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Tag: Business and Trade Department

  • PRESS RELEASE : World’s first fully digitalised goods shipment sent from Burnley in billion-pound Brexit boost for British businesses [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : World’s first fully digitalised goods shipment sent from Burnley in billion-pound Brexit boost for British businesses [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 25 September 2023.

    The first ever fully digitalised goods shipment landed in Singapore from Burnley.

    • UK replaces old fashioned paper customs documents with digital ones to make it faster, cheaper and easier for businesses to trade
    • Move expected to reduce processing times by up to 75% and could boost the UK economy by over £1 billion
    • Innovation will enable more businesses to take advantage of our post-Brexit trade deals, including the UK-Singapore digital trade deal

    The first ever fully digitalised goods shipment yesterday [24 September] landed in Singapore from Burnley after the UK introduced world-leading legislation to make trading cheaper and easier for businesses.

    A valve produced by Burnley-based manufacturer Fort Vale set off from Manchester Airport on Thursday, facilitated by UK and Singapore based tech company LogChain, and is set to arrive in Singapore today. For the first time ever, the shipment will be processed entirely digitally, rather than via physical customs documents.

    The news comes following the UK’s digital trade agreement with Singapore, which facilitated electronic trade, as well as the introduction of the UK’s ground-breaking Electronic Trade Documents Act (ETDA) which came into force on Wednesday.

    The Act made the UK the first G7 country to place electronic trade documents on the same legal footing as paper documents. It is estimated the move could generate £1.14 billion for the UK economy over the next decade, supporting the Prime Minister’s priority of growing the economy.

    Minister for International Trade Nigel Huddleston said:

    Digitalised trade will make it quicker, cheaper and easier for firms to do business around the world, saving them significant sums of money. In a world where everyone pays for things digitally, it’s high time we tear up the pointless paperwork and get with the 21st Century.

    This is a landmark moment for the future of international trade and I am delighted the UK is leading the way in using technology to make things easier for our companies.

    Digitalising trade makes doing business around the globe faster, cheaper and more secure, lowering the risk of fraud and of paper documents being lost, and reducing processing times by up to 75%.

    Collaboration with Singapore to execute this fully digitalised shipment was inspired by the groundbreaking UK-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement, signed in 2022, which was the first digitally focused trade agreement ever agreed by a European nation, and would have been impossible to agree independently had we remained in the EU.

    With 80% of customs bills based on English law this reform further enhances the UK’s leadership on digital trade and could kickstart digitalisation globally. The UK continues to work with other countries to promote similar reforms.

    Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy Paul Scully said:

    We have made history today, with the simple act of a valve produced in Burnley arriving in Singapore. Following the commencement of the Electronic Trade Documents Act, we’re showing the world that the UK isn’t merely a participant in the digital economy – we are at its forefront.

    This transformative step promises a future where international trade is swifter, more affordable, and inclusive for businesses of every size.

    Global Sales and Marketing Director of Fort Vale Graham Blanchard said:

    Fort Vale are extremely enthusiastic and excited by the prospect of successful digital trade transactions. As an organisation Fort Vale exports around 90% of its products worldwide. A significant number of our key accounts are based in Singapore and as such, the opportunity to be part of this historic moment was something not to miss.

    Fort Vale see the benefits of security, efficiency, cost savings and reduced risk of delays as real positives not only for our organisation, but as a contribution to frictionless trade between the UK and Singapore as a whole.

    Managing Director of BT, Asia Pacific Rodney Kinchington said:

    We are proud to leverage our expertise to help usher in the landmark UK Electronic Trade Documents Act. Further, the combined efforts of the various companies in this consortium through LogChain’s platform highlights our joint commitment to enhance standards (for transparency, efficiency, and security) in global supply chains, and support for the transformative journey into the future of logistics.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government unveils new Board of Trade with UK’s top CEOs [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government unveils new Board of Trade with UK’s top CEOs [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 20 September 2023.

    Brand new Board of Trade includes CEOs from leading food and drink, education and creative industry companies.

    • Revamped Board will have an expanded list of advisers, including a brand new line-up of CEOs from leading food and drink, education and creative industry companies
    • New structure will focus specifically on exports in line with Government’s ambition to reach £1 trillion worth of UK exports per year by 2030.
    • In their roles as Advisers to the Board, appointees will work with the Department for Business and Trade to help identify and address export barriers and promote the UK brand to the world.

