Tag: Business and Trade Department

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 31 January 2025.

Iraq’s Ministry of Interior to purchase over 60 British-made vehicles.

• Exports minister announces that key UK export deal will help Iraq fight fires.
• UK will provide vital support to Iraq through the provision of fire engines, with biggest overhaul of Iraqi fleet this century being financed by a UK Export Finance loan.
• Independent businesses in Yorkshire and Ayrshire are to supply these vehicles for use across Iraq.

Two British businesses are delivering one of Iraq’s biggest-ever investments into its emergency services thanks to a c. $31 million loan from UK Export Finance (UKEF), the government’s export credit agency.

The loan allows Iraq’s Ministry of Interior to purchase 62 British-made fire-fighting vehicles each capable of carrying up to 6,500 litres of water and 500 litres of foam.

Promoting investment into local businesses and employers, the partnership supports this government’s Plan for Change to boost economic growth across all regions.

Ayrshire-headquartered Emergency One and Batley-based Angloco have been selected to supply vehicles for Iraq’s Civil Defence Directorate.

Emergency One, the UK’s leading manufacturer of fire and rescue vehicles, supplies over 90% of the UK’s fire and rescue services and continues to grow its international presence. Angloco, a well-established SME, exports to over 70 countries worldwide. Both companies bring significant expertise and innovation to this contract, further strengthening their impact in the Gulf region.

Frequent outbreak of fires in Iraq, particularly during the summer months, can cause devastating effect to businesses, communities, and key infrastructure.

By helping buyers to purchase UK exports more easily, UKEF loans secure large contracts with favourable payment terms for British businesses – including small businesses likely to need payment upfront before they can deliver a contract.

J.P. Morgan acted as both Sole Mandated Lead Arranger and agent bank for the loan.

Gareth Thomas, UK Minister for Exports, said:

We have a Plan for Change to help grow our economy and support workers right across the country, and that’s precisely what these deals are about.

Shining a spotlight on cutting edge tech and highly skilled jobs, this announcement shows the UK’s exporting potential and manufacturing strength.

His Excellency Abdul Amir Al-Shammari, Iraq Minister of Interior, said:

The Government of Iraq is contracting with British companies through the UKEF Loan to import specialized firefighting vehicles for the Directorate of Civil Defence.

This will contribute significantly to the strengthening of the Directorate’s capabilities through the use of high-quality vehicles. This demonstrates the continuous support received by the Directorate by the UK and will improve our ability to tackle fire incidents.

John Meakin, Global Head of Export Finance at J.P. Morgan, said:

J.P. Morgan is delighted to support the finance of firefighting equipment from the UK to the Republic of Iraq.

This is the latest UKEF deal giving businesses the support they need to deliver contracts and drive change at home in the UK and overseas in Iraq. In 2023, a UKEF guarantee helped British firms to secure over £100 million in export contracts to support the installation of 350km in drainage infrastructure around Hillah city.

The press release issued by the Department of Business and Trade on 20 January 2025.

Thousands of working families with babies in neonatal care will be entitled to additional time off as a day one right.

Thousands of working families with babies in neonatal care will be entitled to additional time off as a day one right, the government has confirmed today (Monday 20 January).

Currently, many working families across the UK are having to return to work while their babies are sick in hospital, and these measures aim to address some of the difficulties that thousands of parents face when their baby is in neonatal care.

The Government is committed to providing the support families need to allow them to be by their child’s side without having to work throughout or use up their existing leave.

Neonatal Care Leave will apply to parents of babies who are admitted into neonatal care up to 28 days old and who have a continuous stay in hospital of 7 full days or longer. These measures will allow eligible parents to take up to 12 weeks of leave (and, if eligible, pay) on top of any other leave they may be entitled to, including maternity and paternity leave.

The government has today laid regulations to implement the change, which subject to Parliamentary approval, will take effect from 6 April 2025 and follows the passing of the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act in 2023.

This measure comes alongside the Employment Rights Bill and delivers on the government’s commitment to support families and protect the payslips of working people as part of the Plan for Change.

Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders said:

Parents of children in neonatal care have more than enough to worry about without being concerned about how much annual leave they have left or whether they’ll be able to make ends meet.

This entitlement will deliver certainty to them and their employers, setting baseline protections that give them the peace of mind to look after the one thing that matters most – their newborn baby.

