Tag: Business and Trade Department

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.

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

The Business and Trade Secretary is flying to Washington on Sunday evening to meet White House senior advisors, CEOs and business leaders to make progress on the UK Tech partnership and strengthen the UK US relationship ahead of the State Visit.

The visit comes only one day after he spoke with over 100 business leaders on Saturday afternoon where he set out his priorities for the department including doubling down on economic growth, the Government’s central mission.

He is set to meet Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios, as well as Sriram Krishnan, Senior AI Advisor at the White House to discuss the AI Pillar of the Tech Partnership.

Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said:

“From day one in the job I’ve been clear that my mission is to drive forward economic growth and to give businesses across the country the opportunities they need to thrive as part of the Plan for Change.

“My first visit to Washington as Business Secretary is key to strengthening our special relationship as we face global challenges together and building momentum on our Tech Partnership and trade deal ahead of the historic State Visit.”

While in Washington he will also meet Benito Minicucci, CEO Alaska Airlines and Guillaume Faury, CEO Airbus to further cement our position as a top investment destination.

After a full day of meetings, the Secretary of State will fly directly to China as part of delivering secure economic growth with one of the world’s largest economies.

 

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 1 September 2025.

Employment Rights Minister visits an Aldi supermarket in Watford following the retailer’s decision to make its staff the best paid in the UK.

• Store assistants at Aldi to receive a big pay boost from today as the retailer becomes among the first to pay at least £13.02 per hour to all staff.
• Minister visits store to celebrate businesses putting money back in the pockets of working people in line with the government’s Plan for Change.
• Move builds on existing steps to support around 3 million working people and their families through April’s minimum wage increases, including record rises for younger workers.

One of the UK’s leading supermarkets has introduced a big pay boost for its store assistants today as Aldi becomes the first supermarket to pay staff over £13 per hour.

The move builds on Aldi’s status as the only retailer to offer all workers paid breaks, worth approximately £1,425 per year for the average store colleague and demonstrates how forward-thinking businesses are recognising that good pay and strong rights are key factors in retaining and increasing productivity in their workforce.

During a visit this morning to Aldi’s branch in Watford, Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders joined workers and executives in celebrating this latest investment by Aldi, a decision which demonstrates how businesses can lead the way in Making Work Pay. The Minister discussed the contribution this, and other businesses increasing pay, will have on raising living standards across the country alongside the government’s Plan for Change.

Aldi’s new minimum rate of £13.02 nationwide, rising to £14.35 within the M25, and increasing to £14.66 with length of service, is above the recently uplifted National Living Wage of £12.21 per hour. This will also be paid to staff regardless of age, a move in step with the government’s ambition to end discriminatory age bands which allow 18-20 year olds from being paid less than their older peers, and the Low Pay Commission is to consult on removing following its new remit.

Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders said:

Paying workers a good wage isn’t just the right thing to do; it creates a strong workplace culture and saves businesses money through better productivity and staff retention.

Our Plan for Change has already put thousands back in the pockets of workers through our increases the minimum wage, and it’s great to see businesses like Aldi going above and beyond to deliver higher pay that truly shows how they value their workforce.

The changes to the National Minimum Wage come as part of the plan to Make Work Pay, working alongside the Employment Rights Bill to deliver the biggest uplift to workers’ rights in a generation.

15 million, or half of all, workers are set to benefit from new entitlements such as improved access to flexible working, the end of exploitative zero hours contracts through a right to guaranteed hours, and day one rights to sick pay, parental leave and protection against unfair dismissal.

Giles Hurley, Chief Executive Officer of Aldi UK and Ireland, said:

Our colleagues are at the heart of our success, and we’re committed to ensuring they are fully rewarded for the outstanding work they do.

This higher than planned pay rise is part of our promise to never be beaten on pay.

The Minister’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to working with the millions of businesses that recognise the value of investing in their workforce and supporting employees with fair pay that reflects the hard work they put in every day.

NOTES TO EDITORS

• When setting the minimum wage rates, the Low Pay Commission also factors in costs to businesses and whether rises to the National Living Wage or National Minimum Wage are affordable.
• Earlier this year:
• The National Living Wage for those aged 21 and over rose from £11.44 per hour to £12.21 per hour.
• The National Minimum Wage for 18- to 20-year-olds rose from £8.60 to £10.00 per hour.
• The apprenticeship rate, and for 16- to 17-year-olds rose from £6.40 per hour to £7.55 per hour.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 28 August 2025.

Small food and drink exporters across the UK are set for a major boost in sales thanks to substantial package agreed with the EU.

