Tag: Business and Trade Department

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

Government has taken further action to help secure the UK’s supplies of critical goods with the launch of the new Critical Imports Council.

• Government takes action to safeguard flows of vital goods such as medicines and smartphone chips with new Critical Imports Council.
• New Council brings together 23 industry experts and will advise on securing resilience in UK supply chains of critical goods.
• Council’s first meeting marks key milestone building on government’s Critical Imports and Supply Chains Strategy launched in January.

Government has taken further action to help secure the UK’s supplies of critical goods such as medicines and smartphone chips with the launch of a new Critical Imports Council today (17 April).

The Council is made up of 23 industry leaders and brings together expertise from business, academia and government to advise on securing resilience in supply chains for items critical to the UK’s economic prosperity, national security and essential services.

It builds on the Government’s first-of-its-kind Critical Imports and Supply Chains Strategy, launched in January, and will allow business and government to work together in implementing the Strategy’s 18 actions – ensuring businesses have a central voice in shaping government’s work to build supply chain resilience.

The events of recent years have shown the world we cannot afford to take for granted the resilience of the global supply chains we rely on for our critical imports. Recent attacks in the Red Sea, the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, and environmental disasters have all demonstrated the potential impact of global events on the reliable flow of vital goods.

Imported goods are crucial to our economy. They ensure lower prices, greater choice, and help businesses to be more productive. They also enable innovation, drive growth, and are essential to the UK’s world-leading industries, from aerospace to life sciences.

Business and Trade Minister and Chair of the Critical Import Council Alan Mak said:

It’s never been more important to strengthen our supply chains and make sure vital goods can continue reaching consumers, in the face of the pandemic, the Red Sea attacks and many other crises around the world.

That’s why we’re now going even further to strengthen our critical goods supplies with the launch of this new Council, which will bring together government and industry experts to help protect businesses from supply chain shocks now and in the future.

Leading UK businesses including Rolls-Royce and Johnson Matthey will sit on the Council to help the UK develop resilient and secure supply chains that protect both business and the consumers who rely on them.

The Council will work with government to tackle the supply challenges businesses face and develop real-life solutions. Meeting quarterly, they will collaborate on emerging supply chain risks and identify the support UK businesses need to reduce vulnerabilities in supply chains – including how we use our overseas network in more than 100 countries to connect with new suppliers.

The Department for Business and Trade will also create a new online portal where businesses can report red tape or supply chain problems, allowing work to start on resolving the issues quickly.

Andy Walker, Technology Director at Johnson Matthey said:

Supply chain resilience of critical goods is essential for Johnson Matthey, so it’s great to be part of the Critical Imports Council, in which government, industry and academia will work together to agree the best approaches to implement actions identified within the Critical Imports and Supply Chains Strategy.

Rhett Hatcher, CEO of UK Chamber of Shipping said:

As an island nation the UK relies on shipping to deliver its energy, food and medical supplies with billions of pounds worth of imports each year.

In an unpredictable world, it is vital that the UK government acts to improve the UK’s resilience to global supply chains shocks. The establishment of this Council is an important step and will enable us to work together to tackle our collective challenges.

I look forward to joining other leaders from across our supply chains, government and academia to ensure that we have robust UK supply chains helping our economic prosperity, national security and essential services.

Richard Torbett, ABPI Chief Executive, said:

Supporting and safeguarding the resilient supply of medicines and vaccines to the NHS is critical to the wider health and wealth of UK citizens, which is why the work of the Government’s new Critical Imports Council is so important.

I look forward to working with others to maintain and further improve the UK’s robust and responsive medicines supply.

Logistics UK Chief Executive David Wells OBE said:

Logistics UK’s seat on the Critical Imports Council recognises the vital role that the logistics sector plays in ensuring the success of the UK economy, and we welcome the government’s invitation to join the discussions, building on the knowledge we amassed during the pandemic.

The breadth of experience on the council is exceptional and, working together, we can develop practical solutions to secure the UK’s supply chains and mitigate risks to the flow of essential goods to UK households, businesses and public services.

The Critical Imports and Supply Chains Strategy will enable government to share vital information and guidance with businesses on the risks to key supply chains and the practical steps they can take to protect themselves from disruption, including regular updates on emerging supply chain risks, such as new export bans on critical everyday goods imposed by other countries.

Please see below the full list of members attending today’s Critical Imports Council:

• ADS Group
• Association of British Healthtech Industries
• Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry
• BAE Systems
• BASF
• British Chambers of Commerce
• British Generic Manufacturers Association
• BT
• Chemical Business Association
• Cranfield School of Management
• Critical Minerals Association
• Institute of Export and International Trade
• Tech UK
• Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining
• Johnson Matthey
• Logistics UK
• Make UK
• Maritime UK
• Renewable UK
• Rolls-Royce
• Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)
• UK Chambers of Shipping
• UK Trade Policy Observatory

Background:

The Department for Business and Trade published the first-of-its-kind Critical Imports and Supply Chains Strategy in January 2024.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 11 April 2024.

Following the inaugural Strategic Innovation Dialogue in London, the UK and Australia have issued a Joint Statement.

