way we develop new medicines.  

Because these miniature human tissues retain many of the unique biological characteristics of the individual patient, they allow us to understand disease more accurately and test potential treatments before they ever reach the clinic. This has the potential to bring more effective, personalised treatments to patients while reducing the time and cost of developing new medicines and our reliance on animal models.” 

Cynthia Bullock, Life Sciences Programme Director at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) said:

Through the combined expertise of Innovate UK and MRC, UKRI is accelerating the development and adoption of next generation human biology-based approaches that can improve drug discovery and development, helping bring more effective treatments to patients faster while reducing reliance on animal models.” 

Building on the UK’s world-class strengths in research and innovation, these investments are advancing scientific excellence, creating opportunity for global leadership, supporting innovative businesses, and strengthening collaboration across academia, industry and the NHS to deliver health and economic impact.” 

Catherine Vickers, Head of Innovation at NC3Rs, said:

We are delighted to be partnering with Innovate UK to deliver key commitments within the UK Alternatives Strategy, supporting the next generation of cardiovascular and pharmacokinetic assays and approaches. By accelerating the development, commercialisation and uptake of innovative human biology-based technologies, these projects will strengthen safety assessment in medicines development and replace the use of animals.

The press release issued by the Department for Business on 10 August 2026.

Britain’s automotive sector will benefit from almost £130 million of investment to ramp up new zero emission technologies, government has announced today.

• Investment will support over 1,800 high-value manufacturing jobs, delivering on the Prime Minister’s mission for good growth in every postcode.
• Almost £65m of government funding, matched by industry, will drive cutting-edge zero-emission projects, from self-driving cars to more affordable EVs.
• Modern Industrial Strategy is bringing business and science together to drive British innovation, boost reindustrialisation and cement the UK’s leading role in advanced manufacturing.

Britain’s automotive sector is set to benefit from nearly £130 million of investment to ramp up cutting-edge new zero emission vehicle technologies and support skilled jobs nationwide as the government focuses on delivering good growth in every postcode.

Delivered through the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, the funding will support over 1,800 jobs – and thousands more in the supply chain – across the UK, helping to put more money in people’s pockets and ensure Britain is better off.

Auto firms and key R&D partners have been awarded nearly £50 million in government funding that will help businesses build and produce the zero-emission vehicle technologies of the future at scale – helping to drive economic growth while simultaneously making EVs cheaper for consumers.

This latest funding is delivered through the DRIVE35 programme – the biggest government investment into the UK’s car industry of the post-war era, with £4 billion to 2035 speeding up the electrification of the automotive industry. This builds on the Government’s mission to reindustrialise every part of the UK, back British innovation and ensure companies are able to succeed and scale here at home.

Industry Minister Blair McDougall said:

Britain invented the modern motor industry and we’re determined to ensure the next generation of vehicles are designed and built here too.

This investment will secure skilled jobs, strengthen our manufacturing heartlands and help drive the reindustrialisation of Britain.

Through our Modern Industrial Strategy we’re backing working people and British businesses to deliver growth in every part of the country.

From Gateshead to Crewe, the Government is doubling down on its commitment to delivering growth in every region. With the North East and West Midlands serving as the UK’s powerhouse regions for automotive manufacturing, this funding will provide vital support to flagship companies such as Turntide Technologies and Bentley – helping to ensure the next generation of vehicles are designed, developed and built here in the UK.

This follows £100 million worth of DRIVE35 grant funding already being delivered to supply chain businesses in both of these regions, preparing them for the electric vehicle transition.

With the connected and automated mobility (CAM) industry expected to create tens of thousands of high-quality jobs and contribute around £66 billion to the economy by 2040, according to SMMT. 

The Government is injecting £17 million into a further nine successful CAM Pathfinder projects, paving the way for innovators to develop, test and scale cutting-edge transport technologies – reinforcing the UK’s position as a global leader in this growing industry.

Altogether this industry-matched funding totals nearly £130 million, showcasing the best of British innovation on the global stage and bolstering the UK’s advanced manufacturing sector.