• Businesses exporting food and drink to the EU to benefit from major SPS Agreement adding £5.1bn to the UK economy every year
• As part of the Plan for Change, the agreement will boost agrifood trade with the EU, the UK’s largest trading partner
• Major British firm, Neal’s Yard Dairy, welcomes agreement during visit from Exports Minister

Small food and drink exporters across the UK are set for a major boost in sales thanks to substantial package agreed with the EU.

This includes measures to slash costs and burdensome red tape on agriproducts such as dairy, fish, eggs and red meat, so UK businesses can spend more time and money selling their world-renowned products abroad.

As part of the Government’s Plan for Change, the package will increase access to the UK’s largest market, to grow exports, create jobs and make our supply chains more resilient, helping to reduce pressure on prices.

In 2024 alone, the food and drink sector in Britain employed 3.8 million people.

Neal’s Yard Dairy – an artisanal cheese-maturer, retailer and wholesaler – is one of the thousands of small businesses set to benefit the most from the deal. Based in London, the dairy runs a thriving exports business, selling their award-winning cheeses to customers and retailers across Europe and the world.

On Thursday, the Minister for Small Businesses and Exports, Gareth Thomas, visited their Bermondsey branch to meet with Director David Lockwood and his employees to discuss the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement and the ways it will benefit the business and others in the sector.

Speaking at Neal’s Yard Dairy in Bermondsey, Gareth Thomas, Minister for Small Businesses and Exports, said:

The UK’s food and drink sector has huge exporting potential and Neal’s Yard Dairy demonstrates that alongside the right government action, small firms can expand internationally into new and existing markets.

Through our Trade Strategy, three landmark trade deals and our Small Business Strategy this Government’s Plan for Change is breaking down barriers for exporters to increase trade, create jobs, and grow the economy.

As part of the substantial package agreed at the first UK-EU Summit in May, the Government has agreed to a new and expansive SPS agreement with the EU.

This will benefit a wide range of producers and retailers with over 1,500 UK products currently affected by SPS measures.

For artisan producers like Neal’s Yard, who often deal in small batches and can’t afford delays due to the perishable nature of cheese, this agreement will be especially beneficial.

Routine SPS border checks will be eliminated so fresh produce can hit supermarket shelves more quickly, with less paperwork and fewer costs.

Currently, Great British goods are subject to 100 percent documentary checks and up to 30 percent physical checks. The deal will see these removed entirely.

Once agreed, it is expected to add up to £5.1 billion a year to the economy and increase the volume of UK exports of major agricultural commodities to the EU by 16 percent.

David Lockwood, Director at Neil’s Yard Dairy, said:

Neal’s Yard Dairy looks forward to the UK and EU implementing the UK-EU ‘reset’ agreement as quickly as possible to allow us to focus our core business: selecting, maturing and selling British cheese both within the UK and overseas.

The additional requirements for export to the EU post-Brexit have cost our business in many ways. A major impediment is the requirement that our EU bound shipments have health certificates for cheese signed off by official veterinarians; this has doubled the time between customers ordering and receiving goods, a very effective cost inflater and sales killer. The removal of this non-tariff trade barrier is greatly anticipated.

Beyond the SPS agreement, the Minister and David Lockwood also discussed the Government’s export support offer, which is now easily accessible in one place through the new Business Growth Service, launched in the Plan for Small Businesses.

As part of the Plan, the Government has also expanded UK Export Finance’s capacity by £20 billion to £80 billion to support more smaller firms win business and increase sales overseas.

Both the Department for Business and Trade and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs have supported Neal’s Yard Dairy to increase exports through retail introductions, webinars and trade missions.

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

Major win for Northern Ireland’s high-tech sectors from the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy, supporting local jobs and growth.

• Industry Minister Sarah Jones visits Belfast to welcome local investments including £30m for innovative tech projects and £2m for Queen’s University Belfast’s cutting-edge cyber AI tech hub.
• Minister to host roundtables with Northern Ireland industry leaders including Artemis Technologies, Thales, Harland & Wolff, Ionic Technologies to promote Industrial Strategy benefits for local people.

Science and technology projects in Northern Ireland in key industries of the future, such as cybersecurity, are set to be boosted by at least £30 million from the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy.

Industry Minister Sarah Jones visited Belfast today to celebrate this news and other recent wins for the city that are delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change to increase economic growth and jobs.

Delivered as part of the UK Government’s modern Industrial Strategy, the package, to be allocated by local leaders, will build on successful pilots in other parts of the UK which have attracted more than £140 million of private investment and created hundreds of jobs so far.

The new funding could go to support Northern Ireland’s thriving cybersecurity sector, which is home to 100 businesses and 2,750 jobs. It comes on top of £2 million of UK Government funding for Queen’s University Belfast’s Cybersecurity AI Tech Hub, confirmed in June, helping Northern Ireland lead the way on cutting-edge technology to keep the UK safe.