United Kingdom – Australia Co-chair Joint Statement

On 8-9 April 2024, Australia and the United Kingdom (UK) held the inaugural Strategic Innovation Dialogue (the Dialogue) in London. This put into practice the commitments made under the Innovation chapter of the Australia- UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the first such chapter in the world.

Dr. Carolyn Patteson, Head of International, Trade and National Security, of the Department of Industry, Science, and Resources (DISR) and Dr Gaynor Jeffery OBE, Director for Core Policy, Delivery and European Region at Department for Business and Trade (DBT) co-chaired on behalf of Australia and the UK respectively.

Discussions focused on priority areas such as future health, future power, and standards and interoperability of emerging technologies, with a view to encouraging further science, research, commercialisation and trade collaboration in these key areas.

The Dialogue supports and facilitates trade between two of the world’s most pioneering economies in innovative goods and services, encouraging the development and adoption of emerging technologies and increasing engagement in science, innovation, technology and related sectors, opening a new chapter of cooperation that will shape our economies for years to come.

It comes at a significant juncture, when both countries are looking to strengthen and diversify global supply chains, manage a transition to net zero emissions and ensure robust systems of governance to support the responsible and safe use of critical technologies including Artificial Intelligence – all in support of economic growth and job creation.

• On Future Health, discussions focused on strategies for commercialising innovation in biotechnology, highlighting advances in complex precision medicines and materials technology. Both sides outlined their existing health research networks and agreed to explore the potential for a ‘biobridge’ between our countries to expedite new and innovative medicines, diagnostics, and therapeutics to market.
• On Battery manufacturing, a visit to the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) enabled direct learning on the opportunities and challenges in developing and trading these innovative goods. Following discussions over respective National approaches, both sides acknowledged further opportunities to deepen cooperation.
• On Offshore Wind, after comparing strategies and new innovations in floating offshore wind technology, there was joint commitment to identify collaborative opportunities to address supply chain constraints and to continue facilitating connections between policy makers to progress development of floating offshore wind policy.
• On standards and interoperability of emerging technologies, both countries acknowledged the importance of harmonising standards to bolster consumer trust, support sectoral growth and to facilitate trade in AI-enabled goods. Building on discussions hosted by the UK in 2023 at the AI Safety Summit in Bletchley Park, Australia and the UK reaffirmed the importance of working together toward safe and responsible AI, including in key international forums, to develop the international standards necessary to secure consumer trust and industry confidence in emerging sectors.

Australia and the UK welcomed cooperation between respective standards bodies in support of trade outcomes and committed to monitor their regulatory frameworks for new technologies to ensure they do not emerge as technical barriers to trade. This includes facilitating alignment on the adoption of interoperable tools for trustworthy AI, such as assurance techniques and international technical standards.  Both countries welcomed the work already underway between respective agencies on autonomous vehicles.

Australia and the UK look forward to the opportunity to continue to strengthen the relationship between both countries by supporting trade in innovative goods and services, improving the connections between our respective systems and progressing joint work programmes catalysed by the Dialogue.

The next Strategic Innovation Dialogue will be held in Australia in 2026.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 11 April 2024.

Business Minister Alan Mak celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) and a landmark £3.6 billion funding milestone.

• Business Minister Alan Mak celebrates landmark 10-year anniversary for joint government-industry funded Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI).
• Historic milestone covers £3.6 billion in funding to deliver a long-term plan to produce more than 400 cutting-edge aerospace R&D projects across the UK in past decade, supporting thousands of jobs.
• Aerospace industry leaders react to 10 years of crucial programme.

Business Minister Alan Mak will celebrate a multibillion-pound funding milestone for cutting-edge green technology in the UK aerospace sector today (10 April).

The Minister will join UK aerospace industry leaders at an event to mark the 10-year anniversary of the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), a joint government-industry funded organisation that drives world-class research in sustainable aviation.

He will join Airbus, Rolls-Royce and a range of other leaders to celebrate the success of the ATI in making the UK a world leader in cleaner and greener air travel, with £3.6 billion of government and industry funding being allocated to more than 400 different aerospace R&D projects across the breadth of the UK over the past decade.

This funding has helped deliver the long-term change our country needs to deliver a brighter future for Britain, and improve economic security and opportunity for everyone.

These projects have pioneered new technologies which will help develop a new generation of zero-emission aircraft, supporting thousands of high-skilled jobs across the country.

Business Minister Alan Mak said:

Our world-class aerospace sector is a British success story, with government and industry coming together to provide billions of pounds in unprecedented support to help us lead the way on cleaner, greener air travel.

Over the last decade the ATI has been crucial to this, helping our aerospace industry soar to new heights and supporting thousands of jobs while continuing to grow our economy.

Over a decade ago, government joined together with industry through the Aerospace Growth Partnership to create the ATI, responding to calls for the UK to develop its own R&D programme for the aerospace sector.

This has secured long-term planning and funding sources through the ATI Programme, with the £3.6 billion of joint government-industry funding for transformative technology projects in air transport so far.

Furthering the aviation research agenda through developing cleaner, greener air travel is a principal aim of the ATI.

