Department for Business and Trade

The British Industry Supercharger already covers manufacturers of iron, steel, aluminium and other metals, and mining companies, subject to the business-level test on electricity usage. Iron and steel manufacturers may also be eligible for compensation on indirect carbon costs stemming from electricity generation. We will conduct an eligibility review for the British Industry Supercharger in 2026 to account for changing business trends.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has opened its consultation on the draft updated statutory Code of Practice, seeking views from affected stakeholders.

The Department for Business and Trade has made no assessment at this stage of the potential merits of a (a) phased implementation and (b) grace period for the EHRC’s revised code of practice for services, public functions and associations.

We are sure the EHRC will make a concerted effort to fully explore the practical implications of the judgement and how this may be best reflected in the updated Code.

The Competition and Markets Authority has been awarded enhanced powers by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers (“DMCC”) Act 2024 to protect UK consumers and businesses from unfair or harmful practices by the very largest technology firms.

The DMCC Act enables the CMA to provide opportunities to encourage the benefits of investment and innovation from the largest digital firms, while ensuring a level playing-field for the many start-ups and scale-ups across the UK tech sector. This should promote greater innovation, more choice and more competitive process across the sector benefiting UK businesses, consumers and government.

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 has empowered the Competition and Markets Authority to designate firms which exert significant control in respect of digital activities with “Strategic Market Status” (SMS), following an evidence-based assessment.

The CMA can carry out investigations to determine the most appropriate remedies for a specific competition concern. Remedies will ensure designated firms treat businesses and consumers fairly, promote more dynamic markets and help new competitors enter the market. The CMA has already exercised its new powers by launching three SMS investigations into large technology firms in January this year.

Most period products are regulated by the General Product Safety Regulations 2005, which requires all products to be safe and for consumers to be provided with information on the potential risks of a product.

Subject to Royal Assent of the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, the Government has committed to consult on this matter to ensure that any changes to the safety provisions of these products are robust and consistent. As part of this, we are considering further research and testing in this area to complement the consultation.

Government cares about working conditions and employment rights, that is why we are delivering the Employment Rights Bill. The Bill will deliver significant benefits, including better working conditions, more secure work, reducing inequalities and improving industrial relations. Stronger employment rights for workers will ensure a fairer and more equal labour market. For example, over 2 million people on zero or low hours contracts could benefit from the right to guaranteed hours, and the right to payment for shifts cancelled, moved or cut at short notice.

The UK acceded to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on 15 December 2024.

This comprehensive agreement will support businesses by making it easier for them to trade with CPTPP, and all nations of the UK are expected to benefit.

It will reduce tariffs on some of Northern Ireland’s most-exported products to CPTPP countries, with tariffs of up to 30% eliminated on UK exports of machinery to Malaysia within five years.

Government analysis estimates that the UK’s accession could boost Northern Ireland’s economy by around £70 million annually when compared to 2019 levels, in the long run.

The Pubs Code (the Code) applies to large pub-owning businesses with 500 or more tied pubs in England and Wales, covering around 8,000 pubs. The statutory review will consider the operation of the Code and performance of the Pubs Code Adjudicator over the review period and interested parties can submit their views to the call for inputs until 14 August 2025.

The government is also currently completing a separate exercise to understand whether there are any barriers to market for small brewers. Interested parties can contact beermarketreview@businessandtrade.gov.uk.

Hospitality businesses, including pubs and independent breweries, are at the heart of our communities and play a vital role in supporting economic growth across the UK.

The government wishes to see small brewers retain and expand their access to UK pubs, maximising drinkers’ choice and supporting local economies. The Government is currently assessing the beer market to determine whether there are any structural barriers preventing small brewers'

We had a Westminster Hall Debate last week, where a number of issues were raised, he will know that we are undertaking our fourth review of the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA). I would encourage him and other members to contribute to that. We are considering the other points that have been made in that debate, and we welcome comments in the review as well.

The deal agreed on 8 May will protect jobs in the automotive and steel industries. Talks with the US are ongoing to progress implementation of the General Terms of the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal and ensure that UK businesses feel the benefits as soon as possible.

The US has committed to removing Section 232 tariffs on steel. In addition, it has pledged to reduce tariffs on automotives faced by UK exporters by developing a quota system – which will save thousands of jobs in the UK.