UK Government Industry Minister Sarah Jones said:

From defence and cyber to the creative industries Northern Ireland’s economy has great strengths, which is why I’m in Belfast speaking to businesses about how our modern Industrial Strategy can help them grow and create well-paid jobs for local people.

This includes millions for Northern Ireland’s cyber and tech sectors, £1.6 billion supporting Thales to make missiles for Ukraine, and an Enhanced Investment Zone to tear down barriers to growth and boost prosperity across Northern Ireland, as part of our Plan for Change.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said:

This is great news for Northern Ireland and for the businesses that will benefit from this Government’s modern Industrial Strategy.

The investment being announced today will create new opportunities, support long-term growth and innovation, create high-quality jobs, and strengthen fast-growing sectors like advanced manufacturing and the creative industries.

Northern Ireland’s fastest-growing sectors are also being boosted via a wider package of support from the Government’s Industrial Strategy – from advanced manufacturing to creative industries – which Minister Jones celebrated today with visits to some of Northern Ireland’s top companies and employers.

This included defence, cybersecurity and aerospace firm Thales, which was recently awarded a £1.6 billion missile contract with UK Government backing to defend Ukraine, creating 200 new jobs and supporting 700 highly skilled existing jobs.

Minister Jones then visited Ionic Technologies to see their progress so far in developing a rare earth magnetic recycling process to support the UK’s electric vehicle transition, following a £11 million grant from the Government in June.

She visited Harland & Wolff’s iconic Belfast shipyard for an update on their commitments to invest in Northern Ireland and to discuss opportunities to work together to deliver local growth and investment through the Industrial Strategy.

Demonstrating the Government’s commitment to Northern Ireland’s success, it comes after the Chancellor’s visit to Belfast earlier this month where she confirmed £310 million for the Belfast Region City Deal, including over £25 million for world class virtual production studio, Studio Ulster, and £137 million to tackle paramilitarism and create safer streets.

Designs are also underway for a bespoke Enhanced Investment Zone for Northern Ireland, delivered with the Executive, which will tear away barriers to growth and could include further new funding, tax and investment incentives.

The ministerial visits this summer will be followed on 11 September by the Government’s Made in the UK, Sold to the World Roadshow in Belfast. It will put a spotlight on the city’s creative sector and will host 18 market experts from around the world, including from the US, Germany and UAE.

Notes to editors

• The Local Innovation Partnerships Fund has so far earmarked at least £30 million each for ten regions across the UK, with 7 English regions confirmed alongside the Glasgow City Region, Cardiff Capital Region, and the Belfast to Derry-Londonderry Corridor.

Information on the upcoming Made in the UK, Sold to the World Roadshow:

• The Made in the UK, Sold to the World Roadshow takes place in Belfast on Thursday 11 September at The MAC.  Businesses will have the opportunity to meet with relevant, overseas creative buyers, and sector/market specialists from UK embassies and consulates overseas.
• There will also be peer learning sessions, workshops focusing on overseas markets and developing your international strategy, networking opportunities and an inspiring and informative seminar programme. Whether you are a Creative business or sit in another sector, join us in Belfast by registering here.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 18 August 2025.

The Secretary of State is pleased to announce the appointment of Ceri Morgan as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Europe, succeeding Chris Barton from 1 September.

Morgan brings a wealth of experience across multiple sectors to this critical role.

In her most recent position she led the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on international trade, international food security, and heading the government’s overseas agri-food attaché network to tackle market access barriers for UK exports.

Prior to this, Morgan returned to the civil service to establish and lead the Global Trade Negotiations team at Defra after the EU referendum, spearheading the negotiation of agri-food aspects of trade deals.

In His Majesty the King’s first Birthday Honours, Morgan was made a Commander of the British Empire for her services to Capability and Inclusion in International Trade.

We wish her every success in this vital role for the UK.

Ceri Morgan, Director of EU and International Trade at Defra, said:

I am delighted to have been appointed His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Europe and can’t wait to get to know the team later this year and work together to deliver this government’s trade objectives in Europe.

These markets are crucial to the success of the newly launched trade, industrial, and small business strategies for HMG’s Growth agenda and I am thrilled to be leading our efforts.

Chris Barton, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Europe, said:

It has been a great privilege to serve as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Europe. Working across government and our diplomatic network, we’ve made real progress in strengthening trade ties, opening doors for UK businesses, and attracting investment that supports jobs and growth at home.

I’d like to give particular praise to my delightful, talented, industrious, and collaborative team members, who work day in and day out to support British interests across the continent.