Successes include:

• over 400 cutting-edge R&D projects funded since the start of the ATI Programme
• the Rolls-Royce UltraFan demonstrator aero engine technology ground demonstrator – the largest in the world, with greater fuel efficiency, lower emissions and greater sustainability
• the Airbus-led Wing of Tomorrow programme – the next generation of carbon composite aircraft wings
• Rolls-Royce seized the world-speed record for electric aircraft with its battery-powered Spirit of Innovation aircraft
• SMEs such as ZeroAvia and Cranfield Aerospace developing new generation zero emission aircraft and propulsion systems
• investment in research facilities from the Osney lab in Oxford to the new Whittle Lab in Cambridge and the National Centre for Combustion and Aerothermal Technology in Loughborough

Aerospace funding is a key priority for the Government, with £200 million of joint government and industry funding dedicated to R&D projects announced in the recent Spring Budget, supporting the development of energy efficient and zero-carbon aircraft technology.

This came after the Government announced £975 million in funding over five years from 2025 for the ATI programme in the 2023 Autumn Statement.

Industry leaders and experts from across the sector have reacted to the ATI’s key milestone:

ATI CEO Gary Elliott said:

Since the ATI was created ten years ago, we have helped to transform the UK aerospace sector through the development of advanced and innovative technologies – setting the sector on the path to Net Zero 2050 with our Destination Zero strategy. The ATI Programme has helped secure jobs, support growth, return economic value to the UK and position the UK to capture market share in next-generation sustainable aircraft.

All of this has been made possible through collaboration – between the ATI, the many organisations across the UK who have delivered over 400 projects and, of course, our partners in the Department for Business and Trade and Innovate UK. Looking ahead to the next ten years, I am confident that the ATI will play a critical role in making the UK the world’s most vibrant ecosystem for Net Zero aerospace technology.

Airbus UK Chairman John Harrison said:

For the last decade, the ATI has been instrumental in supporting Airbus’ technology developments that are improving our commercial aircraft and helicopters flying today and those for tomorrow. Technologies such as how we design and build aircraft wings and accelerate the development of hydrogen powered aircraft.

We’re looking forward to another decade of pushing boundaries, boosting innovation and upskilling people right here in the UK to keep our industry ahead of the beat.”

Rolls-Royce Group Director of Engineering, Technology and Safety Simon Burr said:

The ATI is a fundamental part of keeping the UK at the forefront of aerospace innovation and technology. It has remained a strong and unifying force for the aerospace sector that has strengthened the UK’s offer.

The ATI’s role in supporting our work to develop more sustainable aviation solutions has been particularly significant. This includes the development of our UltraFan demonstrator engine, confirmation of the compatibility of 100% sustainable aviation fuels with our current in-production engines, and ground-breaking research into hydrogen-capable aerospace technologies.

The aerospace sector has dealt with multiple global challenges in the ten years the ATI has been in existence, such as supply-chain shocks, unprecedented increases in passenger numbers and global skills shortages.

The research and innovation inspired and brought into existence by the programme has helped the UK maintain its position as a world-leader in aerospace manufacturing and, as a result, cleaner, greener, global aviation.

Chief Executive Officer of ADS Kevin Craven said:

The UK’s world-leading aerospace sector provides high-skilled jobs throughout the country and is renowned for excellence in innovation, technology and sustainable development. Set against a backdrop of increasing global competition, the Aerospace Technology Institute has been pivotal in attracting industry co-investment and driving continued UK leadership in innovation, making it a true partner for our industry for the last decade.

ATI support has been invaluable to our industry – from the largest OEMs to the SMEs that are fundamental to our industrial ecosystem. Long may its investment continue!

Russ Dunn, Chief Technology Officer, GKN Aerospace said:

The Aerospace Technology Institute is the crown jewel of the UK’s aerospace ecosystem.  It represents the best of collaboration between Industry and Government and continues to demonstrate the UK’s ability to create the most innovative and impactful aerospace technology.

GKN Aerospace, our technologies and our people, have benefitted greatly from ATI support. From our role on the Wing of Tomorrow programme, to our expanding hydrogen technology portfolio; incorporating H2GEAR and HYFIVE, the ATI continues to match our ambition and our drive at every turn.

Truly sustainable aerospace is both a huge technical challenge and a huge economic opportunity for the UK; we believe zero emissions flight for the commercial market is achievable and that the ATI is a core partner in delivering that future.

Founder and CEO of ZeroAvia Val Miftakhov said:

The ATI’s impact in bringing zero-emission, hydrogen engines further up the industry agenda – directly via its funding of innovators like ourselves and through the seminal research of Fly Zero – is of huge importance to delivering a clean future for flight.

The ATI is in many ways world-leading and it will help the UK capture more aerospace exports as the global industry becomes reliant on cleaner propulsion technologies.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 13 March 2024.

UK and Texas sign a trade pact to boost investment and trade cooperation.

• Texas is the largest and eighth US state to conclude a trade pact with the UK, bringing the combined GDP to £5.3 trillion – a quarter of US GDP
• Statement of Mutual Cooperation will strengthen trade between the UK and Texas
• Pact will benefit key sectors including energy, life sciences, and professional services

The UK will today [Wednesday 13 March] sign a trade pact with Texas to boost trade and investment ties between the UK and Texas, as Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch welcomes Texas Governor Greg Abbott to London.

