Tag: Business and Trade Department

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 13 October 2025.

On Wednesday 24 September 2025, representatives of the UK and State of Utah governments attended the second government-to-government working group meeting held in Salt Lake City, Utah. The 2023 Memorandum of Understanding on economic cooperation and trade relations, entered between the UK and Utah, created this working group.  

Paul J. Rennie OBE, British Consul General, chaired the opening session of the meeting hosted by Deidre Henderson, Lieutenant Governor of Utah, and Franz Kolb, Director of the Utah Governor’s Center for International Business & Diplomacy, with officials from the respective governments and participation from the Welsh Government.  

As part of the working group, a series of business roundtables enabled in-depth discussions on the energy, health and life sciences, and aerospace sectors, and included participation from UK and Utah companies. 

Building on the past success of the Utah delegation visit to the UK in June 2025, led by Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, this discussion on energy focused on the UK’s and Utah’s shared priorities in the advanced civil nuclear sector. The roundtable included best practice sharing on workforce development as well as a discussion on nuclear fuels and mining. The UK and Utah agreed to explore opportunities to further enhance cooperation in the civil nuclear sector. 

The health and life sciences session included information sharing on UK developments in regulation, procurement, clinical research and funding in the life sciences sector. The session further included a discussion on opportunities for Utah biotech businesses to expand into the UK. 

The aerospace session focused on the advanced aerial mobility sector in both the UK and Utah, including opportunities under Utah’s ‘Project Alta,’ and discussed collaboration and best practice exchanges ahead of the Salt Lake City 2034 Winter Olympics. 

The working group committed to further activities to enhance the UK and Utah relationship and to support mutual economic growth, including: 

• Utah will send an official delegation to the UK to attend the 2026 Farnborough Air Show in July with the purpose of exploring additional opportunities for collaboration with the UK’s aerospace sector;  
• The parties will develop a joint workplan on civil nuclear energy; 
• Further engagement in the life sciences sector at the BIO, JP Morgan, and Select USA conferences in the US. 

The UK and Utah agreed to hold a follow-up working group meeting in 2026, including representatives from industry as part of the continued work to support mutual economic growth and deliver trade and investment for UK and Utah businesses.

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

Introduction

This statement is provided by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Post Office in response to Volume 1 of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry report, which recommended that:

The Minister and/or the Department in conjunction with the Post Office shall make a public announcement explaining what is meant by the phrase ‘full and fair financial redress…’.

Since the launch of the Horizon redress schemes, Government and the Post Office have been committed to providing full and fair redress. Paragraph 6.4 of the Inquiry report states:

The evidence adduced at the Inquiry satisfies me that the commitments to provide financial redress which is full and fair and to provide it promptly were made in good faith and represented the genuinely held aims of the Post Office, the Department and Ministers. I am satisfied too, that the Post Office, the Department and Ministers continue to adhere to the aims of providing financial redress, which is full, fair and prompt.

DBT and Post Office joint statement on full and fair redress

‘Full’ redress means:

• For both financial and non-financial losses, at least as much redress as the postmaster would receive if they were awarded damages by a court. For financial losses specifically, it means restoring the postmaster to the position they would have been if they had never been affected by the Horizon Scandal.
• Where there is an appropriate range, decision makers should always apply a generous approach to assessing within that range.

‘Fair’ means there should be fairness in the amount offered (considering the harm suffered by the individual applicant and the background of the Horizon scandal) and the way in which the redress process operates. In particular:

• Schemes should aim to ensure that all relevant elements of loss and damage have been identified and considered.
• Although the schemes are underpinned by legal principles and procedures, postmasters should be compensated for the impact of the scandal on them, without having to prove losses under strict legal principles or by way of an adversarial and legalistic process. If fairness demands it in a particular case, it is permissible to depart from the established legal principles which would normally govern the assessment of damages in civil litigation.
• Fairness in the context of these schemes goes beyond the recompense provided by the courts and it should reflect the context in which the schemes were established. It should acknowledge the lifelong impacts of these events on the postmasters affected, and the time it has taken for their experiences to be recognised, acknowledged and truly heard. It should also acknowledge the struggles faced by postmasters to reach the point where they have achieved public recognition that they were wronged, along with Post Office’s failure to acknowledge this at a much earlier date.
• Fairness requires an acknowledgement of the lack of evidence held by postmasters. The passage of time means that some evidence has not been retained; and during the scandal, the Post Office in some cases wrongly withheld or destroyed it. Wherever it is fair in the particular circumstances of each case, postmasters should receive the benefit of the doubt.
• Ultimately, fairness also depends on the particular circumstances of each postmaster’s case. When considering claims, a range of factors should be examined, considered in the round and assessed on their own merits, ensuring fairness in each individual case. At the same time, the schemes should aim for broad consistency in redress awards where claimants have endured similar experiences.

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

The response accepts all but one of Sir Wyn William’s Horizon-related recommendations.

• Improvements to Horizon scandal redress schemes announced today, including funding of legal advice for postmasters, redress for close family members and a restorative justice programme.  
• Sir Gary Hickinbottom appointed as senior lawyer to oversee the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS).
• The Government’s response is supported by the Horizon Compensation Advisory Board.

Redress schemes for postmasters involved in the Horizon scandal are to be improved, as the Government formally responds to Sir Wyn Williams’ Volume 1 Inquiry Report today (Thursday 9th October).

Reforms will include the establishment of a new appeals process for people who have accepted HSS fixed sum offers, with funded legal advice for this. The Post Office will work to close the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS) by 31 January 2026, to give postmasters who have not yet applied more time to put in applications.

Subject to further review, the Government will also look at establishing an independent body who could oversee and manage the redress for any future scandals.

Earlier this year, the Government announced it would move forward with redress for close family members of postmasters who were victims of the scandal. It also began work on a restorative justice project – a form of professional mediation, where those who have been wronged or traumatized work with those who caused the trauma to provide practical solutions.

Today’s response sees all but one of Sir Wyn’s Horizon-related recommendations accepted. To ensure postmasters’ choices are not unfairly restricted, the recommendation to close the HSS Dispute Resolution Process has not been accepted. Instead, victims themselves will be able to decide whether they would like to remain in the HSS or proceed to the HSS Appeals Process.

Business Secretary, Peter Kyle, said: 

We must never lose sight of the wronged postmasters affected by the Horizon Scandal, which the Inquiry has highlighted so well.

There is clearly more to do to bring justice to those affected. The recommendations we are accepting today will be a crucial step towards this.

Post Office Minister, Blair McDougall, said:

The Horizon Inquiry has provided a vital platform for postmasters to share their experiences of a horrendous injustice.

The Inquiry’s recommendations are a key milestone in correcting past wrongs. By accepting them today, we are setting out a path forward towards concluding this horrific scandal.

Chair of the Advisory Board Committee, Chris Hodges said:

The Advisory Board was consulted in advance about the Government’s response. We agree that it is the right way forward

Reforms accepted today will include:

• New appeal processes to be established, allowing postmasters to seek permission from an independent person to appeal against Horizon Shortfall Scheme fixed sum offers.
• Legal advice will be funded for those seeking such appeals, including people who have previously settled for fixed sums.
• A suitably qualified senior lawyer will be appointed to oversee the Horizon Shortfall Scheme.
• The Horizon Shortfall Scheme will now close to new applications on 31 January 2026, rather than the Inquiry’s proposed date of 27 November 2025, to ensure vulnerable claimants have more time to apply before closure.
• The Government is publishing a clear definition of what constitutes “full and fair redress” to provide greater clarity for claimants and their representatives. This definition can be found here.
• Work has commenced on a restorative justice project for postmasters and their families in partnership with Post Office and Fujitsu.
• Post Office will also close the Suspension Remuneration Review scheme to new applications.