I’m delighted to hand over to Ceri Morgan, whose leadership and experience will be invaluable in driving this important work forward.

The HM Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Europe leads a team of over 300 staff in 34 countries across the continent, working to encourage a thriving trade and investment relationship between the UK and other European countries.

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

• Improving market access for UK companies in Europe
• Attracting inward investment from European companies into UK
• Encouraging UK exports to Europe
• Influencing multilateral trade policy with Europe
• Delivering on the commitments made in the UK’s newly published Trade Strategy

The HMTC works closely with UK based government colleagues, UK ambassadors and the wider diplomatic network in Europe in delivering these goals.

Together they engage extensively with UK and European businesses, European governments and wider stakeholders.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 12 August 2025.

• Dairy farmers to benefit from protection of additional export opportunities worth £250 million over five years through successful market access intervention
• Change will see the removal of another costly market access barrier for UK businesses, cutting administrative hurdles and over £1,000 in certification fees per shipment
• Delivers on the Government’s Trade Strategy and Plan for Change to grow exports and support rural communities

British dairy farmers are set to benefit from continued access to a major international market thanks to a breakthrough with Egypt that will prevent a trade barrier due to come into effect next year.

Preventing the trade barrier that was due to come into force in January will protect an estimated £250 million in additional export opportunities for farmers over five years helping them sell more products like milk, butter and cheese.

Following regular UK Government engagement in support of international efforts—led jointly by the Department for Business and Trade and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs—Egypt will not impose a proposed trade barrier requiring halal certification on all dairy imports.

From Cornish clotted cream to farmhouse butter and mature Cheddar, UK dairy products are known for their quality and taste. This change means British favourites like cheese and butter can continue to reach Egyptian shelves more easily and affordably benefiting both UK farmers and international consumers.

Minister for Trade Policy Douglas Alexander said:

This is a clear win for UK farmers. By opening up the Egyptian market, we’re helping British farmers sell more of their world-class dairy abroad.

This is what our Trade Strategy looks like in action: removing barriers, boosting exports, and backing communities across the UK.

Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs Daniel Zeichner said:

Britain is a great place for dairy farming and has an excellent reputation for quality, welfare standards and sustainability globally.

The change to certification requirements in Egypt will cut costs and red tape for exporters, boosting growth opportunities.

This is a key example of the government’s Plan for Change in action, unlocking investment for businesses in the UK.

In 2024, the UK exported around £26 million of dairy items to Egypt and removing this barrier protects UK exporters already exporting to Egypt and those looking to enter the market for the first time.

The proposed barrier would have required halal certification on dairy products, adding over £1,000 per shipment in costs and complexity. Its removal has protected UK exporters from these additional burdens—reducing costs, simplifying export procedures, and creating new commercial opportunities for processors.

This is particularly good news for producers of cheese, butter and milk powder—some of the UK’s most popular dairy exports—who now face fewer hurdles when selling to Egyptian buyers.

Rod Addy Director General of Provision Trade Federation, said:

Egypt’s decision to remove mandatory halal certification requirements for imports of dairy products is a welcome development, eliminating a longstanding trade barrier for UK exporters, especially at a time of broader market uncertainty.

The UK is currently among the leading suppliers of dairy products to Egypt, with average annual exports valued at around £26 million in 2024 — driven primarily by powdered milk and cream.

Hopefully this change will open growth opportunities for other dairy categories such as cheese and butter, helping to diversify and expand the UK’s export portfolio in this key market benefiting both UK producers and Egyptian consumers.

This forms part of the Government’s Trade Strategy, launched in June, which is focused on removing market access barriers, opening new markets, and growing the UK economy.

It also supports the Government’s wider aim to deliver a steady pipeline of export wins following the launch of the Trade Strategy—highlighting how targeted interventions can deliver real-world results for UK businesses.

Notes to editors:

• This market access win is a result of the Department for Business and Trade’s engagements with counterparts in London, Geneva, and Cairo, including Egypt’s National Food Safety Authority, the General Organization for Veterinary Services and the World Trade Organisation. Its resolution also follows sustained engagement by UK officials and significant support from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and the UK’s Agriculture, Food, and Drink Attachés for Africa.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 5 August 2025.

The Government’s manifesto commitment to deliver a genuine living wage for working people took a step closer today as it set out new considerations for the Low Pay Commission when recommending next year’s National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage.

• Discriminatory age bands to be removed as new Low Pay Commission remit delivers progress towards a single wage rate for adults.
• Government places cost of living at the heart of the remit a year on from its first inclusion, meaning more money is being put into the pockets of hardworking people – delivering the Plan for Change.
• Low Pay Commission to continue longstanding approach of assessing the impact of wage reforms on different sectors, ensuring recommendations support both economic growth and fair pay.