Texas has the second largest US state economy, with a GDP of £1.9 trillion in 2022 – larger than Italy, making this the UK’s most economically significant trade pact with a US state to date.

The pact aims to help make it quicker, easier, and cheaper for UK and Texas firms to do business by tackling trade barriers, growing investment, and driving commerce between the UK and Texas.

The UK is Texas’ 8th largest international goods export market, with total trade in goods already worth £14.7 billion in 2023. The top products being exported to Texas include nuclear equipment, aircraft, and pharmaceutical products.

This arrangement is targeted at sectors where the UK and Texas have shared expertise such as new energy solutions – including hydrogen and carbon capture, utilisation, and storage, life sciences, and professional business services.

The signing comes just four months on from agreeing the UK-Florida Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), bringing the number of agreements with US states up to eight – worth a combined GDP of £5.3 trillion, which is greater than that of Japan and equivalent to a quarter of the US economy.

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said:

I’m delighted to welcome Governor Abbott to the UK for this landmark signing.

Today’s signature with Texas marks the UK’s eighth US state-level pact, meaning UK firms now have access to states with a combined GDP of £5.3 trillion – equivalent to a quarter of the whole US economy. This shows our US state-level strategy is working and really delivering for British businesses.

Prioritising cooperation on innovative energy solutions such as hydrogen will help the UK to go further in achieving its aim to unlock more than 12,000 jobs and up to £11 billion of investment by 2030 in the hydrogen sector.

The UK Government’s landmark ‘BioBridge’ collaboration with the Texas Medical Center, the world’s largest medical complex, has already supported more than 30 innovative UK life sciences companies to grow their businesses in Texas – this SMC will help deepen economic ties in this critical sector even further.

The pact will also support recognition of professional qualifications. Texas is already signed up to the mutual recognition agreement for architects which UK and US bodies concluded last year, and there is ongoing work towards a similar agreement for engineering.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said:

As our ninth largest trade partner, the United Kingdom plays a critical role in the Texas economic juggernaut.

Strengthening the bond between Texas and the United Kingdom is crucial for our shared economies to prosper.

By signing this Statement of Mutual Cooperation today, we will further promote economic growth on both sides of the Atlantic. Texas is the economic engine of America, where entrepreneurs from around the globe can cast a vision and know they can achieve it. Working with our British partners, we will chart a greater path towards success and opportunity and create an even more robust economic partnership.

Paxman Coolers Chief Executive Officer Richard Paxman said:

We are thrilled to hear that the UK and Texas have signed a SMC to enhance trade and economic development ties. We have been working in Texas since 2013, setting up our US HQ in Houston in the heart of the Texas Medical Center. This dynamic state is one of our largest US markets, representing 20% of our $10m business.

Concrete Canvas Director William Crawford said:

As a UK business with our US Headquarters in Houston, we are delighted with the news that the UK-Texas SMC has been signed. This will help to strengthen ties with this key US state and help Concrete Canvas achieve our ambitions for further growth and investment across the US.

UK companies are already making use of close UK-US trading ties, thanks to MoUs already signed. For example, leading innovator in surgical training technologies Merseyside-based Inovus Medical launched their US HQ in Tampa Bay in December 2023 – just one month after signature of the UK-Florida MoU. By choosing Florida as its US base in light of its robust healthcare ecosystem and thriving innovation and technology status, Innovus Medical has seen significant growth in the US.

Read the text of the UK and Texas trade and economic statement of mutual cooperation.

Background

• The SMC will drive cooperation in a wide range of areas of opportunity and future growth, such as aerospace, advanced technologies, supply chains and critical minerals, infrastructure, transport services, and chemicals.
• The UK is in active discussions to conclude MoUs with further states, including California, Colorado, and Illinois.
• The US is the UK’s largest trading partner and the biggest investor in the UK. To increase trade with the US, the UK has a “twin-track” approach, working with individual states to boost trade, including through trade and economic arrangements, while also engaging with the federal government to unlock opportunities at a national level.
• On 8 June the Prime Minister and President Biden announced the Atlantic Declaration – a first-of-its-kind action plan covering our economic, technological, commercial and trade relations. As part of that we agreed to explore ways to grow trade between the UK and the US, already worth £315 billion, and to launch talks on a Critical Minerals Agreement, supporting a strategically important sector of the UK economy.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 1 March 2024.

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch issued a statement following the conclusion of the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi.

The 13th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference (MC13) took place this week in Abu Dhabi.

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch and Minister of State for Trade Policy Greg Hands MP led the UK delegation, alongside UK Permanent Representative to the WTO Simon Manley.

The WTO sets the rules that govern how countries trade with one another – from the tariff a country applies on watches and buses to the extent to which a country can subsidise its own industries.

MC13 saw the world’s trade ministers come together to discuss the most pressing challenges facing global trade and agree a way forward. The conference started on Monday 26th February and closed in the early hours of the morning of Saturday 2nd March with agreements to:

• Protect tariff-free digital trade
• Help developing countries reap the benefits of free trade, and
• Redouble efforts to establish a fully-functioning dispute settlement mechanism by the end of this year

Commenting after the conclusion of the conference, the Business and Trade Secretary said:

“I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard at MC13, particularly the UK team, our Emirati hosts, and the WTO Director General.