    Business and Trade Secretary and President of the Board of Trade Kemi Badenoch has today [Wednesday 20 September] announced a refresh of the Board of Trade at the meeting of one of the government’s highest profile advisory bodies on trade and economic issues.

    The Board, which has existed in various forms since the 17th century, offers advice to the government on its trade and exporting strategy, and has included members from across government, academic institutions and business.

    In line with the Government’s ambition to grow UK exports every year until we hit a trillion annually by 2030, the focus of the new Board will be on working with leaders from the UK’s top growth sectors to identify and address export barriers so businesses can achieve their full potential. The creative industries, for example, are heavily represented with fashion, film and music CEOs all on the revamped Board.

    As well as senior leaders from top global companies and innovative UK businesses, such as Tufan Erginbilgiç Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce, and Sir Lucian Grainge, Managing Director of Universal Music Group, the refreshed Board of Trade will include thought leaders with an expertise in trade and the economy, including Lord Mayor of London Nicholas Lyons and Karen Betts, Chief Executive of the Food and Drink Federation.

    Business and Trade Secretary and President of the Board of Trade Kemi Badenoch said:

    The brilliant new members of the Board of Trade, with their wealth of experience and expertise, will help us to identify barriers to exporting and represent the best of Brand Britain to the world. Some are calling for another dry, report-writing board, but this new board will be fixers. As we seize the immense trading opportunities post-Brexit, we need to pull our socks up and be a team of doers. I’m confident the new Board of Trade will fulfil that ambition.

    Pearson CEO Andy Bird said:

    I am excited to be appointed as an Advisor to the Board of Trade and look forward to working with the other members of the Board and the Secretary of State on issues that will support the UK’s economic growth and prosperity. As CEO of the world’s leading learning company, I firmly believe in the power of innovation to enable transformation, and I hope I can bring this to bear in my advisory role.

    Dulas Managing Director Ruth Chapman said:

    I am delighted to be joining the newly convened Trade Board as an Advisor. As a leader of an SME with extensive experience of exporting products globally, I look forward to bringing my expertise on the challenges and opportunities of international trade, helping the UK to achieve its exporting growth ambitions.

    Anya Hindmarch, CEO, Anya Hindmarch said:

    I am excited to join as an Advisor to the Board of Trade to support business and specifically business export. I hope that my experience of leading a creative company means that I can feed back ‘from the coal face’ with ideas and solutions that help support and unblock barriers to growth. I see business as the ‘engine of the economy’ and believe that the creative industries are pivotal to the Secretary of State’s mission to meeting her ambition of a trillion annually by 2030.

    As part of the first engagements of the new, revamped board, today Lord Dominic Johnson hosted an investors breakfast at Fortnum and Mason with a host of luxury brands and investors including Chanel, Bremont and Votary.

    New Board of Trade advisers are:

    • Andy Bird CBE
    • Anya Hindmarch CBE
    • Ash Amirahmadi OBE
    • David Meller CBE
    • Karen Betts OBE
    • Libby Hart
    • Lord Daniel Hannan
    • Paul Golding
    • Peter O’Kane
    • Rt Hon Nicholas Lyons
    • Rt Hon Tony Abbott AC
    • Ruth Chapman
    • Sarah Kenny OBE
    • Sir Lucian Grainge CBE
    • Tufan Erginbilgiç
    • Vivienne Stern MBE

    Alongside the Board of Trade, the Department for Business and Trade provides a range of country and market specific support to exporters of all sizes. This includes the Export Support Service, Export Champions, International Trade Advisors and UK Export Finance, all targeted at getting businesses across the UK exporting more. Latest figures show UK exports were £849bn in the 12 months to the end of July 2023, up £118bn (16%) in current prices, compared to the previous 12 months.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Reforms to package holidays to encourage more choice and cheaper summer breaks [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Reforms to package holidays to encourage more choice and cheaper summer breaks [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 20 September 2023.

    British holidaymakers could benefit from greater choice, and more competitive prices thanks to a review of travel regulations that cut red tape for travel operators.

    • 12-week consultation launched to make UK-based domestic package travel rules clear and effective
    • New rules could cut red tape for businesses and help grow the economy
    • Consultation to ensure the effective protection of consumer rights alongside bespoke package travel protections

    British holidaymakers could benefit from greater choice, and more competitive prices thanks to a review of travel regulations that cut red tape for travel operators.

