Department for Business and Trade

The Government does not currently provide support for the cost of industrial gas, including to the chemicals sector. However, we are continuing to work with industry in order to identify and explore ways in which the business environment can be improved for our foundational industries.

Eligibility for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme is informed by the Government’s Industrial Strategy and by the recent consultation on scheme eligibility.

Decisions on eligibility have been taken to drive economic growth in line with the Industrial Strategy, by targeting manufacturing frontier industries within its growth sectors, as well as manufacturing foundational industries that provide important inputs to them, where electricity costs most directly affect international competitiveness.

Farming and food production are therefore not within the scope of the Scheme.

The Government recognises that energy costs are an important factor in the competitiveness of manufacturing businesses and in the retention of skilled jobs, including in the West Midlands.

From April 2027, the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will reduce electricity costs for eligible manufacturing businesses in Industrial Strategy growth sectors and their foundational supply chains. In addition, the British Industry Supercharger is already reducing electricity costs for eligible energy- intensive industries in the West Midlands, including in sectors such as brick production, glass production, plastic manufacturing and paper manufacturing.

The Government continues to engage closely with businesses to monitor cost pressures, including those arising from the situation in the Middle East.

I recognise the pressure that energy costs place on ceramics manufacturers. A small number of ceramic firms are currently eligible for the British Industry Supercharger, which provides electricity cost relief and these companies are benefiting from the recent uplift to the Network Charging Compensation Scheme. I encourage the ceramics sector to engage with the upcoming review of the Supercharger. There is no equivalent scheme for industrial gas price relief, but my department always keeps industrial energy support under review. My officials, other ministers, and I engage regularly with the ceramics sector, including with Ceramics UK and individual businesses to discuss how the Government can support the sector.

I recognise the pressure that energy costs place on ceramics manufacturers. A small number of ceramic firms are currently eligible for the British Industry Supercharger, which provides electricity cost relief and these companies are benefiting from the recent uplift to the Network Charging Compensation Scheme. I encourage the ceramics sector to engage with the upcoming review of the Supercharger. There is no equivalent scheme for industrial gas price relief, but my department always keeps industrial energy support under review. My officials, other ministers, and I engage regularly with the ceramics sector, including with Ceramics UK and individual businesses to discuss how the Government can support the sector.

I refer the member for Edmonton and Winchmore Hill to the response I gave to UIN 125751 on 20 April.

The Government recognises that local breweries and pubs make an important contribution to the UK's economy and communities, supporting jobs, innovation and diversity within the pub sector.

I am currently considering the findings of this review alongside hearing evidence directly from industry stakeholders and representative bodies with whom I am meeting over the next month. This includes meeting with small brewery owners and representatives from the Society of Independent Brewers.

The department currently has no plans to require retailers to offer a choice of delivery couriers to consumers. This is a commercial decision for the business to make. Consumers are encouraged to provide feedback and suggestions to businesses directly. This encourages businesses to adapt and fairly compete based on demand.

Under consumer legislation, the trader is liable if anything goes wrong with the consumer’s parcel including goods arriving in a damaged condition and late or lost deliveries.

The Government recognises the vital role of critical minerals in economic security, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. Through the Critical Minerals Strategy, we are strengthening domestic resilience by supporting UK capabilities in processing, recycling, and responsible extraction, alongside better understanding future demand through a new growth minerals list. We are working with international partners to diversify supply chains and reduce exposure to concentrated markets, while leveraging the UK’s strengths in finance and innovation.

DBT works closely with DfT, the Cabinet Office and Crown Commercial Service to ensure publicly funded electric bus procurement supports UK manufacturing where possible, within procurement and trade rules. This includes through setting up the DfT UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel, the recent publication of a zero emission bus order pipeline and promoting stronger, more consistent use of social value to reflect UK jobs, skills and supply chain resilience.

DBT keeps the impact of overseas state support for zero emissions vehicles under close review and engages regularly with UK manufacturers to understand effects on competitiveness. While reports include mechanisms such as export VAT rebates, only the independent Trade Remedies Authority can formally investigate whether such measures constitute countervailable subsidies and have caused injury to UK industry, based on evidence from producers. DBT will continue to monitor the position closely.

Based on the latest available employment data, over 64,000 people in Scotland are employed in sectors with Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes that are eligible for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme.

Eligibility under the scheme will be based on both SIC codes to identify eligible manufacturing sectors and Harmonised System (HS) codes to confirm eligible products. Employment figures are therefore indicative and not all businesses within an eligible SIC code will necessarily qualify for support.