“I saw first-hand how delegates worked around the clock to try to get the outcomes for business and consumers. I am proud of the active and constructive role the UK played, bringing people together, showing flexibility, and brokering results.

“While we didn’t achieve everything we wanted, we secured important agreements to protect tariff-free digital trade and help the least developed countries to benefit from free and open trade.

“Anything agreed at the WTO requires consensus from all 164 members – that is by definition extremely challenging. But by getting the deals we have, we have shown the WTO is a critical, albeit imperfect, part of the global trading system that helps economies thrive.

“The UK’s primary objective for this conference was to ensure digital trade remains tariff-free – to guarantee small businesses are not taxed for having an international conference call and consumers do not pay extra to stream songs or films from other countries.

“I am pleased the WTO agreed to extend the e-commerce moratorium – a global agreement that avoids taxes on online transactions from e-mails to music or TV downloads, for two more years. The decision will provide businesses of all sizes with the certainty they need to grow and keep costs down for consumers everywhere.

“The UK still firmly believes the WTO should extend the moratorium permanently and will continue to make for the case for that.

“One area this conference has undoubtedly seen great success is in helping developing countries reap the benefits of free trade. The UK has been a key driver on this issue, and I am proud of what we have helped to deliver.

“We secured a change to WTO rules to allow countries graduating from ‘least developed country’ to ‘developed country’ status to apply the rule changes that entails gradually, rather than all at once – making it easier to reap the benefits of free and fair trade.

“We celebrated the accessions of two new countries to the WTO – Comoros and Timor Leste – giving them all the economic benefits WTO membership brings with it.

“And we completed the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement (IFDA), which will commit its 127 signatories to practical steps which will make it easier for companies to invest in their country – from cutting red tape, to providing a one-stop-shop for investors to communicate with government, to creating a single website investors can go to for information.

“If implemented fully, research suggests the Agreement could increase global GDP by up to 1% in the long run, with developing countries in particular set to benefit.

“While we’re disappointed the IFDA was not adopted into the WTO’s legal framework, this MC13 is an important step forward and we will keep working to make that happen.

“The UK firmly believes the WTO should have a fully-functioning dispute settlement system so countries can defend themselves from governments who don’t play by the rules and protect their industries, jobs and communities.

“We have agreed at MC13 to redouble efforts to reestablish a full-functioning system by the end of this year. It is crucial that we now live up to and deliver on that commitment.

“But despite huge efforts we have failed to reach agreement to address harmful subsidies that lead to overfishing, reform agriculture, or stop countries restricting the export of food to the most vulnerable countries. These issues are not going away, and the UK will continue to press for reform.

“Negotiations have been tough, and outcomes mixed, but the UK is not giving up on the WTO. More than a billion people have been lifted out of extreme poverty since 1990. Free and open trade has played a crucial role in that. It’s worth fighting for, even when it’s hard.

“The onus is now on all WTO members to take what has been agreed at MC13 and build on it, straight away and before the next Ministerial Conference, MC14. So let’s get on with it.”

Note to editors

• IFDA implementation prediction is the result of a recent study published by the Yeutter Institute, University of Nebraska.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 28 February 2024.

Fiona Dickie has been re-appointed as the Pubs Code Adjudicator.

The Government has re-appointed Fiona Dickie as Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) for a further 3-year period. On her re-appointment, Fiona said:

I am delighted to be reappointed as the Pubs Code Adjudicator which affords the unique opportunity to continue to contribute to the Code’s positive impact.

Much progress has been made in restoring balance in the relationship between tied pub tenants and pub-owning businesses through embedding cultural change in the tied sector so that tenants’ businesses can thrive. I am proud of the PCA’s success in reducing arbitration cases and successfully completing the first investigation under the Code.

I will continue the important work to promote transparency and responsible compliance behaviours and, through improved communication and early engagement with the sector, help to avoid formal disputes while ensuring tenants’ Code rights are protected.

The PCA is responsible for enforcing the statutory Pubs Code (the Code), which regulates the relationship between large pub-owning businesses and their tied pub tenants in England and Wales.

The PCA has powers to arbitrate individual disputes about the Code, investigate suspected breaches by pub-owning businesses and impose sanctions, including financial penalties, when there is non-compliance.

The PCA provides advice and guidance about the Code and leads a team based in Birmingham.

About Fiona Dickie

Fiona Dickie was appointed as the PCA in May 2020 for a 4-year term, ending on 2 May 2024. Prior to that, she was the Deputy Pubs Code Adjudicator from November 2017 until May 2020. Fiona was called to the Bar in 1993. She has been a Vice President of the Valuation Tribunal for England from 2009 until 2020 and was appointed Judge of First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) in 2013 (after serving as a Lawyer Chair of its predecessor tribunal from 2006). She was also appointed as a Road User Charging Adjudicator in 2004. Fiona has been a mediator in civil disputes since 2005 and a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators since 2018.

Additional information

The Small Business, Enterprise and Employment (SBEE) Act 2015 required the introduction of a statutory Pubs Code and the appointment of a Pubs Code Adjudicator. The Code governs the relationship between large pub-owning businesses, which own 500 or more tied pubs in England and Wales, and their tied tenants.