    The Government has today [Wednesday 20th September] launched a consultation to ensure consumer protection rules for package holidays within the domestic UK market are fit for purpose for both businesses and consumers. This comes as part of a wider set of reforms aimed at bringing in Smarter Regulations for businesses.

    The consultation will seek feedback from the domestic travel and tourism sector on how new rules could best suit British needs to help drive growth, support businesses and offer cost-effective options to consumers. Voices across the industry will be invited to provide insights and feedback, including businesses like tour operators and travel agents, regulators and consumer advocacy groups.

    The consultation will look at areas including whether the same set of regulations for international holidays are needed for UK-based package holidays, as well as making current rules more proportionate to businesses including where current industry groups say they are dissuaded from offering package style arrangements because of disproportionate regulatory burdens.

    They will consider how package travel rules could be simplified and unnecessary burdens could be lifted with the result that businesses offer more choice, at competitive prices, to consumers.

    Improved regulations in this industry will ensure businesses are supported and aren’t held down by unnecessary regulatory burdens, and consumers will better understand what rights they have when booking a package holiday.

    This consultation comes as the travel industry recovers from the pandemic, offering an opportunity to reflect on where improvements could be made to unlock growth and deliver better outcomes for customers, including in unforeseen circumstances or in the face of significant disruption.

    Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said:

    “Our domestic travel industry is crucial to our economy, but many holiday companies are faced with often over-burdensome regulations that make it difficult for them to grow and thrive.

    “Today’s consultation is a major step to cutting red tape, which could benefit millions of British holidaymakers and give the sector a much-needed boost for the future.”

    The Government is committed to ensuring high standards of consumer protection and we have introduced the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill to Parliament to strengthen these protections in the UK.

    Notes to Editors

    • A 12-week consultation begins today which will conclude in December
    • The consultation looks at whether reforming domestic package holidays would unlock opportunities for the UK tourism sector to offer new and cheaper options to holidaymakers and in recognition of the unique challenges consumers can face when things go wrong overseas.
    • The consultation identifies areas where business could have greater freedom in how they secure consumer protections and where the regime could be simplified so businesses are better able to meet requirements and consumers are clear about their rights. This includes seeking to understand lessons learned from how the regime operated over the pandemic and what would best support business and consumers to deal with significant unforeseeable disruption in the future.
    • Smarter regulation is about improving regulation across the board, ensuring it is as clear as possible and only used where necessary and proportionate.  The Government is committed to taking action to reduce the burdens on business; reduce the cost of living and deliver choice to consumers.
    • Whilst ATOL is not a key announcement today, the consultation document does reference the ongoing work by the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to reform the ATOL scheme. It also identifies that DfT is also reviewing the enforcement options available to the CAA to ensure that they have the right tools for the purposes of maintaining compliance with the ATOL scheme.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Millions get more power over working hours thanks to new law [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Millions get more power over working hours thanks to new law [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 19 September 2023.

    Workers right across the country will be given more say over their working patterns thanks to new laws supported by the Department for Business and Trade.

    • Millions of workers will have a say over their working patterns as Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Bill achieves Royal Assent.
    • Government-backed law gives all workers the legal right to request a predictable working pattern encouraging workers to begin conversations with their employers.
    • Follows a wave of wins for workers after a record National Minimum Wage uplift and boosts to employment protections for parents and unpaid carers.

    Workers right across the country will be given more say over their working patterns thanks to new laws supported by the Department for Business and Trade.

    Receiving Royal Assent overnight, the Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Bill, brought forward by Blackpool South MP Scott Benton and Baroness Anderson and supported by the Government, gives individuals on atypical contracts – including those on zero hours contracts – more predictable working hours. It delivers on a 2019 Manifesto commitment to introduce a right for workers to request a more predictable contract.

    Zero hours contracts – and other forms of atypical work – are an important part of the UK’s flexible labour market; however, the Government is determined to tackle unfair working practices.

    The Predictable Working Act introduces a right for workers to request a more predictable working pattern, intending to redress the imbalance of power between some employers and workers in atypical work, encouraging workers to begin conversations with their employers about their working patterns.

    Business and Trade Minister Kevin Hollinrake said:

    Although zero hours contracts can often suit workers who want to work flexibly and employers whose needs vary, it is unfair for anyone to have to put their lives on hold to make themselves available for shifts that may never actually come – this Act helps to end the guessing game.