Like many measures included in the government’s other employment rights reforms, neonatal care leave will be a day one right, meaning that it will be available to an employee from their first day in a new job.

Alongside the leave entitlement, Statutory Neonatal Care Pay will be available to those who meet continuity of service requirements and a minimum earnings threshold.

Founder of The Smallest Things, Catriona Ogilvy, said:

The Smallest Things is delighted to see Neonatal Leave and Pay move one step closer to being available to thousands of parents whose babies are born sick or premature.

The stress and trauma experienced by families during a neonatal stay cannot be underestimated. In an instant, their world is turned upside down. No parent or carer should be sitting beside an incubator worrying about pay or work.

This much-needed additional leave and pay means parents and carers can be with their baby or babies in hospital. We know the journey doesn’t end when it’s time to go home. The new law will give families essential time at home to bond, begin to recover from trauma and to care for a fragile baby or babies without the pressure of finances or returning to work too soon.

This legislation is long-overdue and The Smallest Things is overjoyed that – after tirelessly campaigning for 10 years to bring the power of parent voices to change-makers – we are finally on the brink of seeing this vital support become a reality.

Chief Executive at Bliss, Caroline Lee-Davey, said:

At Bliss we know just how important it is that babies born premature or sick have both parents at their side in neonatal care during their challenging first weeks and months of life, playing a hands-on role in their care. By contrast, the lack of additional parental leave rights for parents to date has forced many to make the unimaginable choice to return to work in order to pay their bills while their baby is desperately ill in hospital. That is why Bliss is so proud to have led campaigning for the introduction of the Neonatal Care (Leave & Pay) Act, which will provide thousands of employed parents every year with the assurance that they can take the time to be with their sick baby when they need it most.

We are delighted that the Act will be implemented from 6 April this year and look forward to working with the Government and employers to ensure that all parents who are eligible know about this new entitlement, as well as the wider information and support that they can access from Bliss throughout their neonatal journey.

Since coming to power, this Government has introduced the Employment Rights Bill to upgrade workers’ rights across the UK, tackle poor working conditions and benefit businesses and workers alike. This includes bringing forward 28 individual employment reforms, from ending exploitative zero hours contracts and fire and rehire practices to establishing day one rights for paternity, parental and bereavement leave for millions of workers.

The Government is also bringing forward measures to help make the workplace more compatible with people’s lives, with flexible working made the default where practical, large employers required to create action plans on addressing gender pay gaps, support for employees through the menopause, and strengthened protections against dismissal for pregnant women and new mothers.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 20 January 2025.

UK-qualified professionals to find it easier to work in Switzerland, as new permanent agreement ensures professional qualifications can be recognised.

• New agreements make it easier for UK-qualified people in professions from law and veterinary to ski instructing to work in Switzerland
• Agreement comes into force ahead of Business Secretary flying to Davos to promote UK as one of the world’s top investment destinations for global firms
• Talks continue on an upgraded UK-Switzerland trade deal to further strengthen services trade, already worth £27 billion a year.

UK-qualified businesspeople will now find it easier to work in Switzerland and vice versa, as a new permanent agreement ensures professional qualifications can be recognised in both countries, supporting businesses to grow oversees and driving forward economic growth.

The UK-Switzerland Recognition of Professional Qualifications Agreement, which replaces the now expired arrangements under the Citizens’ Rights Agreement, will ensure UK-qualified professionals in regulated sectors have a smooth and transparent route for their qualifications to be recognised in Switzerland.

This will help to put money back in working people’s pockets by making it easier for employers to work between both countries, increasing trade and strengthening economies on both sides.

The agreement applies to over 200 UK professions ranging from lawyers and auditors to driving instructors and cabin crew, and also includes anaesthetists for the first time.

For regulated professions, the ability to sell services overseas is often dependant on their qualifications being recognised by foreign regulators. The agreement could therefore help boost UK-Swiss trade, already worth £46 billion a year, particularly in professional and business services, worth £8 billion.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

As a former trainee solicitor, I know the challenges faced by UK professionals when working abroad and innovative agreements like this will make a real difference to our world-class services sectors.

As a resolutely pro-business Government, we want to make it as seamless as possible for UK businesses to operate abroad. With the UK and Switzerland being two global leaders in services trade, this agreement is testament to our unwavering commitment to economic growth.

The agreement also includes a bespoke route to recognition for certain legal professionals, so lawyers can become qualified in the other country after practising for three years. This is vital as Switzerland is one of the largest and most important export markets for UK legal services in Europe.