Notes to Editors

• In the past 15 months, over £993 million has been paid in redress – more than 5 times the total amount paid before last year’s election
• The Government will provide a full response to Parliament once all parts of the Inquiry report are published.

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

The Government is launching a fast-track review to tear up outdated licensing rules that have been holding back pubs, bars and local events and we want to hear from the people who know best: landlords, punters and communities.

• Four-week blitz to hear from locals and landlords on outdated pub rules
• Aims for more community events, fewer pointless restrictions, and a boost for high streets
• Part of the Plan for Change to help small businesses thrive and put more cash in people’s pockets

The Government is launching a fast-track review to tear up outdated licensing rules that have been holding back pubs, bars and local events and we want to hear from the people who know best: landlords, punters and communities.

For years, red tape has made it harder for pubs to serve food outside, host live music, or even stay open, with some historic venues forced to shut over noise complaints or outdated advertising rules. Now, a four-week Call for Evidence is giving people the chance to help fix it.

Whether it’s enjoying a pint with friends while listening to a local band, grabbing a bite from a pop-up food stall, or taking part in a community quiz night, these changes could make it easier for pubs and bars to offer the kind of experiences people love.

By removing unnecessary barriers, we’re helping venues bring more fun, flavour and connection to our high streets and making it simpler to enjoy the best of British hospitality.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

Pubs and bars are the beating heart of our communities. Under our Plan for Change, we’re backing them to thrive.

This review is about cutting red tape, boosting footfall, and making it easier for venues to put on the kind of events that bring people together. When our locals do well, our economy does too.

The shake-up could mean more street food, more live music, and fewer hoops to jump through for venues trying to bring people together – all while keeping the public safe.

Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said:

As part of our Plan for Change, this review will help us cut through the red tape that has held back our brilliant hospitality sector, giving them the freedom to flourish while keeping communities safe. That is the balance we’re trying to strike.

We’re determined to back small businesses and bring the buzz back to our high streets.

Nick Mackenzie, co-chair of the Licensing Taskforce and CEO at Greene King, said:

Modernising the licensing system is a vital step towards reducing the red-tape that has stifled businesses for too long. Swift consultation on the Licensing Taskforce’s recommendations is key and we urge the Government and industry to work together to ensure changes made at pace to address the challenges of running a modern hospitality business.

Pubs are faced with continued rising costs, placing them under enormous pressures which is why the Government must continue to back the sector, including critical reforms on business rates which would unlock opportunities for pubs to invest and help drive economic growth.

The call for evidence will focus on nine key recommendations from the Government’s Licensing Taskforce, with particular emphasis on streamlining on-trade alcohol licensing for hospitality venues.

It comes off the back of the landmark Small Business Plan, which in July included the most substantial measures to tackle late payments for a generation while unlocking billions in access to finance.

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

The Government has announced that it has secured over £250 billion of investment into the IS-8 sectors since July, supporting 45,000 high-quality jobs in communities across the UK.

• The Government has welcomed over £250 billion of investment since the launch of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy in June.
• 45,000 jobs will be supported thanks to investment commitments made into the strategy’s key growth driving sectors.
• Figures reinforce the government’s commitment to driving growth in communities all across the UK as it delivers on the Plan for Change.

Since July, the Government has secured over £250 billion of investment into the IS-8 sectors, supporting 45,000 high-quality jobs in communities across the UK.

These achievements mark a significant milestone since the launch of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy in June, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to long-term economic growth, innovation, and national resilience.

From advanced manufacturing to clean energy, creative industries to defence and digital technologies, the strategy is already delivering tangible results — unlocking private investment, creating high-quality jobs, and positioning the UK as a global leader in future-facing sectors.

These achievements – summarised in the first Quarterly Update, published today – are just the beginning of a long-term plan to build a more productive, innovative, and resilient economy. The Industrial Strategy is not just a vision — it is a delivery programme, already shaping the UK’s economic future.

Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said:

Our Industrial Strategy has hit the ground running — securing over £250 billion in investment and supporting 45,000 jobs in just a few months. This shows our strategy is not just working — it’s transforming communities and industries across the country as we deliver on our Plan for Change.