    A happier workforce means increased productivity, helping in turn to grow the economy, which is why we’ve backed these measures to give people across the UK more say over their working pattern.

    If a worker’s existing working pattern lacks certainty in terms of the hours they work, the times they work or if it is a fixed term contract for less than 12 months, they will be able to make a formal application to change their working pattern to make it more predictable. Once a worker has made their request, their employer will be required to notify them of their decision within one month.

    As well as clear benefits to workers, the measures are also good for British business. In cases where requests are accepted, workers will have more predictable terms and conditions that better suit their individual circumstances, leading to higher job satisfaction.

    This can lead to a range of benefits for businesses, including better staff retention as a worker will not need to look for a new role to secure a working pattern to meet their needs.

    Acas Chief Executive Susan Clews said:

    With the passing of the new Act, many workers will have the right to request more predictability around their working pattern should they wish to.

    Acas is producing a new Code of Practice that will provide clear guidance on making and handling requests. This will help workers and businesses understand the law and have constructive discussions around working arrangements that suit them both. Our draft Code will be available for public consultation in the coming weeks and we encourage all interested parties to respond and let us know their views.

    The Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Act 2023 comes as part of a package of Private Member Bills this government has backed over the last few months, cementing the UK’s prevalent worker’s rights laws. These include:

    • supporting employee parents of new-born babies who are admitted into neonatal care with up to 12 weeks of paid neonatal care leave
    • requiring employers to ensure that all tips, gratuities, and service charges received are paid to workers in full
    • offering pregnant women and new parents greater protection against redundancy
    • entitling employees who are also unpaid carers to a period of unpaid leave
    • providing millions of employees with a day one right to request flexible working, and a greater say over when, where, and how they work

    This package of new laws builds on the UK’s flexible and dynamic labour market and gives businesses the confidence to create jobs and invest in their workforce, allowing them to generate long-term economic growth.

    Ben Willmott, Head of Public Policy at CIPD said:

    This new right will ensure that atypical workers can request a more predictable working pattern if they need more certainty, for example, over the hours they work each week.

    It should also prompt more employers to ensure that the flexibility in non-standard employment arrangements works for both the business and workers wherever possible, boosting their efforts to recruit and retain staff.

    Background:

    • The Government is committed to ensuring the UK is the best place in the world to work and grow a business. To do this, we need a strong and flexible labour market, which supports participation and economic growth. The Government has made this clear since announcing its intention to legislate on this and confirming its support of the Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Bill.
    • We expect the measures in the Act and secondary legislation to come into force approximately a year after Royal Assent, to give employers time to prepare for the changes.
    • Matthew Taylor’s 2017 review of modern working practices and the gig economy recommended the introduction of this policy, noting that it would support many workers who currently experience ‘one-sided flexibility’.
    • Subject to parliamentary approval, all workers and employees will have this new right once it comes into force, however, they must first have worked for their employer a set period before they make their application. This period will be set out in regulations and is expected to be 26 weeks. Given the proposals aim to support those with unpredictable contracts, workers will not have had to have worked continuously during that period.
    • In response to this legislation, the Government has asked Acas to prepare a new statutory Code of Practice to help workers and businesses understand the law and to provide guidance on how requests should be made and considered. Acas will launch a public consultation on a draft Code this autumn.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Government announces £600,000 of new compensation for every wrongfully convicted Postmaster [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government announces £600,000 of new compensation for every wrongfully convicted Postmaster [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 18 September 2023.

    The UK Government has announced that every Postmaster who was wrongfully convicted and has had their conviction overturned as it was reliant on Horizon evidence will be offered £600,000 in compensation.

    • Every postmaster whose conviction relied on Horizon evidence and has now been overturned will be offered £600,000 to settle their claim
    • Postmasters will continue to receive funds to cover legal fees
    • So far, 86 convictions have been overturned and £21 million has been paid in compensation

    The UK Government has today announced that every Postmaster who was wrongfully convicted and has had their conviction overturned as it was reliant on Horizon evidence will be offered an optional sum of up to £600,000 in compensation.

    All reasonable legal fees will continue to be covered and any Postmaster who does not want to accept this offer can of course continue with the existing process.

    For those postmasters who have already received initial compensation payments or have reached a settlement with the Post Office of less than the £600,000, they will be paid the difference.