The Government must review the operation of the Code and the performance of the PCA every three years. A report on the second statutory review, for the period from April 2019 – March 2022, was published in October 2023. This concluded the PCA to have been effective in enforcing the Code over the review period, particularly in reducing arbitration cases and successfully completing the first investigation under the Code.

Fiona Dickie will continue as the PCA for a further 3-year term following on from her current term which ends on 2 May 2024. This appointment is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and has been made in line with the Governance Code for Public Appointments.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 27 February 2024.

Businesses have welcomed the news that 37 Geographical Indications (GIs) for UK food and drink will formally gain protection on Thursday.

Today [27 February] Japan and the UK will complete the process to grant special protected status to iconic British food and drink products including Cornish Pasties and Anglesey Sea Salt to safeguard against imitation.

Businesses have welcomed the news that 37 Geographical Indications (GIs) will formally gain protection on Thursday [29 February] following the completion of UK and Japanese scrutiny processes. A second group of protections is set to be announced once further work has concluded.

Japan’s population of 125 million has a strong appetite for international food and drink. The country’s status as the world’s third largest economy in 2022 and GDP per capita of £27,400 highlights the strength of its consumer market and the commercial opportunities for premium British products in Japan.

Securing GIs for iconic British products such as Melton Mowbray Pork Pies, Welsh Beef and Staffordshire Cheese prevents counterfeit products being placed on the Japanese market, ensuring UK businesses can export with confidence and consumers receive authentic, high-quality products.

Trade Policy Minister Greg Hands said:

The UK’s excellent selection of unique, high-quality products are highly sought after around the world. Consumers in Japan can now be assured that they are enjoying the authentic taste of great British food and drink.

This announcement not only protects beloved British delicacies like Scotch Beef and Cornish Pasties, but also gives UK producers added confidence when selling into Japan, part of our plan to help British businesses grow and export more.

Food and Farming Minister Mark Spencer said:

Our GI protections are a guarantee of quality and excellence – so that the best of British food and drink can be appreciated not only here in the UK, but around the globe.

These additional protections will give assurance to British farmers and producers who export their unique products to Japan – and to Japanese consumers who will know they are buying the real thing.

For UK businesses, GIs are vital for building trust and enhancing brand recognition, ultimately driving export growth and supporting the sustainability of local industries. They also reinforce the UK’s position as a producer of distinctive and sought-after goods.

Managing Director at Rodda’s Nicholas Rodda said:

The UK is celebrated for producing some of the very best food and drink in the world. The GI status not only strengthens the authenticity of our Cornish clotted cream on a global stage, but also provides new opportunities for our business conversations internationally. The GI status ensures consumers can continue to enjoy Cornish clotted cream with knowledge that it has been made in Cornwall, with Cornish milk and crafted using traditional methods as it has been at Rodda’s for over 130 years.

Managing Director of AK Stoddart Grant Moir said:

Since Stoddarts started to supply beef to Japan back in 2019 the brand attributes of Scotch Beef has always been a major draw for the Japanese market.

With the recent announcement that the Geographical Indication is to be formally recognised this will only enhance and strengthen the Scotch and Stoddarts brand in Japan.

Scotland has long been admired for its food and drink heritage and this will only benefit the global reputation of Scotland.

Co-Founder and Managing Director of Halen Môn Alison Lea-Wilson said:

We are absolutely delighted to learn that Japan is recognising GIs from the UK. We are proud to have the name and method of Halen Môn recognised as authentic and possessing the special qualities that set it apart from other salts.”

International Market Development Director at the AHDB Dr Phil Hadley said:

Thanks to the news on GIs we will explore opportunities for forage fed GI West Country Beef and West Country Lamb in this discerning market. Japan is an important market and AHDB is committed to working with industry and UK government to develop further opportunities for our exporters, including participation at FoodEx in Tokyo from March 5 to March 8 where we will be promoting quality British red meat.

The UK will also be protecting the Geographical Indications of several Japanese food and drink products, including Hokkaido wine and Hiba beef. British consumers can shop with confidence, knowing they are purchasing authentic Japanese goods.

The UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement entered into force on 1 January 2021 and will lead to the increase of protected GIs from just seven under the EU-Japan trade deal to over 70.

Background

• Population and GDP figures have been sourced from 2022 IMF estimates (the latest available data). Figures for subsequent years are all still projections.

The following UK food and agricultural products will have their GIs protected in Japan:

• Cornish Clotted Cream
• Cornish Pasty
• Anglesey Sea Salt/Halen Môn
• Arbroath Smokies
• Conwy Mussels
• East Kent Goldings
• London Cure Smoked Salmon
• Lough Neagh Eel
• Lough Neagh Pollan
• Melton Mowbray Pork Pie
• Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar
• Pembrokeshire Earlies/Pembrokeshire Early Potatoes
• Scotch Beef
• Scotch Lamb
• Single Gloucester
• Staffordshire Cheese
• Stornoway Black Pudding
• Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop
• Traditional Cumberland Sausage
• Traditional Grimsby Smoked Fish
• Traditional Welsh Caerphilly
• Welsh Beef
• Welsh Lamb
• Welsh Laverbread
• West Country Beef
• West Country Lamb
• Yorkshire Wensleydale