The Government can confirm that whilst there is no explicit latest date at which a company must have been incorporated to be eligible for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme, companies will be required to provide 6 months of historic electricity consumption data at the point at which they apply. This is to enable the Department to accurately assess a company’s eligibility for the scheme. Further detail on application timing is set out in the Government’s current consultation on scheme delivery. The Government will provide more guidance for businesses over the Summer.

The Government's Statutory Review of the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) 2022-2025 published on 14 April 2026. The Statutory Review invites the operationally independent GCA to consider recommendations about its existing confidentiality protections, transparency of enforcement activity and the potential publication of practical Code examples.

On 7 April 2026 the Government announced that responsibility for the GCA would move from the Department for Business and Trade to Defra to strengthen fairness across the UK's grocery supply chain, streamline oversight of the supply chain and to strengthen links to the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA).

The Government's Statutory Review of the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) 2022-2025 published on 14 April 2026. The Statutory Review invites the operationally independent GCA to consider recommendations about its existing confidentiality protections, transparency of enforcement activity and the potential publication of practical Code examples.

On 7 April 2026 the Government announced that responsibility for the GCA would move from the Department for Business and Trade to Defra to strengthen fairness across the UK's grocery supply chain, streamline oversight of the supply chain and to strengthen links to the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA).

The Government's Statutory Review of the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) 2022-2025 published on 14 April 2026. The Statutory Review invites the operationally independent GCA to consider recommendations about its existing confidentiality protections, transparency of enforcement activity and the potential publication of practical Code examples.

On 7 April 2026 the Government announced that responsibility for the GCA would move from the Department for Business and Trade to Defra to strengthen fairness across the UK's grocery supply chain, streamline oversight of the supply chain and to strengthen links to the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA).

The Employment Rights Act 2025 includes flexibility to address issues of seasonal demand, for example, enabling employers that operate seasonally to use fixed-term contracts where the demand for work is genuinely temporary. We will consider further ways to cater for seasonal work through regulations following consultation, as well as application to agency workers. Workers and agency workers will also be able to decline a guaranteed hours offer if they wish.

All employees also have a day one right to request a flexible working arrangement, and through the Employment Rights Act we are making it more likely that flexible working requests are accepted.

Department for Business and Trade (DBT) officials routinely engage with EU institutions and Member State counterparts in Brussels and elsewhere as part of their normal duties to advance UK economic and trade interests.

The Department does not centrally record or routinely collate the number of individual visits made by officials, and providing a comprehensive figure would require a disproportionate use of time and resources. DBT officials regularly travel to Brussels to meet a wide range of EU and EU Member State counterparts to support the delivery of HMG objectives, including on trade, investment, regulatory cooperation and wider UK-EU engagement.

The Department develops and maintains contingency plans for a range of scenarios as part of its regular resilience planning. This regular planning includes contingency plans for the insolvency of Royal Mail as the universal service provider.

The Government is aware of the pressure of high industrial energy costs on the ceramics industry, including the pottery sector. A small number of electricity-intensive ceramics businesses, including in the technical, advanced, and brick sectors, will benefit from the recent uplift to the Network Charging Compensation Scheme. Some advanced and technical ceramics businesses will benefit from future eligibility within the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme. Department for Business and Trade officials regularly engage with ceramics businesses and the sector’s main trade association, Ceramics UK, to explore how other ceramics sectors can be supported.

Suppliers of all products placed on the UK market, including domestic plug-in solar systems, must ensure they comply with relevant product safety legislative requirements. This includes specific product regulations such as the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 and the broader General Product Safety Regulations, on which we have recently launched a consultation on proposed reforms. These reforms seek to develop a product safety framework that reflects the modern world, giving consumers confidence in the products they buy and use and giving businesses the certainty they need to grow and innovate.

The Government shares the public’s high regard for animal welfare, and nothing in the proposed GCC agreement will change our animal welfare standards.

All slaughter of animals for export of meat – whether from animals slaughtered with or without stunning – must comply with UK rules on animal welfare. Legislation requires that all animals must be stunned before slaughter to make them unconscious and insensible to pain. The only exception to this is when animals are slaughtered in accordance with religious rites, for the food of Muslims and Jews.

The Government is working with border and customs authorities to ensure import processes for elevator components operate as efficiently as possible, including through clear guidance and the use of simplified and digital customs procedures.