    Our aim is to ensure as many Postmasters involved receive this offer of compensation as fast as possible to help bring a resolution to the scandal. This includes any Postmasters who overturn their convictions in the future based on Horizon evidence – they too will be entitled to today’s compensation.

    Post Office Minister Kevin Hollinrake said:

    “This is about righting a wrong and providing some form of relief to those wrongfully caught up in this scandal.

    “Too many Postmasters have suffered and for too long, which is why the Government remains committed to seeing this through to the end until it is resolved and ensuring this cannot ever happen again.”

    Starting in the late 1990s, the Post Office began installing Horizon accounting software, but faults in the software led to shortfalls in branches’ accounts. The Post Office demanded sub-postmasters cover the shortfalls, and in many cases wrongfully prosecuted them between 1999 and 2015 for false accounting or theft.

    Postmasters who were wrongfully convicted have been forced to endure great hardships, losing clean criminal records, loss of liberty and huge financial losses – that is why the Government believes today’s announcement can finally bring the pain to a close.

    The Government has already set up the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry and provided it with the necessary statutory powers to ensure it can investigate what happened, establish the facts and make recommendations for the future. The Inquiry is progressing and we will continue to cooperate fully to ensure that the facts of what happened are established and lessons learned.

    To date, 86 convictions have been overturned and £21 million has been paid in compensation to postmasters with overturned convictions.

    The Overturned Convictions process, Horizon Shortfall Scheme and Group Litigation Order have in total paid more than £120 million to 2,600 individuals affected by the Horizon scandal.

    Notes to editors

    • The Department announced interim payments of £100,000 in July 2021. The limit was later uplifted to £163,000. Post Office has made interim payments to 100% of eligible postmasters who have submitted a claim.
    • Today’s £600,000 offer will be made net of any sums already received, such as interim payments and partial settlements, to settle the claim full
    • Postmasters are eligible for this upfront offer if their conviction was overturned on the basis that it was reliant on Horizon evidence
  • PRESS RELEASE : New Scottish Export Champions announced after successful first year of the scheme [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New Scottish Export Champions announced after successful first year of the scheme [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 18 September 2023.

    Ten new Export Champions for Scotland have been appointed to the Export Champions scheme.

    • After a successful start to the Export Champions scheme, ten new Export Champions for Scotland have been appointed
    • They join the thirteen appointments made last year, ensuring a broad range of sector expertise is in place
    • Working closely with the Department for Business and Trade and Scottish Development International, their role will be to encourage more Scottish businesses to consider selling abroad

    Ten new Export Champions have been appointed for Scotland after a positive start to the scheme that was launched just under a year ago.

    In October last year the first ever Export Champions for Scotland were selected and tasked with promoting the benefits of exporting.

    Since then they have taken part in over 78 engagements where they have spoken at events, shared advice with others in their sector and encouraged other companies across Scotland to consider selling to overseas markets.

    The new appointees, selected in partnership with Scottish Development International (SDI), cover a broad range of sectors from life sciences, to hydrogen energy and legal services.

    UK Government Minister for Scotland and Exports Lord Malcolm Offord said:

    With our current Export Champions having made such an excellent start, we were keen to grow our team here in Scotland to ensure that we were doing all we can to help companies start their export journey.

    Our new, larger team now cover an even broader range of sectors, and I look forward to them sharing their success stories of selling abroad and encouraging other Scottish businesses to start doing the same.

    Reuben Aitken, Scottish Enterprise Managing Director of International Operations, said:

    Exports drive productivity and our Scottish economic performance.

    Scottish Enterprise and our global Scottish Development International colleagues are committed to working with partners to support Scottish companies’ growth by selling their innovative products and services to overseas markets.

    We have been pleased to help identify these latest Export Champions who we know will help encourage and inspire future Scottish businesses to trade internationally.

    Each of the new Export Champions were selected by the Department for Business and Trade in partnership with SDI, with each having a successful track record of trading internationally and a desire to share their expertise with others.

    One of the new Export Champions is Natalya Ratner, from educational technology company Robotical Ltd based in Leith. They developed a programmable robot called Marty, an educational tool that has now been sold to over 1,000 schools across 65 countries worldwide.

    New Export Champion for Scotland, Natalya Ratner of Robotical Ltd said:

    Exporting has made a huge difference to our company. Although we are very much a Scottish company, we were international from the start as it was the best area for growth.