It will make it easier for businesses to deploy their qualified staff between UK and Swiss locations and safeguard the autonomy of UK and Swiss professional regulators to set standards and decide who is fit to practise the profession.

A separate recognition of qualifications deal has also been signed making it easier for UK-qualified ski instructors to work in Switzerland, one of the world’s leading snowsports destinations, thanks to the work of the British Association of Snowsports Instructors and Swiss Snowsports.

This welcome news comes as negotiations continue at pace on an enhanced UK-Swiss Free Trade Agreement, aimed at further strengthening UK-Swiss ties in services, investment and digital trade and delivering economic growth and jobs across the UK.

Justice Minister Sarah Sackman KC said:

Our lawyers are some of the best in the world and this agreement will provide exciting opportunities for them to work and practice in Switzerland.

Legal services contributed £37 billion to the UK economy in 2023 and this positive step builds on that, strengthening the UK’s legal ties around the globe and boosting our economy.

RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said:

We’re pleased to see this agreement come into effect. Close trading ties with our European neighbours are crucial to British architecture’s global success and this agreement helps smooth the path for practices to export their professional services and expand beyond borders.

By exchanging talent, expertise and ideas, both countries have much to gain. We hope to see architects based in the UK and Switzerland make the most of this opportunity.

Financial Reporting Council CEO Richard Moriarty:

Securing mutual recognition agreements with global partners is good for the future skills and resilience of the UK audit profession which plays an important role in supporting UK growth.

This UK-Switzerland Recognition of Professional Qualifications Agreement will support UK audit firms to export their services and enhance the profession’s ability to trade across the globe.

Notes to editors

• UK-Switzerland services trade was worth £27 billion in the 12 months to June 2024 .
• UK professional and business services exports were worth £8 billion in the 12 months to June 2024.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 16 January 2025.

£50 million investment deal between JATCO, Nissan and the UK government secured to build a new manufacturing site in Sunderland.

• £50m investment deal secured between JATCO, Nissan and UK government to build new manufacturing site in Sunderland.
• Site will be JATCO’s first UK and European plant and is set to create and support hundreds of jobs in the North East.
• Announcement is the latest in a series of job-boosting investments to deliver growth as part of the Plan for Change, including £14 billion in AI investment and £4 billion from Malaysian company YTL creating 30,000 jobs.

Car manufacturing giant Nissan, and the Japan Automatic Transmission Company (JATCO) have secured a £50 million investment deal in partnership with the government to create a new manufacturing plant in Sunderland.

The new site will help create 183 new high-value jobs in the region and support over 400 in the wider supply chain. It will also establish JATCO’s first and only European plant and will produce 3-in-1 electric vehicle powertrains for Nissan’s neighbouring Sunderland plant.

Nissan is one of the largest UK-based vehicle manufacturers, employing around 6000 people across its Sunderland facilities, and today’s announcement builds on their £2 billion investment in the region in 2023 to build electric vehicles.

From 2026, JATCO aim to produce 340,000 electric powertrains (the equivalent of an engine for electric vehicles) per year to supply new generations of Nissan electric vehicles. With the UK already being the largest EV market in Europe, this investment further bolsters the UK’s domestic EV manufacturing capabilities and secures the UK’s position as a world leader in the industry.

This is the latest in a tidal wave of investments announced this week, including a £4 billion investment by Malaysian company YTL in the UK over the next five years, transforming the greater Bristol area and delivering over 30,000 jobs across the UK. More than £14 billion pounds of investment into the UK’s AI sector and thousands of new jobs have also been secured in just 48 hours since the AI Opportunities Action Plan was published earlier this week.

Since entering office, the government has been focused on restoring economic stability, the foundation of growth, to give businesses the confidence to invest and expand in the UK – and today’s announcement is a major vote of confidence in the UK’s investment environment.

Securing investment is also central to the government’s mission to deliver economic growth which will create jobs, improve living standards, and make communities and families across the country better off as part of our Plan for Change.

Minister for Investment Baroness Gustafsson will visit the North East today [Thursday 16 January] to open the new facility and hear from senior officials from JATCO and Nissan about how the government funding will help bolster the UK’s automotive industry’s transition to electric vehicles and support economic growth, an integral part of the government’s Plan for Change.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

Sunderland is the beating heart of the UK’s automotive industry. Today’s announcement is a massive vote of confidence in the UK economy and this government’s plans to make Britain the destination of choice for investment.