If a company’s goods are delayed at customs, they should first contact their courier (e.g., DHL, FedEx, UPS) or customs broker, as they usually have the most direct information on the status. They can contact the HMRC Customs and International Trade Helpline on 0300 322 9434, or HMRC imports and exports enquiries for assistance.

We have taken further steps to make it easier for businesses to import products, including extending importer labelling easements and continuing the recognition of some EU rules including CE marking. These measures reduce duplicative regulatory requirements and administrative burdens for manufactured goods. In practice, this supports smoother, faster market access and helps minimise delays in supplying critical components, including lift components, into the market.

The Government maintains strong relationships with industry and international partners and is always looking at ways to reduce burdens and support supply chains.

DBT has used and continues to use artificial intelligence tools like Copilot and DBT Assist to support colleagues in their work, for example to help produce initial drafts, summaries, or research. The Department’s policy states that ‘human review/approval of AI tool output is mandatory’ and that ‘individuals are accountable for ensuing the accuracy of work where AI tools have been used’.

The Industrial Strategy is backing eight growth-driving sectors, and the foundational industries that underpin them, to drive growth and create high quality jobs. This includes action to reduce electricity bills through the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme that will benefit 10,000 manufacturing businesses.

We are investing in skills including through a £182m engineering skills package, have recently launched the first Apprenticeship Units funded through the Growth and Skills Levy, and announced 19 new Technical Excellence Colleges in advanced manufacturing, clean energy and defence, as well as digital and technologies. And we are taking action in our critical foundational industries: the government is providing up to £2.5 billion to the steel sector and the steel strategy aims to return domestic production to around 40-50% of domestic steel demand (up from 30% in 2024).

The UK has 77 BITs with Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) provisions. The Government is defending two active arbitrations, neither of which have been settled or concluded. The Government has acted consistently with domestic and international law obligations. In view of the ongoing proceedings, it would be inappropriate for the Government to comment further at this stage.

The UK has 77 BITs with Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) provisions. The Government is defending two active arbitrations, neither of which have been settled or concluded. The Government has acted consistently with domestic and international law obligations. In view of the ongoing proceedings, it would be inappropriate for the Government to comment further at this stage.

The UK has 77 BITs with Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) provisions. The Government is defending two active arbitrations, neither of which have been settled or concluded. The Government has acted consistently with domestic and international law obligations. In view of the ongoing proceedings, it would be inappropriate for the Government to comment further at this stage.

The UK has 77 BITs with Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) provisions. The Government is defending two active arbitrations, neither of which have been settled or concluded. The Government has acted consistently with domestic and international law obligations. In view of the ongoing proceedings, it would be inappropriate for the Government to comment further at this stage.

Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) provides an independent means for investors to resolve disputes with states where they believe they have experienced arbitrary, discriminatory or unfair treatment or expropriation without compensation.

The Government is aware of the interest in this important policy area and, in line with HMG’s Trade Strategy, the UK will continue to work with trading partners multilaterally, such as the OECD and the UN, to pursue opportunities to improve ISDS practice.

The Government values the role played by the UK-Colombia Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) in the investment relationship between our countries. It includes binding investment protection provisions under the ISDS which protect both UK and Colombian investors against unfair and discriminatory treatment, and expropriation without adequate compensation.

My Department has not received a formal approach from its Colombian counterparts to discuss the UK-Colombia BIT or its ISDS provisions.

The Government does not keep a record of Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) claims where it is not a disputing party. The United Nations Commission on Trade and Development maintains a database of known ISDS claims, including those initiated by UK-based investors. This can be found at: https://investmentpolicy.unctad.org/investment-dispute-settlement .

The UK keeps its overseas business risk guidance, available on gov.uk, relating to Western Sahara and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) under review and will update it as necessary to reflect relevant international law considerations.

The UK is clear that Israel's illegal settlements and decisions designed to further them are a flagrant violation of international law. The business risk guidance on OPTs states there are clear risks to UK operators related to economic and financial activities in the settlements. We discourage such activity and advise that those contemplating any economic or financial involvement in settlements should seek appropriate legal advice.

As of 15 April 2026, there are 34.5 FTE civil servants in DBT and based in the UK who work in the China Team or have a role that includes China as the primary focus. However, these individuals may also perform duties unrelated to China policy. There are additional staff members who contribute to China policy, although it may not be their primary responsibility.”