    We want more Scottish companies to become successful exporters, so I’m delighted to become an Export Champion. I’ll be really pushing the message on the importance of selling abroad and the growth it can bring to the other companies that I meet with.

    Naysun Alae-Carew is another new appointee and is Managing Director of Glasgow-based Blazing Griffin, who specialise in video game development, film and TV and production and high-end post-production services.

    With a growing team of 72 creative, digital and technology professionals, Blazing Griffin’s growth trajectory has been fuelled not only by a growing domestic market but also by their thriving exports business.

    Managing Director of Blazing Griffin, Naysun Alae-Carew, said:

    I’m honoured and excited to be appointed as an Export Champion. We look forward to sharing the insights and strategies that have driven our success with other Scottish companies and help them reach into new territories around the world.

    We are staunch believers that Scotland has the potential to excel on the world stage without sacrificing its focus on domestic capabilities. It’s a great time to be part of a nation that is outward-facing, yet deeply committed to local development.

    Dr Sharon Fitzgerald, a partner at law firm DLA Piper, has also been named as one of Scotland’s new Export Champions.

    For years, DLA Piper has been exporting international best practice in legal services and project procurement, gained through working on major Scottish infrastructure projects such as the Queensferry Crossing.

    Dr Sharon Fitzgerald, Partner at DLA Piper said:

    I’m delighted to have been selected as an Export Champion for Scotland. At DLA Piper we have exported international best practice in legal services and project procurement to a range of different countries across the world. We’ve also supported our clients in a variety of sectors to do business internationally.

    I want to share this experience with others. There are so many opportunities out there and I’m eager to see Scottish businesses make the most of these.

    Each Export Champion will now work closely with both DBT and SDI, attending events and providing peer-to-peer exporting support to other businesses in their sector.

    So far Export Champions in Scotland have appeared as panel members at the US Trade Dialogue held in Edinburgh in November last year, given presentations about the opportunities available to Scottish FinTech companies in North American markets, and provided feedback to DBT officials on the potential benefits of Free Trade Agreements.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK appoints new HM Trade Commissioner to lead UK-China & Hong Kong trade and investment relationship [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK appoints new HM Trade Commissioner to lead UK-China & Hong Kong trade and investment relationship [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 18 September 2023.

    The Department for Business and Trade has appointed Lewis Neal as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for China & Hong Kong.

    • Lewis Neal appointed as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for China & Hong Kong
    • With total UK-China & Hong Kong trade worth more than £137 billion, the region offers huge potential for UK businesses
    • Lewis joins department’s team of nine HM Trade Commissioners encouraging UK trade and investment and promoting Global Britain across the world

    The UK’s Department for Business and Trade has today [18th September] appointed Lewis Neal as the new HMTC for China & Hong Kong. The appointment comes after UK Minister for Investment Lord Dominic Johnson visited Beijing to open the UK pavilion at the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS).

    As the new Trade Commissioner for China & Hong Kong, Lewis’ priorities will be to secure inward investment in sectors such as low carbon, automotive and financial services, remove market access barriers that hinder UK-China & Hong Kong exports, increase the exports to the region and make the UK the educational system of choice for China & Hong Kong.

    Prior to joining the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, Lewis was Director for Economic Diplomacy at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). Lewis brings a wealth and breadth of experience across economic, trade and security issues and has worked across key sectors for UK-China & Hong Kong trade such as financial services, infrastructure, and international regulatory issues.

    Business and Trade Secretary, Kemi Badenoch, said:

    Our network of HMTCs bang the drum for Britain across the world, promoting UK trade, investment, and export finance.

    I am delighted to welcome Lewis to this role and am confident he will build on our outstanding track record on trade in China and Hong Kong, expanding opportunities for British businesses in one of the world’s fastest growing markets.

    The UK has a significant trade and investment relationship with China & Hong Kong, with more than £137bn of trade over the twelve months to the end of March 2023, making the region equivalent to the UK’s 3rd largest trading partner.

    HMTCs represent and promote the UK in important markets across the world, leading on export promotion, inward and outward investment, and trade policy overseas on behalf of the UK government. Their work includes developing and delivering a regional trade plan setting out the Department for Business and Trade’s priorities in important global markets.

    HM Trade Commissioner for China & Hong Kong, Lewis Neal, said:

    I am excited to be joining the Embassy in Beijing and the UK’s China and Hong Kong network.