We remain committed to working in close partnership with industry to support their needs and ensure that the interests of British businesses are at the forefront of our engagement with the US.

The deal agreed on 8 May will protect jobs in the automotive and steel industries. Talks with the US are ongoing to progress implementation of the General Terms of the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal and ensure that UK businesses feel the benefits as soon as possible.

The US has committed to removing Section 232 tariffs on steel. In addition, it has pledged to reduce tariffs on automotives faced by UK exporters by developing a quota system – which will save thousands of jobs in the UK.

We remain committed to working in close partnership with industry to support their needs and ensure that the interests of British businesses are at the forefront of our engagement with the US.

On 17 March 2025 this Government published the Action Plan for Regulation, outlining reforms to streamline regulation and support growth. As part of this we are cutting regulatory administrative costs to business by 25%, strengthening accountability for regulators and simplifying their duties to ensure the regulatory environment is focusing on growth, investment, and transparency. This will include finding ways to reduce costs for the manufacturing sector, which I know is important to businesses such as New Holland who have been making tractors in my honourable friend for Reading West and Mid Berkshire's constituency for over 60 years.

On 17 March 2025 this Government published the Action Plan for Regulation, outlining reforms to streamline regulation and support growth. As part of this we are cutting regulatory administrative costs to business by 25%, strengthening accountability for regulators and simplifying their duties to ensure the regulatory environment is focusing on growth, investment, and transparency. This will include finding ways to reduce costs for the manufacturing sector, which I know is important to businesses such as New Holland who have been making tractors in my honourable friend for Reading West and Mid Berkshire's constituency for over 60 years.

UK imports to the US will now face a lower tariff of 10% for a quota of 100,000 vehicles. The UK exports around 100,000 cars a year to the US - so this quota will ensure most cars entering the US will do so at the preferential rate.

We continue to work closely with both UK manufacturers and the US administration as we work through the implementation of tariff relief. Both DBT Secretary of State and Minister Jones have met with industry representatives to discuss development of the quota system. We will provide further detail in due course.

The government does not hold data on how the Zero Emissions Vehicle Mandate has impacted on towns with large vehicle production industries specifically. However, we speak regularly to all the major UK automotive stakeholders to take the temperature of the sector and their concerns. The government is committed to ensuring the transition to zero emissions works for the industry. That is why we introduced significant changes to the Mandate in April 2025, allowing for greater flexibility in meeting ZEV targets and extending the sale of hybrid vehicles to 2035.

From 1 October 2023 to 31 December 2024, the latest date covered by our most official statistics release, UAV Tactical Systems LTD have been issued 3 export licences covering exports to Israel.

Each licence has been assessed to ensure that the items were not for use by the Israeli military in military operations in Gaza, pursuant to the decision on 2 September 2024 to suspend exports of equipment to Israel that might be used by the Israeli military in operations in Gaza.

Licences for military equipment which is not for use in operations in Gaza or which relate to components for products which are ultimately for re-export to other countries were not included in the scope of the suspension.

Once parts are exported from the UK to the global F-35 programme, the UK does not have access to information about the movement of individual components, and does not have control over whether components in the global spares pool are used for specific customer nations or not.

RCV engines have in the past been issued licences for the export of controlled goods to Israel. The most recent licences issued were in 2021 and expired in 2023.

We are continuing talks on a wider UK-US Economic Deal which will look at enhancing access for our world-leading services industries and improving supply chains, including on SMEs.

The US has committed to further negotiations, including on the 10% tariffs introduced on 2nd April.

We have announced a range of measures to support SMEs, including access to additional finance through the British Business Bank and sector specific measures. We are also expanding UKEF’s capacity to support business by £20 billion, with £10 billion specifically aimed at businesses impacted by the current US tariffs. Any business which is concerned about what tariff changes mean for them can find clear guidance and support on business.gov.uk.

We are continuing talks on a wider UK-US Economic Deal which will look at enhancing access for our world-leading services industries and improving supply chains, including on SMEs.

The US has committed to further negotiations, including on the 10% tariffs introduced on 2nd April.

We have announced a range of measures to support SMEs, including access to additional finance through the British Business Bank and sector specific measures. We are also expanding UKEF’s capacity to support business by £20 billion, with £10 billion specifically aimed at businesses impacted by the current US tariffs. Any business which is concerned about what tariff changes mean for them can find clear guidance and support on business.gov.uk.