Not only will this boost our thriving auto industry, but it will help secure hundreds of jobs across the North East.

The government is working hand in hand with investors to build a globally competitive electric vehicle supply chain in the UK and our modern Industrial Strategy will build on this legacy, bringing growth, jobs and opportunities to every part of the UK.

The announcement comes ahead of government ministers, including the Minister for Investment, attending Davos later this month where they will tell some of the world’s biggest international investors that UK PLC is open and ready for business.

The investment has been enabled by the ATF, which is accessed through the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC), and aims to unlock private investment in UK automotive design, development, and manufacturing as the sector transitions to zero emission technology.

Sunderland has an expanding manufacturing presence, with sites from Nissan and key battery manufacturer AESC. The value of inward FDI stock for the North East at the end of 2021 was £27.9 billion. Unleashing the full potential of the UK’s cities and regions is a core objective of the government’s Industrial Strategy. Facilitating investments like this is central to achieving this goal.

Tomoyoshi Sato, CEO of JATCO, said:

I am so proud to officially open JATCO UK in the North East of England.

And I am very grateful for the support of the UK Government, Sunderland City Council, and all others involved in the establishment of JATCO UK, and look forward to supporting Nissan’s EV36Zero project with our electric powertrains.

Alan Johnson, Senior Vice President, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Purchasing for Nissan AMIEO, said:

This is a fantastic step forward for our world-first EV36Zero plan.

Welcoming a key supplier to the North East of England provides a big boost to the efficiency of our supply chain. We look forward to continuing our long and successful partnership as we push towards our electric future.

Julian Hetherington, Automotive Transformation Director at the APC said:

I am delighted that the Automotive Transformation Fund has been able to contribute to and unlock significant private investment from JATCO who bring high quality and advanced technology to an already successful automotive region. Our support is a reinforcement of the UK’s continued commitment to the extended localised supply chain for low-carbon industries.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said:

The car industry is synonymous with the North East, and today’s announcement underlines our huge potential in advanced manufacturing and electric vehicles.

JATCO choosing the North East as the place to do business and locate in our Investment Zone shows the confidence global industry has in our region, and the leading role we are playing in creating jobs and opportunity for local people and UK plc.

The UK is home to a world-class and comprehensive automotive and innovation ecosystem, including the APC, Faraday Battery Challenge, High Value Manufacturing Catapult and the ATF.

Through the ATF, the government continues to unlock private investment in UK automotive design, development, and manufacturing as the sector transitions to zero emission technology. To date, ATF and APC funding programmes have leveraged over £6bn of investment from the private sector.

The Autumn Budget confirmed over £2 billion for capital and R&D funding over five years for zero emission vehicle manufacturing and their supply chains. Building on the achievements of the ATF and APC programmes, this long-term commitment is a vote of confidence in the UK’s automotive industry, supporting investment and productivity growth across UK automotive.

At the end of last year, the government launched a consultation on support for the zero emission transition, restoring clarity for vehicle manufacturers and the charging industry so that they have the confidence to invest in the UK in the long-term and drive growth in the UK automotive industry.

The government’s new modern Industrial Strategy will deliver long-term, sustainable, inclusive growth right across the UK by driving investment into the economy and hardwire stability for investors, giving them the confidence to plan not just for the next year, but for the next 10 years and beyond.

Notes to Editors:

• JATCO’s total investment has been enabled by over £12 million of government funding through the Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF).
• JATCO is a global automotive manufacturer headquartered in Japan and is world-leading in the production of transmissions.

The press release issued by the Department of Business and Trade on 15 January 2025.

£4 billion investment by YTL businesses in the UK over the next five years includes transforming the greater Bristol area and delivering over 30,000 jobs across the UK.

A £4 billion investment by YTL businesses in the UK over the next five years includes transforming the greater Bristol area and delivering over 30,000 jobs across the UK.

The announcement comes as Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim is in London today [Wednesday 15 January] to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer and officially launch one of the largest brownfield developments in the UK alongside Investment Minister Poppy Gustafsson.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds hailed the investment as another huge vote of confidence in the UK that shows how the Government’s Plan for Change is delivering economic growth and ‘the power of investment to transform our cities and give working people the security they deserve’.