The following UK alcoholic beverages will have their GIs protected in Japan:

• English Wine
• English Regional Wine
• Herefordshire Cider
• Herefordshire Perry
• Irish Poteen
• Kentish Ale
• Kentish Strong Ale
• Somerset Cider Brandy
• Welsh Wine
• Welsh Regional Wine

The following Japanese agricultural products and beverages will have their GIs protected in the UK

• Daiei Suika
• Daisen Broccoli
• Echizen Gani/Echizen Kani
• Edosaki Kabocha
• Futago Satoimo/Futago Imonoko
• Hiba Gyu
• Higashiizumo no Maruhata Hoshigaki
• Hiyama Haishen
• Ibuki Soba/Ibuki Zairaisoba
• Iburigakko
• Iwadeyama Koridofu/Iwadeyama Meisan Koridofu
• Koge Hanagoshogaki
• Kumamoto Akaushi
• Matsudate Shibori Daikon
• Mito no Yawaraka Negi
• Monobe Yuzu
• Nango Tomato
• Okukuji Shamo
• Ozasa Urui
• Sayo Mochidaizu
• Taisyu Soba
• Tokyo Shamo
• Toyama Hoshigaki
• Tsunan no Yukishita Ninjin
• Tsuruta Steuben
• Yamadai Kansho
• Yamagata Celery
• Yatsushiro Tokusan Banpeiyu
• Zentsujisan Shikakusuika
• Hagi
• Harima
• Hokkaido
• Mie
• Nadagogo
• Tone Numata
• Wakayama Umeshu
• Yamanashi

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 26 February 2024.

UK Trade Ministers attend World Trade Organization’s Conference to defend free and fair trade and protect UK businesses from increasing global trade barriers.

• Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch flies to Abu Dhabi for 13th WTO conference to meet international counterparts and defend free trade
• UK using negotiations to maintain tariff-free digital trade, and protect British businesses from potential costly increases in global trade barriers and protectionism
• Secretary Badenoch joined by Trade Minister Greg Hands – as both will use event to meet Gulf Ministers and progress talks on a UK-Gulf trade deal

Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch today arrives in Abu Dhabi to defend free and fair trade and protect UK businesses from increasing global trade barriers.

She is attending the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Thirteenth Ministerial Conference (MC13) – where over 150 of the world’s trade ministers will gather for a week to negotiate global rules of trade that affect tariffs, regulations and how businesses sell their goods and services abroad.

Attending the Conference, Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said:

Free trade creates jobs, opportunities for businesses, and puts money in people’s pockets.

We want to see more barriers torn down, not new ones being put up. This is why it’s important the UK is here at MC13, to secure meaningful outcomes for companies and consumers back home and around the world as part of the Government’s plan to grow the economy and boost opportunities for our young people. I look forward to working with Members this week to make that happen.

The WTO sets the rules that underpin free and fair trade and has helped trade to boom around the world. Over the period 2000 to 2016, the average WTO member saw trade costs fall equivalent to a 15% reduction in tariffs.

Agreements through the WTO can help to address barriers to trade and reduce costs – savings that can be passed on to businesses and consumers – and decide to what extent countries can subsidise their industries.

The UK will be heavily involved in negotiations, and wants to see MC13 agree to:

• Keep the costs of online trade down by extending the e-commerce moratorium, a global agreement that avoids taxes on online transactions – from e-mails to music or TV downloads,
• Ensure countries can defend themselves against unfair trading practices by other countries by helping to restore the WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism,
• Protect our oceans and fish stocks which so many vulnerable fishing communities depend on by ending subsidies for fleets that catch fish in unsustainable numbers,
• Help developing countries to benefit from free trade and global investment by securing agreements such as the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement which will help grow developing economies by creating a more transparent, efficient, and predictable climate for investment.

Trade Policy Minister Greg Hands said:

From preventing digital products like emails being taxed, to ensuring countries can challenge unfair trading practices, the UK joins this conference with a clear mission: to be the world’s leading voice for Free Trade.

It’s good to be back at the Ministerial Conference of the WTO, alongside the Trade Secretary, to help drive negotiations and secure the right outcomes for businesses and consumers around the world and in the UK.

Free trade has played a vital role in lifting more than a billion people out of extreme poverty globally since 1990, which is why development is at the heart of the UK’s trade and investment policy.

The UK leads the way in championing the needs of least developed countries and has played an active role in negotiations on the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement (IFDA). This agreement streamlines burdensome processes for potential investors and improves transparency, which is set to benefit developing countries the most.

An additional 1 million Swiss Francs of funding will be made to the WTO’s Enhanced Integrated Framework, the only fund exclusively dedicated to helping Least Developed Countries trade. The UK has been the second largest donor to the Fund, contributing nearly $35m across two decades.

Minister for Development Andrew Mitchell said:

Trade is a proven route to prosperity. That is why the UK is pushing robustly for outcomes at the WTO’s MC13 in Abu Dhabi that support developing countries to reap the benefits of free trade and global investment.