From pioneering clean energy to scaling up advanced manufacturing and digital innovation, we’re backing the sectors that will define the future. This strategy is about delivery, not just ambition — and it’s already laying the foundations for a stronger, more resilient economy that works for everyone.

Advanced Manufacturing

The newly launched DRIVE35 programme is injecting £2.5 billion into the automotive sector, supporting capital investment and R&D. A £650 million electric vehicle grant scheme is already accelerating consumer adoption, while over 50 cutting-edge auto projects have secured £70 million in innovation funding.

Clean Energy Industries

The UK’s clean energy ambitions are advancing at pace. The Contracts for Difference Allocation Round 7 has opened with a £544 million budget, while ten hydrogen projects from Allocation Round 1 are now moving forward — creating over 700 jobs. Two new Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS) projects will join the HyNet cluster, supporting nearly 3,000 jobs across North Wales and the North West.

Creative Industries

The government is investing in the UK’s world-class creative industries, with £150 million from the Creative Places Growth Fund allocated to regions including the West Midlands and Greater Manchester. New higher technical qualifications and a Creative Careers Programme are being developed to inspire the next generation of talent.

Defence

An £182 million Defence Skills package will establish five new Defence Technical Excellence Colleges, while £220 million is being invested in test and evaluation capabilities through the Defence Tech Scaler. A further £65 million is supporting SMEs and exporters in the defence sector.

Digital and Technologies

In digital tech, the creation of a new AI Growth Zone in the North East is expected to generate over 5,000 jobs and attract more than £30 billion in private investment. The UK-US Tech Prosperity Agreement is also unlocking new opportunities in AI, quantum, and digital trade.

Financial Services

The UK is sharpening its competitive edge in financial services with the launch of a new Office for Investment concierge service this October, designed to streamline support for firms and attract global capital. A bold consultation on regulatory reform is underway, including plans to merge the Payment System Regulator and Financial Conduct Authority—a move set to simplify oversight and boost innovation.

Life Sciences

The UK is cementing its position as a global life sciences powerhouse with the launch of Europe’s first Biofoundry for mRNA manufacturing in Darlington, backed by £30 million in government support. A £50 million Transformational R&D Investment Fund Pilot is now live, alongside the opening of Moderna’s Innovation and Technology Centre, part of a landmark £1 billion, 10-year partnership. CEO and Chair recruitment for the new £600m Health Data Research Service is underway, with appointments expected by the end of the year.

Professional and Business Services

The UK’s professional services sector is gearing up for a digital-first future. A new Made Smarter delivery model is being co-developed with Mayoral Strategic Authorities, ready for rollout in 2026 to boost productivity and innovation. Meanwhile, the ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ roadshow landed in Edinburgh, connecting small businesses with global trade opportunities and showcasing the best of British enterprise on the international stage.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 6 October 2025.

Nicola Smith and Dave Penman have been appointed by ministers as worker members of the Acas Council.

Ministers at the Department for Business and Trade have confirmed the appointment of two new members to the Council of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) today.  

Acas is an independent public body which provides free and impartial advice to employers, employees and their representatives on, employment rights, best practice and policies, and resolving workplace conflict.  

It is governed by a Council which determines the organisation’s strategic direction, policies and priorities, with council members appointed based on their professional expertise in either business or trade unions. 

Nicola Smith and Dave Penman have been added to the council as worker members. 

Biographies 

Nicola Smith 

• Nicola has been Director or Policy at the Trade Union Congress since 2024. She was previously the Head of Rights, Social and Economic Affairs from 2023 to 2024; Interim Chief Executive, Timewise, from 2022 to 2023; and Assistant Director, Stakeholder Engagement, The Nursing and Midwifery Council, from 2020 to 2022. Nicola is also a Labour Market Advisory Board Member. 