The Government’s manifesto commitment to deliver a genuine living wage for working people took a step closer today (5 August) as it set out new considerations for the Low Pay Commission (LPC) when recommending next year’s National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage.

Around 3 million workers benefitted from last year’s decision to include the cost of living in the LPC’s remit for the first time. This led to a record cash increase in the Minimum Wage for apprentices and those under 18, and a £1,400 annual boost for full-time workers on the National Living Wage from April.

Higher wages for the lowest-paid workers not only provide greater financial security for families but also mean more money in the pockets of working people to spend on the things they need – supporting businesses and driving economic growth across the country as part of the Plan for Change.

With younger workers being held back by discriminatory age bands, the updated LPC remit will drive forward the Government’s commitment to delivering a single adult pay band.

The LPC will consult with employers, trade unions and workers on narrowing the gap between the 18–20-year-old rate of the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage and will put forward recommendations on achieving a single adult rate in the years ahead.

The remit will also ensure that the LPC continues to actively consider the cost of living in its recommendations for National Living Wage rates to apply from April 2026.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

Low pay drags down living standards for our workers and in turn hurts our high streets and local businesses.

This Government’s Plan for Change will put money back in people’s pockets, with this new remit marking the next step in considering how we ensure a fair deal for our lowest paid workers while maintaining a competitive economy that boosts businesses and their employees alike.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:

We promised to make low pay a thing of the past, and deliver a wage people can live on, and that is exactly what this government is determined to deliver.

We have already taken bold action to Make Work Pay with more than 3 million workers seeing a huge boost in their pay following our increase to National Minimum and Living Wage.

This remit is the next milestone in our plan to get more money in working people’s pockets, raise living standards in every part of the UK, and get our economy growing.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

We are delivering on our promise to make sure every worker receives a fair wage.

Fair pay which supports working families is integral to our Plan for Change, because when working people are properly rewarded with more money in their pockets, businesses thrive and our entire economy benefits.

To ensure the right balance is struck between the needs of workers, business affordability, and the wider economy, the LPC is being asked to consult on several issues before recommending the new rates.

Baroness Philippa Stroud, Chair of the LPC, said:

We are pleased to receive our remit from the Government. Already, since the beginning of the year, we have spent significant time speaking with workers and employers, to understand the pressures in the economy and the effects of the most recent increases in the minimum wage. We have held a successful call for evidence and received detailed submissions from all sides.

Our recommendations on the minimum wage are always finely balanced. More than ever, it is important that we draw on first-hand evidence from those affected by our decisions. I look forward to working with the rest of the Commission over the autumn to reach a shared view on this evidence and deliver our advice to the Government in October.

TUC General Secretary, Paul Nowak said:

Boosting the minimum wage isn’t just good for workers – it’s good for business too. When low-paid workers have more money in their pockets they spend it locally – supporting shops, cafés and high streets.

That’s why the government is right to set out its ambition to raise the floor of the minimum wage and end the outdated and unfair youth rates.

The minimum wage has been one of the big success stories of the last 25 years – lifting pay at the bottom and proving the doom-and-gloom merchants wrong. But it’s important that it keep rising so that it better reflects what it actually costs to get by in Britain today.

A bolder, more ambitious minimum wage isn’t a risk. It’s the next step in building a fairer, stronger economy where hard work is properly rewarded.

Notes to Editors

• The Government sets the minimum wage rates each year following the advice of the LPC. These recommendations are made by the LPC each October – for minimum wage rates to apply from the following April – in line with the parameters set out in the annual remit from the Department for Business and Trade.
• The Low Pay Commission (LPC) is a social partnership, made up of nine Commissioners equally split between those representing employers’ interests, those representing workers’ interests and independent Commissioners.
• The Low Pay Commission (LPC) conducts extensive consultation, analysis and evidence gathering when recommending the minimum wage rates. They talk to a wide range of stakeholders, including both employers and worker representatives. In 2024, the LPC received evidence and stakeholder views from over 100 organisations through written consultation, oral evidence sessions or visits across the UK.

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

Business leaders from across business representative organisations, small and large businesses have endorsed the launch of the UK Government’s new Small Business Plan.

Small businesses across the UK will benefit from the most comprehensive support package in a generation. From faster payments and easier access to finance, to cutting red tape and launching a new Business Growth Service, we’re backing businesses to thrive.

Business Groups

Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Tina McKenzie, said:

Making sure businesses are paid on time, that our high streets thrive, and creating conditions in which everyone can start and succeed in business are crucial priorities for small businesses, communities and the economy. It’s very welcome that the Prime Minister has today made them his Government’s priorities.