The government announced its intention to set up a Supply Chain Centre as part of the Trade and Industrial Strategies. The Centre is already operational, with its formal launch expected to take place later in the year. The Centre’s remit will be to lead work across government, working with business, to strengthen the resilience of supply chains critical to UK security and prosperity, including those linked to the Industrial Strategy, through data‑driven reviews. The Centre will take a more strategic, assertive and data‑led approach to identifying vulnerabilities and improving readiness for potential disruptions.

The Department actively promotes foreign direct investment into the North West through the Office for Investment, which works closely with regional stakeholders to identify, shape and market regional opportunities.

The Government has placed the North West at the centre of its Northern Growth Strategy and Industrial Strategy, using large public investments to attract private capital. This includes a multi‑billion‑pound investment in Northern Powerhouse Rail (including a new Liverpool – Manchester line via Manchester Airport and Warrington), as well as targeted investments such as the new Digital Campus in Manchester and the National Cryogenics Facility in Cheshire (Liverpool City Region), positioning the North West as a global quantum technologies hub.

The Parental Leave and Pay Review is considering all current and upcoming parental leave and pay entitlements, including the needs of working families who do not currently qualify.

There are a number of areas where there are clear links and interdependencies with the parental leave and pay system, including childcare provision. The Review will consider these in its policy development, but it is not within its scope to make findings on childcare entitlements.

Officials are working closely across government, including with the Department for Education and His Majesty’s Treasury. The Review will conclude in early 2027.

Full-time equivalent (FTE) is a measure of the accumulated time recorded across the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) by staff who have allocated any of their time to the Sustainability Taskforce. The FTE figure does not represent an equivalent number of job titles or posts.

Legalisation is clear that all toys must be safe before being placed on our market. The government is aware of the growing concerns regarding endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). This is a complex scientific issue, and we will be seeking views in our upcoming call for evidence on toys.

Regarding bisphenols, Bisphenol-A (BPA) is recognized as a UK Category 1B reproductive toxicant under UK REACH) and is banned in toys. Government regularly reviews the safety of substances used in consumer products and will take further action if needed to ensure only safe products are sold on our market.

Legalisation is clear that all toys must be safe before being placed on our market. The government is aware of the growing concerns regarding endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). This is a complex scientific issue, and we will be seeking views in our upcoming call for evidence on toys.

Regarding bisphenols, Bisphenol-A (BPA) is recognized as a UK Category 1B reproductive toxicant under UK REACH) and is banned in toys. Government regularly reviews the safety of substances used in consumer products and will take further action if needed to ensure only safe products are sold on our market.

Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is committed to thorough performance management and has in place robust processes to ensure that those who fall below the expected standards are supported to improve in a timely manner. Those who cannot improve their performance, despite this additional support, may be dismissed.

Following a Machinery of Government Change on 1st July 2023, the Department of International Trade (DIT) became the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), alongside parts of the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). As a result, DBT only holds information from 1st July 2023 onwards, with earlier data held by the former DIT. This response covers information held by DBT and UK Export Finance (UKEF), within these parameters.

DBT employees placed on a Performance Management Plan:

20 in 2023/24*, 27 in 2024/25, and 22 in 2025/26.

*2023 refers to from July 2023 onwards at the start of the performance year.

UKEF employees placed on a Performance Management Plan:

Between 1 and 5 in 2023/24,

Between 1 and 5 in 2024/25, and

Between 1 and 5 in 2025/26.

The Department has not made a specific assessment of the impact of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 on the number of properties owned by offshore companies. The Register of Overseas Entities was established and further strengthened through the Economic Crime Acts 2022 and 2023. It was designed to tackle the misuse of overseas corporate structures to own UK property anonymously, rather than legitimate overseas investment. Companies House's strategic intelligence assessment indicates that the register has significantly reduced anonymity and increased transparency around higher risk ownership. The Government will keep the effectiveness of the regime under review.

Royal Mail is an independent business. However, I have been assured that it endeavours to respond to all correspondence in a timely manner and to provide a full response to concerns Honourable Members raise, rather than a standard response. Some concerns can, however, take some time to investigate properly.

The British Business Bank has numerous new and successful programmes to support access to capital for underrepresented groups, including:

• new £400 million Investor Pathways Capital initiative to reduce barriers to entry for new fund managers, with 50% of this ringfenced for women,
• new Diverse Angel Syndicate initiative to catalyse the growth of diverse angel groups,
• Start Up Loans programme which has delivered more than £1.2 billion in loans, with around 40% of its loans to female founders and 20% to ethnic minority-led businesses,
• £130 million invested into the Invest in Women Taskforce’s funding pool.

The Bank is also a founding signatory to the Investing in Women Code.