Ian Constance, Chief Executive at the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK, said:

The projects announced today demonstrate the depth of innovation and engineering excellence that exists across the UK automotive sector. Through DRIVE35, we are supporting businesses to move promising technologies to commercial deployment and manufacturing at scale. 

This investment is about far more than individual projects. It is about strengthening the UK’s capability to design, develop and build the technologies that will define the vehicles of the future. By bringing together industry, government and academia, DRIVE35 is helping create the conditions for long-term growth, increasing investor confidence and reinforcing the UK’s position as one of the world’s leading destinations for automotive innovation.

Background:

• DRIVE35 is built to anchor future vehicle production, scale up battery manufacturing, grow the UK’s most innovative tech companies and onshore the supply chain capabilities that make British automotive genuinely resilient.
• It is designed to directly support over 50,000 direct jobs plus tens of thousands more in the supply chain, cut millions of tonnes of CO2 emissions and unlock billions in private investment by 2035. 
• The funding award from the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade is facilitated via the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) in partnership with Innovate UK. 
• The 2026/27 CAM Pathfinder Programme will fund nine new projects that show the breadth of the UK’s connected and automated mobility sector, from enabling technologies such as sensors, brake-by-wire systems and AI simulation to real-world deployment in public transport, passenger mobility, construction, airport operations and highways maintenance.
• Together, the projects will help build UK supply chain capability and move commercially scalable, safe automated mobility services closer to use across the economy.
• The APC collaborates with UK Government, the automotive industry, and academia to facilitate driving research and investment in zero-emission vehicle manufacturing. Established in 2013 and jointly funded by the DBIST and the automotive industry, the APC accelerates the technologies that support the transition to zero-emission vehicle manufacturing. 

The press release issued by the Department for Business on 10 August 2026.

The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade is pleased to announce that Alex Milward has been appointed His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for North America and His Majesty’s Consul General to New York. He will take up the position in August 2026.

Alex takes up the role at an important moment for the UK’s relationship with North America.

The UK and United States recently concluded an Economic Prosperity Deal, strengthening a trading relationship worth $437 billion (£332 billion). The UK is a leading investor in over 22 states nationwide, including New York, Texas and Florida. 

The UK’s accession to CPTPP is also creating new opportunities with Canada, building on a bilateral trading relationship worth C$62 billion (£34 billion) and supporting deeper collaboration in areas including AI, semiconductors, digital trade and advanced technologies.

Alex brings more than 30 years of experience across the private and public sectors, spanning digital, energy, defence, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing and professional services and more recently, as head of the UK’s Carbon Capture programme at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

He will be supported by Deputy Trade Commissioner Alan Gogbashian and Deputy Consul General Mel Lawrence.

Alex Milward said:

I am honoured to be appointed His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for North America and Consul General to New York. The United States and Canada are among the UK’s closest economic and cultural partners, and there is tremendous momentum in our relationships. From advancing the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal and major investment commitments, to deepening cooperation with Canada through CPTPP and our new Growth and Innovation Partnership, we are creating opportunities for businesses and investors across all three countries.

I look forward to building on these strong foundations, supporting UK companies to grow internationally and attracting investment that delivers jobs, innovation and prosperity across the UK.

Alex replaces Oliver Christian MVO, who has served as HM Trade Commissioner for North America since April 2025.

Oliver Christian MVO said:

It has been a privilege to serve as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for North America at a defining period for the UK’s relationship with the United States and Canada. In just the past year, we have strengthened our economic ties across the continent, supported the conclusion of the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal, advanced record levels of trade and investment, and helped deliver landmark moments in the bilateral relationship, including President Trump’s State Visit to the United Kingdom and Their Majesties’ recent visit to the United States.

These achievements reflect the strength of our partnerships and the outstanding work of teams and dedicated public servants across government and our network in North America.

Role of the HM Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for North America

The HM Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for North America cooperates closely with the wider diplomatic network and other colleagues to coordinate the government effort overseas to promote UK trade and prosperity.