Malaysian-owned YTL announced around £2 billion of the total investment will go towards the Brabazon Bristol development, which comprises of 6,500 homes, three new schools and a 19,500-capacity arena, conferencing and exhibition space. According to YTL, the development will deliver more than 30,000 jobs, with the remaining £2 billion invested in YTL’s UK businesses over the next five years.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

“This investment is incredible news for the UK and will create a generational transformation for North Bristol, delivering infrastructure, new schools and creating thousands of new homes and jobs in the region.

By creating the right conditions and giving investors the confidence they need to make big investments in Britain, our Plan for Change is delivering economic growth and showing the power of investment to transform our cities, and give working people the security they deserve.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

This investment is what our Plan for Change is all about. Investment that will boost growth, create good jobs  and shows that the UK is open for business.

It builds on the £600m of investment I secured in China last week, and the success of last year’s record-breaking International Investment Summit, demonstrating global confidence in our economy.

We will continue to go further and faster to kick start growth to make all parts of the country better off.

Trade Minister Douglas Alexander will host his Malaysian counterpart Tengku Zafrul Aziz in the first ministerial-led Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) on Thursday to explore ways to increase our trade and investment relationship in priority areas including legal services, education, agriculture and SMEs.

UK-Malaysia trade stood at almost £6 billion in the year to June 2024. This could grow further now the UK has joined the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), giving us our first formal free trade agreement with Malaysia.

Through CPTPP, Malaysian investors have greater certainty when investing in the UK, with the agreement ensuring that Malaysian and UK investors receive fair and equal access to each other’s markets.

Background

• In 2016, YTL Power acquired the disused Filton Airfield and associated Brabazon Hangars just north of Bristol. This 380-acre site is the largest brownfield development site in the South West and one of the largest in the whole of the UK. YTL is developing the site into a new town called Brabazon, and the iconic hangars, formerly home of the supersonic jet Concorde, will be turned into a major state-of-the-art arena, conferencing, and entertainment complex.
• In November 2024, YTL obtained planning approval to deliver 6,500 homes, three schools, three hotels, 2,000 student beds, a retirement village, a new railway station and 60 acres of commercial development focused on high tech, aerospace and university facilities. The entertainment complex will include a 19,500 capacity carbon neutral arena, conferencing and exhibition space and a futuristic family entertainment attraction.
• The Brabazon development is being constructed in the South Gloucestershire local authority area, just north of Bristol.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 9 January 2025.

The Government has reappointed Lord Mark Lancaster as its Defence and Security Advocate, to drive the UK’s defence and security export success until March 2026.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has reappointed Lord Mark Lancaster as the Government’s Defence and Security Advocate, to drive the UK’s defence and security export success until March 2026.

Lord Lancaster will report directly to the Business and Trade Secretary and will continue his programme of visits both overseas and at home to promote UK defence and security exports.

By supporting industry to benefit from export opportunities, Lord Lancaster’s work will directly support the defence industry’s position as a growth sector and the Industrial Strategy’s aim to align the imperatives of strong national security with a high growth economy.

Lord Lancaster was initially appointed in January 2023 and has brought a wealth of specialist defence experience to the role. Major-General, Lord Lancaster, is Director of the Army Reserves and was a Defence Minister between 2015-2019.  He was also previously a Major in the Territorial Army, having served as part of NATO peacekeeping forces in Kosovo and Bosnia.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 7 January 2025.

The Government has launched a new Steel Council, made up of steel sector leaders, industry experts, trade unions, trade associations and devolved governments.

• Government launches new Steel Council to advise on rebuilding the industry and developing its upcoming Steel Strategy.
• Council led by the Business Secretary and Chair of the Materials Processing Institute Jon Bolton, will bring together industry figures, experts, trade unions and devolved governments to secure the long-term future of steelmaking in the UK.
• New council demonstrates the Government’s partnership with industry and trade unions to revitalise UK steelmaking and secure economic growth, delivering on the Plan for Change.

The Government is ramping up its plans to rebuild the UK’s steel sector with the launch of a new Steel Council which will bring together leaders from across the industry to advise on the upcoming Steel Strategy.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will chair the first meeting of the Council today (7 January) together with co-chair Jon Bolton, Chairman of the Materials Processing Institute – a globally-recognised non-profit research and innovation centre based in the iconic steel community of Teesside.

A secure future for the steel industry is vital to both the UK’s national security and delivering growth, the foundation of the Government’s Plan for Change, and with the launch of the Council the Government is taking another important step towards safeguarding the sector for the long term.