Small and medium-sized bicycle manufacturers are important for our green growth ambitions. Through the Government’s Industrial and Trade Strategies, we’re backing innovation, sustainability and skills development to help businesses scale, compete globally and continue driving forward the UK’s cycling economy.

The upcoming Business Growth Service (BGS) aims to streamline the process for businesses across the UK to access the support they need to grow. The Department will continue to engage with the industry on key issues moving forward.

The British Business Bank's finance programmes, including the Start Up Loans scheme, help SMEs in Buckingham and Bletchley to access the finance they need.

Together with the Treasury, my department launched a call for evidence on SME access to finance to assess existing policies and identify barriers. The call aims to improve access to finance and support SME growth. We are considering the responses we have received and will announce further measures in due course.

The UK's Trade Strategy will mark a reset in our approach to international trade and set out the future priorities for our trade policy. This strategy will also set out how trade can stimulate economic growth through delivery of targeted business benefits in a rapidly changing global landscape. We will continue to support SMEs through future agreements, including measures that will help offset tariffs and access global markets.

Under product safety regulations, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) and Local Authority Trading Standards (LATS) have powers to remove unsafe products or prevent them entering the UK. In 2023-2024, 2.4m goods, including e-bikes, were denied entry. LATS report serious risk products to OPSS, which has published 22 recalls and 29 other safety alerts on unsafe e-bikes and associated products since 2022. Last year OPSS led a LATS programme to inspect businesses that repair, maintain or modify e-bikes and raise awareness of legal responsibilities for safety.

Enforcement of illegally modified electric bikes on public roads is a police matter.

On 8 May, the UK government announced a landmark economic deal with the United States, making the UK the first country to get an agreement with President Trump.

The agreement will secure the UK preferential access to the US market for UK pharmaceuticals in case of new US tariffs being introduced in the future, further to any section 232 investigations. These conversations are ongoing, and we will work closely with the US administration to get the best deal for our pharma industry.

Since August 2024, the Department for Business and Trade has held discussions on the Employment Rights Bill with over 180 stakeholders from across Great Britain. This covers a range of businesses that have a presence in Kent, including Greene King, McDonalds, John Lewis, British Telecom, Co-op, DHL, MACE Group, Mars, Sainsburys, Whitbread, Burger King, Deliveroo, Fuller’s, Lucky Saint, Turtle Bay, Centrica, and Wilkinson Construction Consultant.

The Government remains committed to working in partnership with businesses, trade unions and other stakeholders to deliver the Plan to Make Work Pay.

I recognise the vital role that Kinship Carers play in caring for vulnerable children, and the need to support Kinship Carers in the workplace.

As part of our broader commitment to working families, we are conducting a comprehensive review of the parental leave system. Planning work is underway.

The Employment Rights Bill is also making Parental Leave a day one right. This will help kinship carers who have parental responsibility, for example, through a legal guardianship order.

The Growth Duty Performance Framework was introduced by the last government on 16 May 2024, and was launched as a voluntary process for regulators to self-report in relation to how they are delivering economic growth. Being voluntary, there was not a requirement for adherence.

The current government set out an extensive Action Plan in March this year, including: a list of key regulator pledges delivering tangible impacts on growth; a strengthened model of accountability and formalised performance reviews; and regulators publishing clear targets for processing authorisations.

We are currently implementing the first phase of the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal. This deal protects almost 45% of UK goods exports to the US.

We are committed to continuing talks with the US, looking at increasing digital trade, enhancing access for our world-leading services industries and improving supply chains. Impact assessments are completed at the conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement.

A response to Question 55918 was provided on 11 June 2025: Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament

The Government has been clear that NDAs should not be misused by employers to conceal misconduct. There are already legal limitations on the use of NDAs. For example, an NDA cannot prevent a worker from whistleblowing, require a worker to cover up iniquity, or prevent a worker from doing anything that may be required by law.

We recognise that misuse of NDAs is an important issue which warrants further consideration and are actively looking at all options.

My department has a dedicated exports promotion programme for the film and high-end TV industry, which includes providing export support for businesses at major international film festivals and markets. We work with the UK film and TV sectors to remove market access barriers to enable businesses to increase their exports and use free trade agreements to grow exports.