The Trade Commissioner has full responsibility for all Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade work in the United States of America and Canada, including:

· Growing the overall trade and investment relationship

· Improving market access for British companies, including small and medium sized businesses (SMEs)

· Developing trade policy

· Connecting emerging UK sectors, from foundational research through to scaling-up innovative firms, with North American markets and investment opportunities

The HMTC also works closely with the wider diplomatic network and UK based colleagues to coordinate HMG activity on our wider prosperity agenda.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 31 July 2026.

Gemma Stevenson has been appointed as HMTC for the Middle East and Pakistan and His Majesty’s Consul General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade is delighted to announce that Gemma Stevenson has been appointed His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for the Middle East and Pakistan, and His Majesty’s Consul General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, and will take up the role in September 2026.

Prior to this role, Gemma was Director in the Department for Business and Trade covering the UK’s Strategy for Small and Medium Enterprises. She previously held senior civil service roles focusing on the UK’s commercial relationship with the Indo-Pacific, and economic and investment security.

Before joining the civil service, Gemma spent a decade in South Asia where she was an adviser to the Indian and Afghan governments on trade and commerce issues, and Director to the Centre for Economic Research in Pakistan. She has acted as a consultant for private sector clients in the UK from the professional services, transport and consumer goods sectors.

Gemma holds a degree in Modern History and Modern Languages from the University of Oxford and a Masters in Economic Public Policy from Princeton University.

Gemma takes up the role at an exciting time, with the UK having successfully concluded a milestone free trade agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), comprising the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This is a major win for the UK and the Gulf and is the latest step in our mission to grow the economy through high-quality trade deals that deliver real benefits for people across the UK.

Gemma Stevenson said:

Our work on trade and investment is more than the exchange of goods and services and capital flows. It is about shared ambition, trust and relationships that deliver innovation and growth. I look forward to working with government and private sector partners across the Middle East and Pakistan to realise these opportunities.

Gemma replaces Sarah Mooney, who has covered the role on an interim basis since early 2025.

Sarah Mooney commented:

It has been a privilege to lead DBT in the Middle East and Pakistan in support of the government’s growth mission. Across every market, I have seen for myself the opportunities for UK business, as well as a genuine appetite from countries in the region to deepen their partnership with the UK towards shared economic growth.

Role of the HM Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Middle East and Pakistan

The HM Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for the Middle East and Pakistan cooperates closely with the wider diplomatic network and other colleagues to coordinate the government effort overseas to promote UK trade and prosperity.

The HMTC has full responsibility for all Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) work in the Middle East and Pakistan including:

• growing the overall trade and investment relationship
• improving market access for British companies, including small and medium sized businesses (SMEs)
• developing trade policy

The HMTC works closely with UK-based government colleagues, UK ambassadors and the wider diplomatic network in the region to deliver these goals.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 24 July 2026.

As a result of engagement led by the UK Government, distilleries and whisky drinkers on both sides of the Atlantic will be raising a glass to celebrate a landmark day for the beloved product as US tariffs are lifted.

From today [24 July], whisky from the UK will now have zero tariffs following the agreement that was reached during His Majesty The King’s visit in April.

Whisky distilleries across the country are set to benefit from the deal we secured from boosted trading with what is the largest market by value – in 2025, whisky exports to the US alone were worth £1 billion, almost 20% of all whisky exported from the UK.

To mark the long-awaited milestone, Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander visited Pernod Ricard’s Strathclyde Distillery in the heart of Glasgow.

Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander said:

This is a day of celebration for Scotland’s whisky industry. The removal of tariffs by the US is a significant measure that will open up opportunities for growth and prominence for this already beloved Scottish product in US towns and cities.

The action taken by President Trump demonstrates the partnership our two countries have and the close working in trade that supports economic growth both here in the UK and in the United States.

This is the second action this month which has opened up the world even more to our whisky exports, with the India Free Trade Agreement, which came into force earlier in July, seeing tariffs reduced from 150% to 40% over the next ten years.