I’m pleased that FSB and the Government have been able to work in lockstep on the bold and ambitious measures needed to tackle the scourge of late payment through legislation, and other pro-growth, pro-small business measures.

Today’s plan is an encouraging commitment from the Government to take the side of small businesses in the great growth challenge ahead.

Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder, Small Business Britain, said:

I am thrilled to see the Small Business Plan launched today, putting the nation’s smallest businesses at the heart of Government strategy where it should be. These job creators and economy builders will benefit from a huge boost to funding through the British Business Bank, a boost to skills, support for high streets and a long hoped for legislative backing for getting paid on time. We will not see economic growth without small business growth, so I am eager to get on and help the Government deliver on this agenda – and help small businesses regardless of their background start, grow and thrive.

Daniel Woolf, Enterprise Nation’s Head of Policy & Government Relations, said:

We welcome the Government’s new Small Business Plan as a serious attempt to reset the relationship between small firms and Government. Many of the commitments like digital adoption and access to affordable finance reflect the everyday challenges our members experience, and several directly align with recommendations Enterprise Nation has set out in recent policy work.

We’re particularly pleased to see a comprehensive approach to late payment reform, including shorter payment terms and stronger enforcement through the Small Business Commissioner. 90-day payment terms stop small businesses from investing and growing.

This is a strong foundation. Enterprise Nation looks forward to working with government to help ensure these policy ambitions turn into measurable outcomes for small businesses across the UK.

Philip Salter, Founder of The Entrepreneurs Network, said:

Small businesses are where opportunity begins – new jobs, new skills and new ideas. Practical help, such as being paid on time, easy access to advice and finance, and less administrative burden, makes a real difference.

In a world where online banking, accounting software and e-invoicing exist, it’s completely unacceptable that so many burgeoning startups see their growth stall due to late payments. At its worst, they can send perfectly good businesses to the wall – leaving Britain’s economy less dynamic and competitive. Founders in our network will hope the measures outlined today mean it is the beginning of the end for late payments.

Fiona Graham, Chief Operating Officer for Family Business UK said:

Family Business UK welcomes today’s publication of the Small Business Plan as a positive step towards creating a fairer and more resilient environment for small family-run firms.  We are pleased to see many of the areas highlighted by our members addressed in this plan.

Family businesses make up over 85% of all private sector firms in the UK and are deeply rooted in their communities. But like many small businesses, they are held back by red tape and limited access to finance and support – challenges that this plan rightly seeks to address.

The announcement of a Business Growth Service will give small family-run businesses the tools they need to grow, scale up and expand into international markets, as well as streamlining essential advice and support into one national platform. This will give small businesses peace of mind that support is readily available and easily accessible when they are looking to invest and grow.

We look forward to continuing to support small businesses as the initiatives in this plan are developed and rolled out.  We are also committed to working with DBT in the development of a future strategy to ensure that mid-sized businesses are also getting the bespoke support they need.

Liz Barclay, IoD Special Advisor for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and former Small Business Commissioner, said:

We welcome this commitment to ensuring that small businesses are paid on time and that larger suppliers are prevented from imposing unfair contractual payment terms beyond 60 days. This will give small and micro firms the certainty they need to invest, increase productivity, and grow.

We look forward to working with the government as the legislation takes shape, ensuring that there are no unintended consequences for businesses.

Stephen Phipson, Chief Executive Officer, Make UK, said:

Manufacturers across the country will welcome the Government’s decisive action to tackle late payments. For too long, delayed invoices have drained cashflow, delayed innovation, and damaged businesses, particularly the thousands of small and medium-sized firms for whom late payments are one of the most consistent challenges to their survival and success.

Today’s announcement rightly recognises that supporting manufacturing SMEs is essential to unlocking wider economic growth. The introduction of the toughest late payment laws in the G7 sends a clear signal that poor payment practices will no longer be tolerated.

These reforms, combined with new powers for the Small Business Commissioner, will help create a culture of fairness and accountability across supply chains. Coupled with real enforcement, this Small Business Plan will give manufacturers the confidence and certainty they need to innovate, grow, and create even more high-skill, high-paying jobs in the UK.

Alan Vallance, ICAEW Chief Executive, said:

The UK’s economy is made up of small businesses, with 99 per cent of the total business population, two-fifths of all private sector employment and over half of the nation’s business turnover. Small businesses are key to growth, and it’s important that they can operate in the best environment to propel them into the business stars of the future, creating more growth, employment and prosperity for all parts of the UK.

Chartered accountants are central to this story. As trusted business advisers, they provide expertise and acumen to allow small businesses to thrive and scale up, and often set up small businesses of their own. About 80 per cent of chartered accountancy firms are small businesses themselves, employing four employees or fewer.