The Council will bring together steel sector leaders such as CEOs from Tata Steel and British Steel with trade union leaders, industry experts, devolved government representatives and trade associations to address the challenges facing the steel industry and make the changes needed to secure steelmaking in the UK.

It will meet regularly as the Government prepares to launch its Steel Strategy, providing a vital link between industry, workers, experts and government in every part of the UK and ensuring that both the workforce and economic growth are at the heart of its plans to rebuild the steel sector.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

The industry and steel communities have had enough of lurching from crisis to crisis – this government will take the action needed to place steel on a secure footing for the long term. With the launch of the Steel Council we’re placing workers and local communities at the heart of our plans as we bring forward up to £2.5 billion of investment to secure growth right across the country.

Steel was a neglected industry in this country under the previous government, but with the launch of this Council and our upcoming Strategy, we’re proving once again that we are the Government that’s committed to driving growth and innovation in the sector.

A vibrant steel sector is crucial for economic growth and our national security, and by reflecting views from industry across the UK as we bring forward our Steel Strategy we’re delivering on the Plan for Change and boosting economic stability.

Gareth Stace, Director-General, UK Steel said:

The establishment of the Steel Council marks a defining moment for the future of steelmaking in Britain. The Council represents a crucial step towards creating a comprehensive Government Steel Strategy – one that lays the foundations for a sustainable and resilient industry.

This strategy is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to foster a competitive business environment that encourages long-term investment and ensures steelmaking remains at the heart of the UK economy.

We are committed to collaborating with the Government, trade unions, and industry partners to turn this vision into a shared success, securing the sustained growth that our sector, its workforce, and our communities rightfully deserve.

Jon Bolton, Chairman of the Materials Processing Institute said:

I am honoured to be asked to co-chair the Steel Council. I have worked in the steel industry globally for over 40 years, and it’s clear this sector has faced many challenges.

However, I believe the UK has all the essential elements to attract investment into the steel industry: demand, skills, technology, unrivalled research and development and, critically, a supportive government having announced up to £2.5 billion of support.

I see the Council’s task being to develop a strategy that details the core elements of that investment plan and to establish a roadmap towards a rejuvenated, competitive and environmentally progressive industry.

The Government will work closely with the Steel Council towards the launch of the Steel Strategy in Spring, and the Council will continue to meet regularly following its publication to help drive investment into steelmaking communities across the country.

Full list of the Steel Council’s membership:

• Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Chair)
• Jon Bolton, Chairman of the Materials Processing Institute (Co-chair)
• Sarah Jones, Minister of State for Industry and Decarbonisation
• British Steel
• Tata Steel
• Liberty Steel
• Marcegaglia UK
• Sheffield Forgemasters
• Celsa Steel
• UK Steel
• British Metals Recycling Association
• Materials Processing Institute
• Warwick Manufacturing Group
• Community Trade Union
• GMB Trade Union
• Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, Scottish Government
• Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Welsh Government
• Conor Murphy, Minister for the Economy, Northern Ireland Executive

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 17 December 2024.

New members to provide independent advice and support on Department for Business and Trade’s work.

The Secretary of State for Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has today announced the appointment of eight new non-executive members of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) Board.

The board members are:

• Paul Drechsler CBE as Lead Non-Executive Director
• Professor John Latham CBE as Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC) and Non-Executive Director
• Iain Anderson as Non-Executive Director
• Katharine Braddick as Non-Executive Director
• Mike Clancy as Non-Executive Director
• Nita Clarke OBE as Non-Executive Director
• Dr Roni Savage as Non-Executive Director
• David Sayer as Non-Executive Director

Non-Executives have been appointed for 3 years and will provide independent advice, support and scrutiny on the department’s work. The new Non-Executives bring a wide range of senior experience across the public and private sectors, as well as a wealth of knowledge relevant to delivering the Secretary of State’s priorities.

Background

Non-Executives are experts from outside government who provide advice, support and challenge to the department in the delivery and performance of key policy areas and against priority outcomes.