Businesses have also benefitted from recent deals with China, the Gulf Co-operation Council, the EU, and the US, as the UK Government delivers for Scotland and continues to use the strength and reach of the UK to support economic growth in Scotland.

I join all those raising a dram today for the efforts to reach this point and look forward to seeing our whisky industry flourish.

The whisky industry supports 41,000 jobs in Scotland and a further 25,000 jobs across the UK, according to the Scotch Whisky Association. 

The removal of tariffs by the US is the latest big win for the industry this month, with the India FTA coming into force and reducing whisky tariffs from 150% to 75% immediately, then to 40% over ten years.

Nodjame Fouad, CEO of Pernod Ricard’s Aged Spirits and Champagne division, said: 

We were delighted to welcome Secretary of State Douglas Alexander to the Strathclyde Distillery, to showcase our innovative energy efficiency technology and thank the UK Government for securing reduced tariffs with India and the US.

Popular blended Scotch whiskies exported overseas, such as Ballantine’s and Chivas Regal, use grain whisky distilled at Strathclyde in the very heart of Glasgow. Trade deals can be explained in millions of dollars – but it’s when you visit a working distillery like this that you can see how improved market access can help secure economic growth in Scotland and across the UK at large.

Ian Duddy, International Director at the Scotch Whisky Association, said: 

The return of tariff-free trade for Scotch Whisky in the US is welcome news for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. As Scotch Whisky’s most valuable global market, worth £933 million in 2025, the removal of tariffs provides greater confidence to invest, grow exports, and support jobs and communities across Scotland and the US. From Kentucky to Speyside, this will not only benefit the Scotch and US whisky sectors, but our wider supply chains of cooperages, farmers, hospitality and retail.

This outcome is testament to the strength of the enduring relationship between the UK and the US. On behalf of the Scotch Whisky industry, we are grateful to everyone who worked to make this happen, including His Majesty The King during his recent State Visit. We look forward to building on this positive momentum and working with partners on both sides of the Atlantic to ensure Scotch Whisky continues to thrive.

Despite a new round of global tariffs announced by the US today, our landmark Economic Prosperity Deal remains in place, and we see an improvement to our trading terms with zero tariffs on both whisky and medical technology.  

The changes to whisky tariff arrangements with the US is the latest in a series of deals the UK Government has achieved to support businesses and economic growth. Alongside the India Free Trade Agreement, deals with the Gulf Co-operation Council and the European Union have all shown the importance of working with global partners to grow the UK’s economy and trade partnerships.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 22 July 2026.

• New Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds sets out government’s ambition to harness innovation and drive good growth in every part of the UK.
• Reynolds at Farnborough International Airshow to set out stall to go further and faster for growth by commercialising science and innovation to deliver for every postcode.
• Announcement comes as government unveils £600m package to back British aerospace innovation, including research & development support and new supply chain fund.

The new Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will today (22 July) set out the Government’s ambition to harness the potential of science and innovation to power good growth in every corner of the country.

In just the third day of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s new government, the Secretary of State is visiting the Farnborough International Airshow to set out government’s stall on bringing British business, innovation and science together to deliver for every postcode.

It comes as the new Government unveils a £600 million package of support for the UK aerospace industry at the Airshow, including over £500 million for cutting-edge aerospace research and technology projects to pioneer greener air travel, and a new £100 million Aerospace Supply Chain Fund to help ambitious suppliers scale up and meet the demand in a fast-growing and important industry.

The new support forms part of the Prime Minister’s pledge to reindustrialise Britian and will help businesses in every part of the country develop cutting-edge new aerospace technologies, supporting innovation, attracting investment and securing high-skilled jobs in high-tech roles, 90 percent of which are outside London and the South East.

Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

This government is laser-focused on bringing good growth to every corner of the country, and we’re wasting no time getting on with the job.

Aerospace is one of Britain’s great industrial success stories. Partnerships like this show the power of bringing business and innovation together to harness our strong manufacturing base and cutting-edge research to support skilled jobs right across the UK.