The publication of the Small Business Strategy is an important development to help small businesses realise their potential. With its ambition on entrepreneurship, business advice, late payments and export potential, as well as its close links to the UK Modern Industrial Strategy and Professional and Business Services Sector Plan, it is clear that chartered accountants will make a strong contribution to its success.

Kate Nicholls, Chair of UKHospitality, said:

We welcome the Government’s Small Business Plan and the steps that it has put forward to support SMEs across the UK. The wider measures announced today on late payments and access to additional finance sit alongside a raft of new licensing measures that will slash red tape and support the hospitality sector, making it easier to open and operate hospitality venues, create jobs and grow the economy.

I’m personally very happy to have worked with Government to move us toward a new and improved licensing system that includes modernised planning and licensing rules, hospitality zones, and protections for existing venues. These can provide a real boost to the nation’s pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels.

We’ve worked on some of these issues for more than two decades so we now need swift implementation, while we keep up the momentum on outstanding issues, to deliver a bold, long term plan for the high streets and hospitality.

Vicks Rodwell, Managing Director at IPSE, The Self-Employed Association, said:

Late payments can force freelancers out of business, but obscenely long payment terms for work can put just as much of a strain on the self-employed. It’s hugely encouraging that the Prime Minister is determined to tackle both these issues with the measures in today’s plan”

It’s not right that freelancers can fall behind on their own bills, and even into debt, whilst the money they’ve earned sits in a bank account for months on end.

By clamping down on late invoices and long payment terms, government can tear down one of the biggest barriers to growth for freelancers and sole traders.

Millie Kendall OBE, CEO of British Beauty Council, said:

The beauty industry – encompassing hair, beauty, nails, barbering, spa and wellness – is made up of 95% small businesses and 78% micro-businesses, contributing more than £30bn to the UK GDP. The British Beauty Council welcomes the Government’s Small Business Plan which sees policy-makers put our businesses first. For years, the beauty sector has faced unique challenges when it comes to growth, this plan is a much needed step towards ensuring our industry – which bolsters social mobility and opportunities for underrepresented communities – can sustain growth.

Small Businesses

Elizabeth Vega OBE DUniv, Group CEO, Informed Solutions:

This Small Business Plan is the strongest and clearest we’ve seen in over a decade. It is a compelling way forward for the UK’s economy.

The Strategy reflects a truly collegiate and collaborative effort between government, policy experts, and the over 1,000 SMEs that contributed.

Having advocated for SME policy that supports economic growth and resilience for over 15 years, it’s been a pleasure to work alongside Minister Gareth Thomas, DBT policy teams, and the Small Business Growth Forum to shape a strategy with clear aims, ambitious objectives, and a holistic integrated approach to policy development.

I’m excited to now turn the shared ambitions in this Strategy into action, helping realise the UK’s full economic potential through SME growth and international trade.

Simon Groom, CEO of MagnifyB, said:

MagnifyB welcomes the UK Government’s action to tackle late payments, which will give small businesses the cash flow stability they need to thrive. Alongside this, there is a clear need to provide micro and small businesses with far more than just a repository of information, including a practical digital toolset to strengthen their operations and improve their chances of long-term success. We hope that the new Small Business Commissioner can be instrumental in bringing together ideas and championing the initiatives needed to make this support a reality.

Julianne Ponan MBE, Founder of Creative Nature, a small business that exports top 14 Allergen Free Baking Mixes and Snacks to 16 countries, said:

I’m delighted to see the government’s new SME Strategy recognising the critical role small businesses play both at home and globally.

From tackling late payments to simplifying access to growth advice and support, these measures are a lifeline for SMEs like mine who often face disproportionate challenges with limited resources.

I’m especially encouraged by the commitment to reduce administrative burdens by 25% and improve access to finance both are major barriers to growth for underrepresented founders, including women and ethnic minority entrepreneurs. The focus on revitalising the high street, digital skills, and exporting support shows that the government is listening to the needs of small businesses.

Charlie Shaw, owner of Flock and Herd butchers, said:

We’re proud to pay every supplier on time and once we receive an invoice, so it’s fantastic to see the government put the Small Business Plan into place tackling the big issue of late payments. We believe this is a fair and honest way to conduct business. It gives us a clear and current understanding of how our business is performing. Our relationships with our suppliers have been amazing and truly beneficial to all parties.

Richard Marshall, Founder and CEO of Pall Mall Barbers, said:

Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy — and they need access to affordable finance and a fairer tax system to plan and grow. That’s why I look forward to working with the Government to drive down costs on the high street, extend business rates relief, and improve access to finance so SMEs can invest, hire, and build with confidence.