• The Secretary of State has appointed Nita Clarke without competition in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments and following consultation with the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Nita’s appointment will bring additional skills and experience in employee engagement, partnership, and employee voices in the workplace.
• Karina McTeague will continue in her role as ARAC Chair until the 2023-24 Annual Report and Accounts are laid, after which John Latham will take up this role and Karina will step down.
• These appointments have been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. Under this Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as having been employed by a political party; held significant office in a political party; stood as a candidate for a political party; publicly spoken on behalf of a political party; or made significant donations or loans to a political party. Iain Anderson has declared political activity and speaking publicly for both for the Conservative Party and for the Labour Party. Nita Clarke has declared political activity for the Labour Party.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 17 December 2024.

Government publishes its response to the independent Kroll report on Capture software.

• Following independent Kroll report, government commits to redress for postmasters who have suffered losses as a consequence of Capture errors
• Work to be completed quickly with those affected to determine appropriate redress for those without criminal convictions
• Government confirms £37.5 million subsidy to support Post Office network as company sets out £20 million boost for postmasters

Today the government has officially recognised Capture, the software which preceded Horizon, could have created shortfalls affecting postmasters. It has asked the Post Office to urgently review its files and evidence so the CCRC and SCCRC can ensure no one was wrongfully convicted of a Horizon-style injustice.

Responding to the independent Kroll report into the software, the Business Secretary has promised to provide redress for postmasters who suffered losses as a result of Capture. The government will work swiftly with victims to determine its form and scope, alongside eligibility criteria, by Spring 2025.

The Capture accounting system was rolled out across some Post Office branches from 1992 before it was replaced by Horizon in 1999. The government commissioned the independent report following postmasters coming forward publicly in January indicating they had faced detriment due to the Capture system. In its report, Kroll concluded Capture could have created shortfalls.

The response comes as the government marks £499 million paid to more than 3,300 Horizon victims. We are delivering on our promise to ensure swift and fair redress to postmasters, more than doubling the amount of redress paid out since coming into government 5 months ago.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

It is thanks to testimony of postmasters that this has been brought to light and failings have been discovered.

We must now work quickly to provide redress and justice to those who have suffered greatly after being wrongly accused.

I’d like to encourage anyone who believes they have been affected by Capture to share their story with us so we can put wrongs to right once and for all.

Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas said:

It’s taken a long time to reach this point which is why my priority now is to deliver justice and redress to postmasters as swiftly as possible.

We will do everything we can to correct the mistakes of the past and ensure they are not repeated.

Postmasters have raised concerns with me that their income has not kept up with inflation over the past decade. The Government therefore welcomes that the Post Office is going to make a one-off payment to postmasters to increase their remuneration.

Due to the length of time which has passed since the Capture system was in use several issues have complicated the investigation including:

• Far greater timescales, meaning a greater population of the users may have sadly died
• Loss or destruction of relevant evidence for example relating to shortfalls, suspensions, terminations, prosecutions, and convictions
• At least 19 different operational versions of the Capture software during the period
• Ambiguous number of users during this period

Unlike Horizon, it is currently uncertain how many criminal prosecutions were based on Capture evidence. These challenges also mean it will be difficult for claimants to corroborate their claims with evidence.

The Post Office has indicated it holds further information on convictions and prosecutions during the Capture period. The government has asked them to carry out their review of these records urgently and send information to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) and Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission (SCCRC).

Ensuring postmasters receive the justice they deserve is an immediate priority for this government. The Kroll report does not take a view whether any possible convictions were unsafe. We will continue to facilitate the provision of information to the CCRC and SCCRC, alongside the Post Office, in connection with the review of cases involving the use of Capture as the approach to redress is developed at pace.

Minister Thomas will also announce the government is supporting the Post Office network with a further £37.5 million subsidy. It comes as the Post Office today announces a £20 million boost for postmasters to address their concerns that their income has not kept up with inflation over the past decade.

Under the Plan for Change, this government will make public services deliver for working people once more. The Post Office is an important British institution at the heart of local communities, but for too long neglect has enabled significant issues to take root. We will strengthen the Post Office network – pledged in our manifesto – so the people’s trust can be restored.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 17 December 2024.

The government has announced the members of the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council, as the government looks to deliver long-term growth in key sectors.

• Government partners with private sector to grow the economy and bring good jobs to every part of the UK.
• Members of the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council unveiled as the government looks to deliver long-term growth in key sectors.
• Members include Dame Anita Frew, Chair of Rolls-Royce and Greg Jackson CBE, CEO of Octopus Energy.
• Bringing together experts from businesses, academia and trade unions from across the UK, the Council will inform the development of a new modern Industrial Strategy.