Alongside today’s investment in pioneering research and development, the Government and British Business Bank have announced plans for a new £100 million Aerospace Supply Chain Fund, working with industry partners including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, GKN Aerospace, Safran and the trade body ADS.

The proposed fund will help ambitious UK aerospace suppliers access the growth capital they need to expand, invest in productivity and workforce capability, and compete for new opportunities in a growing global market. By strengthening British manufacturing capability, it will support businesses to scale and create high-quality jobs across the country.

The aerospace research and technology projects announced today will pioneer a wide range of technologies, from advanced aircraft wings and future engine systems to hydrogen-powered flight, digital engineering and advanced manufacturing.

Examples include Airbus-led projects developing next-generation wing technologies and manufacturing processes, Rolls-Royce projects building on its world-leading UltraFan engine programme – working in partnership with government to prepare for Rolls-Royce to seize the opportunity of the narrowbody market – and companies including ZeroAvia and Safran advancing hydrogen and electric propulsion and more efficient aircraft systems.

Together, the projects will help strengthen the UK’s position as a global aerospace leader, support the transition to greener aviation and turn world-class British innovation into investment, jobs and long-term economic growth.

Gary Elliott, CEO, Aerospace Technology Institute said:

The UK aerospace sector’s world-class innovation and manufacturing capability is being showcased at Farnborough this week. Today’s announcement reflects our commitment to keeping the UK at the forefront of aerospace technology, driving jobs, growth and competitiveness as we work to double the sector’s market value by 2035.

These projects add to a balanced portfolio of investments that cement UK leadership in designing the future of flight.

The Government has also signed a partnership with Embraer to deepen cooperation on aerospace innovation, research and development, and supply chain opportunities.

The Memorandum of Understanding will help identify new opportunities for UK businesses within Embraer’s global supply chain, strengthen links between the UK and one of the world’s leading aerospace companies, and create new opportunities for British firms to grow and compete internationally.

The Aerospace Growth Partnership (AGP) is also publishing its latest strategy update at Farnborough, setting out a shared government and industry plan for the UK aerospace sector through to 2030.

The report reinforces a joint ambition to double the UK’s share of the global aerospace market by 2035 and position the sector for up to fourfold growth by 2050, while supporting the transition to net zero aviation through investment in innovation, skills and a stronger supply chain.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 30 June 2026.

UK targets services exports in China trade talks.

• Cooperation with China to increase exports already showing results as iconic British brands like Barclays and Formula E expanding in the Chinese market 
• 200 UK and Chinese businesses to meet and deepen trade ties 
• New ‘Trade Booster’ will increase routes for UK SMEs to export to China 

UK exporters are set for a major boost as the country welcomes a delegation of Chinese business leaders to open new markets and deepen commercial ties.  

Government and business leaders from both nations will come together to strengthen ties and increase growth as UK Trade Secretary Peter Kyle and China’s Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao chair the 15th UK–China Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO) tomorrow (July 2), at Mansion House. 

Building on the success of the Prime Minister’s visit to China earlier this year, the JETCO will support UK firms in high-value sectors from life sciences to professional and business services to increase trade with China.  

The UK will continue to engage with China where there are clear opportunities to co-operate and increase trade and investment ties, whilst continuing to challenge where needed to protect the UK’s national security.  

Despite the UK being the second-largest exporter of services in the world, China ranks as our 9th largest service export destination, showing the massive untapped potential for our world-leading service sector. 

Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said:  

The UK is a services superpower, and I want us to turbocharge our services exports and get more British engineers, architects, and accountants exporting their skills to China. 

We need to be even more ambitious to promote secure and resilient growth for the next generation amidst a backdrop of global uncertainty.

Ahead of the JETCO, around 200 UK and Chinese businesses representing some of the most innovative brands in the world will showcase the strong appetite for deeper commercial links as part of a landmark new Export to China event. Ranging from Brompton Bikes and HSBC to Clifford Chance  on the UK side and big Chinese names JD.com and ICBC.   