Today’s announcement is about backing entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive — not just for today, but for the long term.

Large Businesses

Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Greene King and co-chair of the Licensing Taskforce commented on the licensing response published today. He said:

As an industry we welcome the licensing proposals and see this as a positive and necessary step towards updating a planning and licensing system that, for too long, has limited hospitality’s ability to drive economic growth across the UK. I thank the industry and the Taskforce for the serious and meaningful recommendations that we have put forward to bring these proposals to fruition.

It’s encouraging to see how the Government has worked at pace to take forward the proposals, particularly in areas that matter the most, including the introduction of a new National Licensing Policy Framework.

Whilst licencing reform won’t offset the significant layered cost of doing business that the industry bears, they form part of wider changes to back the sector, which will support in unlocking opportunities for pubs to further invest in growth across the country.

Steve Hare, Chief Executive Officer at Sage, said:

Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy – they drive growth, create jobs, and fuel innovation. But running a small business isn’t easy. From rising costs and late payments to time-consuming admin, the challenges are real and persistent. Today’s Strategy is a welcome step in the right direction. Giving small businesses better access to finance, helping them break into new markets, and supporting them to adopt the latest technology will go a long way in helping them grow and succeed.

Leigh Thomas, Vice President EMEA, Intuit, said:

Today’s Small Business Plan is a welcome and much needed initiative for entrepreneurs. Our data shows that with an average of £21,000 owed in unpaid invoices, more than half of our country’s small businesses are now facing cash flow pressures. These pressures can quickly escalate, forcing many small business owners to make difficult financial decisions to keep operations running. Improving payment practices will play a key role in strengthening small business stability, creating the conditions for growth. We look forward to collaborating on this to power prosperity for all.

James Holian, Head of Business Banking, NatWest, said:

We welcome the Government’s renewed focus on tackling late payments for small businesses. This is a long-standing challenge that we know can hold back growth and innovation, and NatWest is proud to have been recognised for several consecutive years by Good Business Pays for being a leading business in making fast payments to our suppliers.

As a leading lender to UK SMEs, we’re committed to playing our part—whether that’s through prompt payment practices, tailored financial support, or initiatives like our accelerator hubs – where this year we’re aiming to support 10,000 businesses for the first time. Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy, and we’re proud to support them in building resilience and unlocking their full potential.

Tom Wood, Head of Business Banking, HSBC UK, said:

We welcome the additional support the Small Business Plan provides, SMEs are key to a strong and resilient economy and we must equip them with the tools to succeed at every stage of their growth journey. It is vital we all work together to deliver long-term, practical solutions, including more transparent and accessible financing to ensure long-term growth and economic stability. Recognising the challenges SMEs face, HSBC UK recently launched the Small Business Growth Programme, providing business owners with resources to help early-stage businesses grow with confidence.

Chris Loring, Managing Director, Lending and Working Capital, Lloyds Banking Group, said:

At Lloyds Banking Group, we are the bank of choice for around one million businesses, so we see first-hand the ambition and resilience of small businesses across the UK. The Government’s Small Business Plan recognises the importance of increasing access to finance, reducing regulatory burden, and building digital confidence – all of which are essential to helping SMEs grow and scale. We’re especially pleased to see the recommendations of the SME Digital Adoption Taskforce reflected in the plan. These are practical, forward-looking steps that will help SMEs harness technology alongside the finance and support they need to compete and succeed in a fast-changing economy.

Wider Civil Society and Independent Organisations

Terry Corby, Founder and CEO, Good Business Pays, said:

This is what we have been waiting for. The legislative changes the government are planning to tackle our late payment culture are a game-changer. It is no longer seen as good business practice to be making your suppliers wait for a long time to get paid. At Good Business Pays we have been asking for legislative action for five years and it’s great to see these changes to unfair practices being set out in laws.

Anthony Impey MBE, CEO of Be the Business, said:

A strategic approach is essential to unlock the huge potential of small and medium-sized businesses, and it’s key to driving the country’s productivity and growth. The Small Business Plan is an important step in achieving this.

Niall Mackenzie, Acas Chief Executive, said:

These new measures will help give small businesses the support they need to tackle obstacles to success. At Acas, we know from experience that harmonious businesses are more productive. We also know from our service interaction with small businesses how much support we can give business owners to manage their employment issues and fulfil their potential.

Business Support Services

Nicki Clark, Chief Executive of UMi, said:

At UMi, we see first-hand the incredible impact small businesses have, but also the challenges they face on a day-to-day basis.  This Small Business Plan, including the launch of the Business Growth Service, is a positive step towards making it easier for small businesses to find and access the support and finance they need to survive and thrive.