Dave Penman  

• Dave has been General Secretary of the FDA since 2012, having joined as a National Officer in 2000. He has also been a member of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) General Council since 2012; and TUC Executive Committee since 2023. He is a Member of the TUC Finance Committee and a TUC Trustee.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 3 October 2025.

UK-Greenland trade deal talks resume to deliver cheaper seafood for British shoppers 

• Negotiations resume on UK-Greenland trade deal to slash tariffs on over £70m of seafood imports, cutting prices for British shoppers 
• Agreement will seek to strengthen cooperation on critical minerals and encourage further trade to boost economic growth and security, supporting the Plan for Change 
• Deeper strategic partnership with all parts of the Kingdom of Denmark will deliver security and prosperity in the Arctic, North Atlantic and at home 

British shoppers and restaurants could see the price of seafood fall with negotiations restarting on the UK’s trade deal with Greenland.  

Seafood products became subject to tariffs of up to 20% when the UK left the EU, increasing costs and restricting choice for British shoppers as well as restaurants and the seafood processing sector.  

A new agreement could reverse this by eliminating tariffs to benefit consumers and businesses including the likes of Grimsby Fish Market and Royal Greenland UK. Giving British businesses greater and more targeted access to global markets to help drive growth is a key part of the UK’s Trade Strategy. 

Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark are central partners in the Arctic and North Atlantic, regions of strategic importance to UK and NATO security and prosperity. Deepening long-term relationships will support our shared economic interests, demonstrate Britain’s commitment to the Arctic and secure strong foundations as part of the Plan for Change.   

The announcement follows UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer attending the European Political Community summit in Copenhagen with Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen of Greenland and Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark. 

Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said:  

This partnership represents an opportunity to restore our trading relationship with Greenland and deliver real benefits for British families and businesses.  

By eliminating tariffs on Greenlandic seafood, we can help to bring down prices on supermarket shelves whilst supporting thousands of jobs in our fish-packing industry, putting more money in people’s pockets as part of our Plan for Change. 

Andrew Wrigley, Country Director at Royal Greenland UK, said: 

We welcome the renewed negotiations on a trade agreement between Greenland and the United Kingdom. A modernised deal that reduces tariffs on seafood would strengthen our long-standing commercial ties and ensure continued access to high-quality, sustainably sourced seafood for our British consumers.

For Royal Greenland, it represents not only an economic opportunity but also a reaffirmation of our role as a reliable trading partner in the North Atlantic. We see this as a step towards deeper cooperation built on shared interests and mutual respect.

Martyn Boyers, Chief Executive of Grimsby Fish Market and Grimsby Fish Dock Enterprises, said:  

Greenland plays an important role in the Seafood Industry and historically there have been strong partnerships with the UK, creating trade and opportunities for both sides.

Creating a platform for talks to restart and further cooperation can only be a good thing, especially for Grimsby, where a lot of the product imported from Greenland – particularly frozen prawns and white fish – is brought for packing by local seafood businesses.

Greenland remains a key exporter of seafood to the UK, with the UK importing around £70 million seafood products from Greenland each year; primarily comprising prawns, shrimp, and cod. 

The deal could also support the UK’s seafood processing industry, which employed almost 16,000 people in 2024. 

Beyond seafood, the UK will seek a deal that strengthens supply chains that could offer opportunities in critical minerals, where UK firms currently hold a third of mining licences in Greenland.  

Developing these supply chains responsibly together with Greenland and our partners will safeguard strategically important industries, strengthen British and European long-term economic security and reduce dependence on volatile global markets. 

Eldur Olafsson, CEO of UK listed Amaroq Ltd, said:  

The resumption of talks is very good news for Greenland’s emerging mining sector and reaffirms the strategic importance of Greenland’s mineral resources to the global economy.

As the most active mining and exploration company in Greenland, including of critical metals such as copper and nickel, we look forward to collaborating with the UK to establish a sustainable supply chain for these essential materials.

This would be Greenland’s first bilateral free trade agreement and aims to be a platform for deeper cooperation spanning research and innovation, climate change, sustainable tourism, renewable energy and education. This builds on the UK’s recent £81m investment in the Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) programme on Greenland climate tipping points.  