    With recent visits from the Foreign Secretary and Minster of State for Investment for the first time in several years, my priority is to keep that momentum going by continuing to support growth for both UK businesses as well as Chinese and Hong Kong investors in key sectors in the UK.

    There are great potential areas of UK strength including: education, low carbon, automotive sector, financial services, and health sectors where we can deepen trade and collaboration to deliver greater economic security and prosperity and global challenges such as climate change.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK appoints new HM Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific to strengthen trade and investment links [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK appoints new HM Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific to strengthen trade and investment links [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 18 September 2023.

    The Department for Business and Trade has appointed Martin Kent as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Asia Pacific.

    • Martin Kent appointed as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific
    • With total UK-Asia Pacific trade worth more than £120 billion, the region offers huge potential for UK businesses
    • Kent joins department’s team of nine HM Trade Commissioners encouraging UK trade and investment and promoting Global Britain across the world

    Martin Kent has today [18th September] been appointed as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, succeeding Natalie Black CBE.

    As the new Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, he will generate business opportunities for the UK while contributing to the growth of sustainable, resilient, and productive economies across the region.

    Prior to his new role, Martin Kent was the Minister and Deputy Head of Mission in the British Embassy Tokyo, a Director within the Department for Business and Trade, and also HM Deputy Trade Commissioner for Africa. He started his career with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and has worked across the Asia Pacific region, including in BCG’s Singapore and Australia offices.

    Alongside trade and investment, Kent will pursue regional security priorities in his new position, protecting free trade and supply chains and continuing the progression already made by the AUKUS security pact.

    Business and Trade Secretary, Kemi Badenoch, said:

    Our network of HMTCs bang the drum for Britain across the world, promoting UK trade, investment, and export finance.

    I am delighted to welcome Martin to this role and am confident he will build on our outstanding track record on trade in Asia Pacific, expanding opportunities for British businesses in one of the world’s fastest growing markets.

    With total UK-Asia Pacific trade worth more than £120 billion, the region offers huge potential for UK businesses.

    The recently signed trade deals with Australia and New Zealand are set to deliver an economic boost by driving trade up by 53% with Australia and 59% with New Zealand and could also mean reduced prices for UK consumers on favourites such as wine, Tim Tams and kiwi fruit and lowered costs on machinery parts for UK manufacturers.

    Further benefits are to be expected following the signing of the UK’s assession to CPTPP in July. Being part of the bloc will mean that more than 99 per cent of UK goods exports to CPTPP countries will be eligible for zero tariffs.

    HM Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, Martin Kent, said:

    I am delighted to be appointed as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific. The region is the engine room of the global economy and is a major driver of global economic growth and opportunity for UK businesses.

    I will be focused on securing and implementing high-quality Free Trade Agreements, attracting investment to all parts of the UK, opening markets for UK exporters, and positioning the UK as a beacon for free trade in the Asia Pacific region.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK joins top Gulf commerce ministers for trade talks in Oman [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK joins top Gulf commerce ministers for trade talks in Oman [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 15 September 2023.

    Minister Huddleston visits Oman to attend the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Commerce Ministers’ summit.

    • Nigel Huddleston to become the first UK Minister to attend Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Commerce Ministers’ summit.
    • UK and GCC in talks on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) which could increase trade by 16%.
    • Huddleston to use summit to discuss the FTA and help further trading relationship worth over £65 billion.

    Nigel Huddleston, UK Minister for International Trade, is in Oman today [13 September] to hold talks with top trade ministers from across the Gulf region.

    This is the first time a UK Minister has been invited in this capacity to attend the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Commerce Ministers’ summit – part of a regular series attended by commerce ministers from all six GCC countries. The summit comes a year after the first round of talks on a UK-GCC Free Trade Agreement.

    UK Minister for International Trade Nigel Huddleston said:

    We already have powerful trade ties with the GCC, and I am pleased to be able to take this chance to further improve our relationship.

    We want a modern, comprehensive, and ambitious free trade deal that will promote innovation, encourage investment, and help develop the industries of the future.

    “There’s a great prize on offer here – the potential for what we can achieve together in the years and decades to come is huge.”

    The GCC is one the UK’s most important trading partners, with trade growing to £65.2 billion in 2022 – an increase of over 75% in current prices. Previous Government analysis shows that, in the long run, a deal with the GCC is expected to increase trade by 16%.