New commercial wins between both countries have also been delivered including:  

• Formula E increasing commercial partnerships in China
• Barclays’ Panda Bond issuances mark the first entry by a UK-incorporated bank into China’s domestic bond market. 
• The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) working with the Chinese government to advance the mutual recognition of its qualifications.   
• The Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS) are partnering with multiple healthcare institutions in China to boost surgical, educational, and training standards. 
• Life Sciences and textile company Intelligent Fabric Technologies establishing operations in Hong Kong and Shanghai to commercialise its patented DreamSkin technology in clothing for sensitive and ageing skin. 

The visit also marks the launch of “Trade Booster”, an initiative led by the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC), HSBC, ICBC and JD.com to help UK businesses expand exports to China by providing practical and targeted support to succeed in the world’s second-largest consumer market. 

There are vast opportunities for UK goods exporters in China and this booster gives SMEs a new mechanism to scale up. 

Meanwhile, the UK-China Professional and Business Services Matchmaking platform has been established to connect major Chinese companies to leading UK services companies to support them in raising capital and investing overseas. 

Stuart Tait, Head of Commercial Banking, HSBC UK said:  

UK exporters are a vital engine of growth, jobs and innovation. Today’s announcement is a welcome step, building on the Prime Minister’s visit to China in January, to help more businesses take their products and services to customers in new markets.  

HSBC UK is pleased therefore to partner with the UK-to-China Export Booster, helping more businesses to trade with the world’s second-largest economy. We are committed to supporting ongoing work to strengthen services trade, which will bring significant opportunities to both economies.

Will Butler-Adams FREng, OBE, CEO of Brompton Bikes said: 

Brompton has been exporting to China for nearly twenty years, beginning with a small team but a big belief that Brompton was relevant to cities across China and that we could help transform cities to become cleaner, healthier and happier.   

We now have over sixty stores selling our bikes across China, and a wonderful community encouraging an active lifestyle. From the first days we have had fun, and have built great friendships, learnt about the rich Chinese culture and enjoyed wonderful regional food! We have worked hard but enjoyed every step of the way.

Sir Sebastian Wood KCMG, Chair of the China-Britain Business Council said: 

The China-Britain Business Council welcomes the visit of Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao to the United Kingdom for the 2026 Joint Economic and Trade Commission. We have been honoured to support the visit, including the co-organisation of the Export to China: Big Market for All event on July 1, to take place alongside JETCO. 

China, including Hong Kong, is equivalent to the UK’s third largest trading partner, and with total trade reaching £135 billion in 2025, an increase of 5.6% from the previous year.  Across the same period, our services exports reached £21 billion, indicating the strong momentum that exists in our trade relationship. We look forward to building on the visit to demystify the China opportunity and support UK businesses in tapping the vast opportunities available through deepened trade with China.

Officials this week also met for discussions on a Joint Feasibility Study to explore a bilateral Trade in Services Agreement which would open up the Chinese market further to the UK’s world-leading services sector. 

This underlines the Government’s commitment to a pragmatic, business-focused relationship with China which supports jobs, drives growth, and promotes the UK as a leading destination for investment. 

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 30 June 2026.

UK welcomes CPTPP decision to begin preparatory talks on accession with the Philippines, potentially leading to stronger trade ties.

The United Kingdom welcomes a significant milestone for the Philippines, as Parties to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) agreed to begin preparatory discussions on accession with the Philippines. 

The announcement was made at the 10th CPTPP Commission Meeting held virtually on 26 June 2026, where ministers confirmed that preparatory discussions will begin with the Philippines, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

CPTPP is one of the world’s most significant free trade agreements, which the UK joined in 2024. Its membership currently includes 12 economies spanning four continents across Asia-Pacific and beyond, including Japan, Canada, Australia, and the UK. CPTPP currently covers roughly 15% of global GDP. 

The UK has been a consistent supporter of the Philippines’ application to join CPTPP. 