Together with Greenland and Denmark, the UK is delivering a more prosperous and secure Arctic. 

Notes to editors: 

• Between 2022 and 2024 the UK imported an average £70 million seafood from Greenland each year. Sourced from HMRC import data by preference July 2025 – data on a country of origin basis.  
• Employment figures sourced from Seafish – Seafood Processing Industry Performance 2024. In 2024 seafood processors employed 15,868 FTE workers. 
• Negotiations for a UK-Greenland Free Trade Agreement opened in 2022, to reinstate tariff-free trade that ended when the UK left the EU. This agreement was paused prior to the UK’s 2024 general election.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 2 October 2025.

Hardy will be responsible for statutory functions relating to trade unions and employers’ associations.

The Department of Business and Trade has today (1st October) announced the appointment of Stephen Hardy as the new Certification Officer. 

The independent Certification Officer is responsible for statutory functions relating to trade unions and employers’ associations. 

Stephen Hardy will take up his role on 1 October 2025, replacing Sarah Bedwell, who has held the post since 2017. 

Biography 

Stephen Hardy is a Professor of Employment Law and formerly the Dean of the Faculty of Business, Law & Politics at the University of Hull (2020-2024). He has over 3 decades experience in higher education and was a practising Barrister, specialising in Employment and Public law, instructed in complex trades union, equality, redundancy, dismissal and judicial review cases; including being appointed Regional Treasury Counsel and on the Panel of Preferred Counsel of the Equality Human Rights Commission. Since 2011, he has been a Fee-paid Judge of the First-Tier Tribunal and was a member of the Judicial Pensions Board (2019-2023). Currently, he is a member of the Social Security Advisory Committee. In 2021 he was elected a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences and since 2022, has been a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 23 September 2025.

Peter Kyle and Chris McDonald met JLR’s CEO and senior executives at its Gaydon headquarters to discuss latest situation.

• Business Secretary and Industry Minister visited Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) today to show support for the company and meet with supply chain businesses.
• Government is in daily contact with JLR and cyber experts to listen to concerns and what support can be provided to get production back online.
• Government is continuing to work with industry to deliver security for the sector as part of modern Industrial Strategy and Plan for Change.

Today [23 September], Business Secretary Peter Kyle and Industry Minister Chris McDonald met with JLR’s CEO and senior executives during a visit to the company’s Gaydon headquarters.

Discussions included talks on the impacts of the cyber incident and how JLR can work towards restarting production. 

Ministers received in-person briefings on the latest situation, before touring the site and hearing from workers who have been off work since the cyber incident occurred. 

During these discussions, both Ministers acknowledged the severity of the situation which is impacting a key sector that supports thousands of skilled jobs which enables growth and innovation across the UK’s manufacturing sector.

This is the latest show of support for the firm and wider auto sector as the government is delivering the biggest set of announcements for the sector in the last decade – including securing landmark trade deals to boost exports and updating the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate to support UK manufacturers to safeguard jobs in the auto industry.

Following the visit, the Business Secretary and Minister for Industry also visited Webasto’s Sutton Coldfield site to engage with the impacted supply chain firm and learn about the supply chain’s resilience following the cyber incident.  

Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said:  

I know this is a deeply worrying time for all those affected by the ongoing cyber incident and that’s why I visited JLR today to hear from the company, supply chain and workers. 

Getting JLR back online as soon as possible is my top priority, providing much needed certainty to workers and suppliers. 

This government is on the side of our world-leading automotive sector and by working closely with JLR and the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) we are doing everything we can to minimise the impact of this incident, as well as helping the sector thrive long into the future through our modern Industrial Strategy.

Since last week Ministers have met with representatives from businesses, trade unions, trade associations and local authorities to discuss the impacts of the ongoing incident and show support, while the National Cyber Security Centre is working tirelessly to help coordinate the operational response to the incident.