    A deal could increase UK businesses’ access to booming markets in the Gulf and will also make it easier for people across the GCC to access UK expertise in areas including life sciences, artificial intelligence and renewables.

    During the visit, the Minister will also tour the Port of Salalah, the biggest port in Oman, ranked the second most efficient container port in the world in 2021.

    Oliver Christian, the government’s new Trade Commissioner for the Middle East, will join Minister Huddleston for discussions.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Major BMW EV announcement to take UK auto investment to over £6bn [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Major BMW EV announcement to take UK auto investment to over £6bn [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 11 September 2023.

    BMW are set to announce a multi-million-pound investment in their Oxford MINI plant, which will take investment in the UK automotive sector to over £6 billion.

    • BMW set to announce multi-million pound investment in the UK, in latest major vote of confidence in UK Government plans for the car industry.
    • Announcement brings total investment into the automotive sector to over £6bn in recent years, securing jobs and promoting economic growth.
    • Other major investments include over £4bn from Tata to build a new gigafactory in the UK, and £1bn from Nissan and AESC to create an EV manufacturing hub in Sunderland.

    Ahead of a visit to the MINI plant in Oxford, Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch has today (11 September) hailed the success of the UK Government’s plan for automotive, as the sector looks ahead to a bright future thanks to over £6 billion of investment over the last two years.

    This comes as BMW are set to announce a multi-million pound investment to transform their Oxford plant, securing 4,000 high-quality jobs and strengthening the electric vehicle supply chain. The news follows extensive government engagement and support.

    The Government is securing investment from industry by providing support for new plants and upgrades to ensure that the UK automotive industry thrives long into the future.

    Last week Stellantis, makers of Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroen and Fiat, announced the start of electric vehicle production after their £100m investment to make their site in Ellesmere Port their first globally dedicated solely to producing EVs.

    Other recent major investments also include a landmark investment of over £4 billion from Tata to build a new gigafactory supplying batteries, £1 billion from Nissan and AESC to create an EV manufacturing hub in Sunderland, and £380 million from Ford to make Halewood their first EV components site in Europe.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

    BMW’s investment is another shining example of how the UK is the best place to build cars of the future.

    By backing our car manufacturing industry, we are securing thousands of jobs and growing our economy right across the country.

    Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said:

    Today’s announcement by BMW, coming a week after electric vehicle production started at Stellantis’s site at Ellesmere Port, clearly shows that the Government’s plan for the automotive sector is working.

    Working in partnership with the car industry, we are securing high-quality jobs and investment and boosting economic growth.

    The total investment in the UK automotive sector is set to reach over £6bn in just the last two years, ensuring our car industry can look ahead to a bright and successful future under this Government.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said:

    The UK has a proud history of manufacturing and BMW’s investment is a huge vote of confidence in this country as a global leader in electric vehicles.

    And following Stellantis beginning electric vehicle production at Ellesmere Port, just last week, to Tata’s gigafactory, this industry is motoring, creating thousands of jobs and powering our green transition.

    There is a longstanding and comprehensive programme of support for the UK automotive sector, including the Advanced Propulsion Centre, the Automotive Transformation Fund, Faraday Battery Challenge and Driving the Electric Revolution.

    Just last week, the Government announced that over £50 million of government funding has been awarded to 30 cutting-edge manufacturing projects including rapid-charging motorcycles and self-driving cars, cementing the UK as one of the best locations in the world to manufacture.

    The Government is committed to the future of UK manufacturing, maintaining a competitive business environment and reducing the burden on business.

    The manufacturing sector plays a vital role in the UK’s economy and the Chancellor has identified advanced manufacturing as one of five key growth sectors.

    Background:

    • A press notice from BMW Group will follow at 11:00 Monday 11 September.
    • Companies continue to show confidence in the UK, announcing major investments across the country including over £4bn from Tata to build a new gigafactory in the UK; £1 billion from Nissan and AESC to create an EV manufacturing hub in Sunderland; £380m from Ford to make Halewood their first EV components site in Europe; £100m from Stellantis for their site in Ellesmere Port in the production of electric drive units, and £60m from Johnson Matthey in Hertfordshire to develop hydrogen technologies.
    • We have a longstanding and comprehensive programme of support for the UK automotive sector, including the Advanced Propulsion Centre, Faraday Battery Challenge and Driving the Electric Revolution.
    • We continue to work with investors through the Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF) to build a globally competitive electric vehicle supply chain in the UK.