We are proud to have introduced the Developing Country Trading Scheme – one of the most generous schemes available to developing countries. This conference is an opportunity to further improve the global trading system to ensure all countries benefit from the transformational impact of trade and no one is left behind.

Following the recent conclusion of the sixth round of talks on a UK-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free Trade Agreement, UK ministers will also meet with all six GCC counterparts to progress the deal – the first time Kemi Badenoch has met all six Ministers at once.

A deal would help unlock even more opportunities for investment and exports between the UK and countries of the GCC. With at least £19 billion already invested in each other’s economies and total trade worth £59 billion, both sides are building on a strong foundation.

UK Ministers will also meet with representatives from the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) member countries at the Conference ahead of the UK’s ratification and entry into force of the agreement expected later this year. The UK’s inclusion will make the CPTPP a truly global deal.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 19 February 2024.

The Government has announced action to tackle the use of controversial ‘fire and rehire’ practices.

• Government acts against controversial dismissal tactics through a new statutory Code of Practice.
• Employment tribunals will have the power to apply an uplift of up to 25 percent of an employee’s compensation if an employer unreasonably fails to comply with the code.
• Code protects workers’ rights whilst respecting business flexibility.

Action against unscrupulous employers to tackle the use of controversial ‘fire and rehire’ practices will be rolled out by the Government today [19 February].

Dismissal and re-engagement, also known as ‘fire and rehire’, refers to when an employer fires an employee and offers them a new contract on new, often less favourable terms.

The Government has been clear that it firmly opposes this practice being used as a negotiating tactic. Today, a new statutory Code of Practice has been published making clear how employers must behave in this area.

This new Code of Practice shows the Government is going a step further to protect workers across the country. This will help to preserve security and opportunity for those in work, as part of our plan to grow the economy.

Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said:

Our new Code will crack down on employers mistreating employees and sets out how they should behave when changing an employee’s contract.

This announcement shows we are taking action to tackle fire and re-hire practices by balancing protections for workers with business flexibility”.

In future the courts, and employment tribunals, will take the Code into account when considering relevant cases. This will include on unfair dismissal claims where the employer should have followed the Code.

Employment tribunals will have the power to apply an uplift of up to 25 percent of an employee’s compensation if an employer unreasonably fails to comply with the Code.

The new Code clarifies how employers should behave when seeking to change employees’ terms and conditions, aiming to ensure employees are properly consulted and treated fairly.

Employers will now also need to explore alternatives to dismissal and re-engagement and have meaningful discussions with employees or trade unions to reach an agreed outcome.

The Code makes it clear to employers that they must not use threats of dismissal to pressurise employees into accepting new terms. They should also not raise the prospect of dismissal unreasonably early or threaten dismissal where it is not envisaged.

Acas Chief Executive Susan Clews said:

Fire and rehire is an extreme step that can seriously damage working relations and has significant legal risks for organisations. Employers should focus on maintaining good employment relations to reach agreement with staff if they are thinking about making changes to their contracts.

Acas offers impartial advice on employment rights and obligations, and has expertise in helping parties to maintain good industrial relations and resolving disputes where they arise.

The Government’s new draft Code is clear that employers should contact Acas for advice before they raise the prospect of fire and rehire with employees.

Principal Policy Advisor at Institute of Directors, Alexandra Hall-Chen said:

The publication of this Code of Practice provides employers with welcome clarity and practical guidance.

The Code rightly places good industrial relations at its core and represents an effective means of balancing worker protections with labour market flexibility.

Head of Public Policy at CIPD, Ben Willmott said:

The Code promotes good practice, making clear employers should always seek to agree any changes to terms and conditions with employees and that ‘fire and rehire’ should only be used as an absolute last resort.

It highlights the importance of early and meaningful consultation with employees to maximise the chances of finding alternative solutions which can lead to agreement over proposed changes.

It also emphasises that Acas has a key role to play and should be contacted by an employer for advice before it raises the prospect of fire and rehire with the workforce.

The Government previously asked Acas to produce guidance for employers on fire and rehire practices, which was published in 2021.

Background:

• The consultation ran for 12 weeks, inviting views from the public and other interested groups on the new statutory Code.
• The Government has laid the Code of Practice in Parliament for approval by both Houses. Subject to that approval, the Code will then be brought into effect later in the summer.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 19 February 2024.

Statement on the sixth round of negotiations for a free trade agreement between the UK and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The sixth round of negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the UK and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) took place between 29 January and 9 February.

The round was hosted in London and held in a hybrid fashion. A number of GCC negotiators travelled to London for in-person discussions with others attending virtually.

Draft treaty text was advanced across the majority of chapters. Technical discussions were held across 21 policy areas over 30 sessions. Good progress was made and both sides remain committed to securing an ambitious, comprehensive and modern agreement fit for the 21st century. The next round of negotiations will be scheduled shortly.

An FTA will be a substantial economic opportunity and a significant moment in the UK-GCC relationship. Total trade was worth £59 billion according to latest figures.

His Majesty’s Government remains clear that any deal signed will be in the best interests of the British people and the United Kingdom economy. We will not compromise on our high environmental, public health, animal welfare and food standards, and we will maintain our right to regulate in the public interest. We are also clear that during these negotiations, the National Health Service and the services it provides is not on the table.