Business leaders from across the UK have been brought together to offer government independent advice and recommendations as it develops a new, modern Industrial Strategy to support the growth mission.

The strategy will help maintain a pro-business environment to capture a greater share of internationally mobile investment and motivate domestic business to boost their investment and scale up their growth. It will channel support to sectors and geographical clusters that have the highest growth potential for the next decade.

This government wants the UK to be a prime investment opportunity for business. The Industrial Strategy, and the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council, will be key to giving investors the solid foundation on which to build.

An integral part of the government’s Plan for Change to kickstart economic growth, the Industrial Strategy will focus on promoting the UK’s key growth-driving sectors.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will attend the inaugural Industrial Strategy Advisory Council meeting to hear from its members as it meets for the first time today [Tuesday 17 December].

Hosted at Lloyds Insurance in London, members will use the first meeting to discuss investment, innovation, and breaking down barriers to growth in key sectors as well as some emerging themes in responses to October’s Industrial Strategy Green Paper.

The government is determined to go for growth and to work in partnership with business, civil society, trade unions, local leaders and devolved governments to invest in Britain’s future so we can make every part of the country better off.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

Driving long-term economic growth requires ambition and collaboration.

With the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council, we’re bringing together the brightest minds to inform our Industrial Strategy and deliver growth that will improve living standards and that can be felt across every corner of the UK.

Focusing on growth-driving sectors, our highest potential city regions and clusters, and how the pro-business environment can help them thrive, the Council will also monitor and evaluate impact, with data and analysis central to this mission.

Following today’s meeting, Council members will embark on an extensive programme of engagement to take account of views from businesses, academia, devolved governments and local leaders across the UK, building on the more than 3,000 consultation responses received in response to October’s Green Paper.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

The UK is one of the most connected places in the world to do business, and investors should be in no doubt that Britain is back on the global stage, helping attract investment into the most productive parts of the UK economy.

Whether it is investment into new film studios, cutting-edge technologies, or green energy, the expertise and work of the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council will be key to giving investors the solid foundation on which to build, helping to support local skilled jobs and raising living standards in communities across the UK.

The Council will be an independent body, reporting to the Chancellor and the Business and Trade Secretary. In the King’s Speech the government committed to putting the Council on a statutory footing – giving it powers and responsibilities and ensuring it will be permanent and independent.

Chaired by Clare Barclay, President, Enterprise & Industry for EMEA, Microsoft, the Council will inform and monitor both the development and delivery of the Industrial Strategy over the long term, ensuring policy interventions are informed by a broad and high-quality evidence base. Membership of the Council includes ex-officio members providing cross-government join up on the government’s key missions.

Clare Barclay, President, Enterprise & Industry, EMEA and Chair of the Industrial Strategy Council said:

I’m delighted to join together with members of the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council today for our inaugural meeting.

Our mission is to provide a clear, independent voice on behalf of business, nations, regions, and trade unions, as we look to inform the development of the Industrial Strategy, helping to create a strong business environment which will help our growth-driving sectors thrive.

The Industrial Strategy is at the heart of the government’s Plan for Change with investment and reform to deliver growth, putting more money in people’s pockets, rebuilding Britain and securing our borders in a decade of national renewal.

Full list of Industrial Strategy Advisory Council members:

• Clare Barclay, President, Enterprise & Industry, EMEA, Microsoft (Chair)
• Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell DBE, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Manchester (Deputy Chair)
• Kate Bell, Assistant General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress
• Rt Hon Greg Clark, Executive Chair, University of Warwick Innovation District
• Professor Dame Diane Coyle, Bennett Professor of Public Policy, University of Cambridge
• Dame Anita Frew DBE, Chair, Rolls-Royce Holdings
• Chris Grigg, Chair of the National Wealth Fund (ex officio)
• Greg Jackson, CEO, Octopus Energy
• Sir John Kingman, Chair, Legal & General and Chair, Barclays UK
• Tunde Olanrewaju, Senior Partner, McKinsey
• Professor Henry Overman, Professor of Economic Geography, LSE
• Henrik L. Pedersen, CEO, Associated British Ports
• Richard Pennycook, interim Chair, Skills England (ex officio)
• Dr Aislinn Rice, Non-Executive Director, Software NI
• Roy Rickhuss, General Secretary, Community Trade Union
• Baroness Shriti Vadera, Chair, Prudential plc and Chair, The Royal Shakespeare Company