We welcome Fujitsu’s acknowledgement of their moral obligation to contribute to the cost of the scandal. Fujitsu have also announced they will voluntarily not bid for new contracts unless requested by Government.

Following the joint announcement on 7 March that discussions of a Fujitsu contribution had begun, officials will continue to engage with Fujitsu representatives. We will not provide a running commentary on these discussions but will keep both Houses informed at key points.

The Department for Business and Trade works across Africa offering direct support to UK businesses looking to expand their business in the region. This includes a dedicated team that advises UK businesses entering markets about doing business and investment environment. DBT focuses on markets, sectors, and deals where the UK has a competitive edge.

All export licence applications are reviewed against the UK’s Strategic Export Licensing Criteria (SELC). These state that the Government will not issue export licences if there is a clear risk that the items might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

We also keep all our extant licences (which typically last for two years) under continual review on this basis.

This government will take whatever action is appropriate in the specific circumstances, including amending, suspending or revoking export licences.

During 2024, the median processing time in SPIRE for all completed Standard Individual Export Licence (SIEL) applications was 16 working days. On average, completed SIEL applications account for around 95% of all completed licence applications. We do not gather the median processing time per sector.

The UK Government does not sell F-35 components directly, but licences the export of components to the F-35 global programme from a number of UK suppliers.

The Department for Business and Trade does not hold information on the revenue of companies generated from sales to the F-35 global spares pool.

Once parts are exported from the UK to the global F-35 programme, the UK does not have access to information about the movement of individual components, and does not have control over whether components in the global spares pool or aircraft assembly facilities are used for specific customer nations or not. However, the UK has suspended the export of F-35 components directly to Israel, where these are for use by Israel.

The only way to prevent UK-produced parts reaching Israel would therefore be for the UK Government to stop the export of parts to the entire F-35 programme, which would prejudice the security of the UK and our allies.

This Government is committed to driving business productivity and economic growth in the UK. Adoption of digital technologies, such as e-invoicing, can significantly improve firm-level productivity by streamlining business processes and reducing administrative work and errors.

However, few small businesses use e-invoicing in the UK. Adoption of e-invoicing by SMEs in the UK is behind countries like France and Germany. This is why, as announced at Budget 2024, DBT and HMRC recently ran a 12 week consultation on promoting e-invoicing in the UK. We will be publishing a summary of responses and updating on next steps in due course.

The Government is committed to tackling late payments, which can be a major obstacle for small businesses. In September 2024 we announced new measures including a new Fair Payment Code (launched in December 2024), legislation requiring large companies to report headline payment performance data in their annual reports, and a public consultation on further measures.

Business adoption of e-invoicing can also help improve payment times by reducing administrative burdens and streamlining invoicing processes. DBT and HMRC recently ran a consultation to gather views on promoting e-invoicing in the UK and will be publishing a summary of responses in due course.

Through the 100-Year Partnership Agreement, the UK is committed to supporting Ukraine’s long-term stability and growth, driving its recovery as a modernised and resilient economy. We work closely with the Government of Ukraine to understand their immediate and long-term reconstruction priorities.

By promoting UK expertise, my department ensures UK companies contribute effectively to Ukraine’s reconstruction and economic recovery while advancing UK economic growth.

Initiatives include the UK-Ukraine Infrastructure Taskforce, developing war risk insurance solutions, extending the bilateral Free Trade Agreement, fostering tech collaboration via the UK-Ukraine TechBridge, and leading trade missions to strengthen economic ties.

The Department for Business and Trade’s statutory guidance for the subsidy control regime helps public authorities to comply with the Subsidy Control Act 2022.

This includes subsidies given in the form of loans. We also provide additional guidance to public authorities on request. This would include discussions on below market rate and preferential loans. Where relevant thresholds are met, the Subsidy Advice Unit in the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is responsible for evaluating the relevant public authority’s assessment of compliance with subsidy control rules, and publishing a report of their findings. These can be found on the CMA’s website.

Three export licences have been issued to this company since October 2023, but each licence has been assessed to ensure that the items were not for use by the Israeli military in military operations in Gaza.

This is pursuant to the decision on 2 September 2024 when we suspended export licences for the Israeli Defence Forces covering equipment that might be used in military operations in Gaza, based on our assessment that these could be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law.

Licences for military equipment which is not for use in operations in Gaza or which relate to components for products which are ultimately for re-export to other countries were not included in the scope of the suspension.