UK Deputy Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific (Southeast Asia), Rhiannon Harries said the announcement builds on the CPTPP Joint Ministerial Statement from November 2025, which outlined CPTPP interest in the Philippines, Indonesia, and the UAE. 

We’ve strongly supported the Philippines’ application. If the Philippines completes the process and joins the agreement, businesses in our countries would benefit from lower tariffs, simpler trading rules, and stronger supply chains.

She further added:

These preparatory discussions could help lay the groundwork for the launch of a potential future accession process for the Philippines, which could open new opportunities for business, investment, and growth.

For the Philippines, joining CPTPP would mean access to one of the world’s most comprehensive trade networks, potentially lowering tariffs and streamlining trading regulations across diverse markets. The UK sees CPTPP as an important strategic forum for advancing and expanding the reach of high standard, rules-based trade.  

While preparatory discussions do not guarantee accession or the launch of formal negotiations, they are designed to advance engagement and understanding between the Philippines and CPTPP Parties on the agreement’s standards.  

British Ambassador to the Philippines, Sarah Hulton OBE, said: 

We warmly welcome this important milestone. The UK looks forward to working together with CPTPP Parties and the Philippines through this process.

The UK’s enthusiasm for this milestone reflects the strength of its partnership with the Philippines, which is especially meaningful as the two countries celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations this year. 

The UK and the Philippines have been building deeper economic ties through the inaugural Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) in 2025, which sets out closer cooperation across infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture and technology. Philippine exporters also benefit from the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), offering tariff-free access on 92% of products. 

The UK looks forward to continuing to work alongside the Philippines to strengthen trading relationship.  

This announcement comes one year after the UK published its Trade Strategy, which included a focus on deepening and widening CPTPP.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 22 June 2026.

The Secretary of State for Business and Trade is pleased to announce that Alastair Long has been appointed His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Africa, and will take up the role in August.

Alastair currently serves as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, having been appointed in August 2023.

Alastair brings deep knowledge of Africa, having been Deputy and then Acting Trade Commissioner for Africa between 2019 and 2022.

After joining the Foreign Office in 2002, Alastair’s previous HMG postings overseas include:

• Riyadh, as HM Deputy Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Director Trade & Investment for Saudi Arabia from 2018 to 2019
• Dubai, as the Regional Director for Trade for the Middle East, Pakistan & Afghanistan and Deputy Consul General from 2016 to 2018
• Muscat, as Deputy Ambassador and HM Consul General from 2013 to 2015

Alastair was educated at Cambridge University (Clare College) and the London Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Alastair Long said:

I am thrilled to be taking up the position of His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa and returning to the continent. Africa is the future and I saw, when deputy and then acting Trade Commissioner, what boundless energy and ambition the continent possesses.

The UK is committed to being a partner that supports African and British growth by listening to African priorities and bringing the very best the UK has to offer. I look forward to engaging across the continent, with the UK business community, and with the UK Government team, to realise as many mutual opportunities as possible.

Alastair replaces John Humphrey, who held the role since June 2022.

John Humphrey said:

It has been a privilege to serve as the UK Trade Commissioner for Africa and to work with partners across the continent to strengthen a relationship grounded in delivery, trust and shared economic ambition.

Africa is central to the UK’s global outlook, with significant opportunities for commercially grounded collaboration and sustainable growth. Alastair Long inherits strong UK momentum in Africa, and will bring real depth of trade expertise and the focus and energy needed to deepen partnerships and unlock further opportunities for mutual benefit. I wish him every success as he takes on this important role.

Role of the HM Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Africa

The HM Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Africa cooperates closely with the wider diplomatic network and other colleagues to coordinate the government effort overseas to promote UK trade and prosperity.

The Trade Commissioner has full responsibility for all Department for Business and Trade (DBT) work in Africa including:

• growing the overall trade and investment relationship
• improving market access for British companies, including small and medium sized businesses (SMEs)
• developing trade policy

The HMTC works closely with UK-based government colleagues, UK ambassadors and the wider diplomatic network in the region to deliver these goals.