A few words from our new Secretary of State

It is the honour of my life to be appointed as the Secretary of State for Business and Trade.

I consider it a privilege to serve in Sir Keir Starmer’s Government. A government dedicated to public service, duty, and renewal.

My message to business is clear – this mission-led government will build prosperity through partnership.

We will continue the work we started in opposition to bring together business, government and workers to kickstart our economy and rebuild our country.  

There is no time to waste.

That’s why, in my first few days as Secretary of State, I have spoken with dozens of business owners and entrepreneurs representing companies of all shapes, sizes, and sectors. 

We discussed this Government’s first 100 days in office and how we can make real progress on my four priorities to:

1. Deliver a new mission-driven Industrial Strategy with partnership at its core. A strategy that boosts productivity, drives clean, green power and builds a resilient economy that can stand on its own two feet. A strategy which backs our great research institutions, professional services, advanced manufacturing, and creative industries. This starts with creating an Industrial Strategy Council; a full-time expert body helping businesses plan not just for this year, but for the next ten years, and beyond. Supported by leading figures in business, the trade union movement and academia, we will place this council on a statutory footing so that it stands the test of time. 
2. Support small businesses who are the beating heart of our high streets, our communities, and essential to our economic success. This means hard-wiring the voice of small business into everything we do. It means taking action on late payments so small firms are paid on time. It means reforming the British Business Bank and freeing up capital for small and medium sized firms so they can fast-expand. It means changing procurement rules so small businesses have a fair shot at government contracts.
3. Reset our trade relations and champion British exports with our trade strategy aligned to the Industrial Strategy, creating opportunities for UK business to compete on our strengths, break into new markets and attract investment.  I want to improve our relationship with the EU, tearing down unnecessary barriers for businesses while seeking a new trade partnership with India. We will reconnect with our old allies and forge new trading relationships to deliver security and prosperity both at home and abroad.
4. Make work pay by delivering a new deal for working people.  I want to work in partnership with business, trade unions and communities right across the country to create jobs that provide security, treat workers fairly, and pay a decent wage. We will end exploitative contracts and the practice of fire and rehire policies because improving workers’ rights is one of the strongest levers for economic growth and better productivity. 

We can’t do this alone. We must work with business every step of the way. It’s why I’m asking some questions of business owners to help shape our approach. 

It doesn’t matter if your business has one or 1,000+ employees. I want you to tell me:

• How we should use our Industrial Strategy to kickstart Britain’s economy;
• How you have supported your teams while also growing your business so we can take forward the best examples to inform our work;
• What’s stopping you growing if you’re a small business owner; and
• How we should use our trade strategy to drive up exports and sell more British-designed, British-made products and services to markets around the world?

Put your answers down in an email to: TellJonathan@BusinessandTrade.gov.uk and together, let’s transform our economy and our country. Let’s change Britain.