We support UK businesses to grow and export, creating jobs and opportunities across the country.
We are an economic department, responsible for:
- bringing together policy, promotion and financial expertise to break down barriers to trade and investment, and help businesses succeed
- delivering a new trade policy framework for the UK
- promoting UK trade and investment across the world
- building the global appetite for UK goods and services
02/06/2026
We’re giving workers the right to a guaranteed hours contract if they want one, providing more security and more predictability.
Have your say on zero hours contracts, as we deliver reforms which will benefit more than 18 million people: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/make-work-pay-ending-one-sided-flexibility-reforms-of-zero-hours-and-similar-contracts
02/06/2026
June's Business Academy events have arrived 📢
Join us throughout the month for a series of practical webinars designed to help your business grow, adapt and thrive.
👉 Explore the full calendar and book a session - or watch On Demand: www.business.gov.uk/business-academy
Looking to boost your digital skills and grow your business online? 🚀
The Business Academy Digital Edge series is back, starting tomorrow, with free, expert‑led webinars on digital marketing, SEO, content and social media.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, you’ll pick up practical tips you can use straight away.
Sign up now and get your digital strategy working harder for you:
https://www.business.gov.uk/business-academy/digital-edge/
22/05/2026
If you’re a music business looking for support with international touring, applications are now open for the 25th round of the Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS) ✈️
Supporting UK independent music businesses as they grow their artists’ global reach, MEGS has already backed 500+ artists and helped drive millions in export growth for British music worldwide 🌍
A vital partnership between industry and the UK Government, the scheme continues to strengthen the UK’s position on the global stage, with applications open now until 8 June.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle:
“Now more than ever, it’s vital that our talented artists and music businesses have the support they need to take their creativity to new heights on the global stage.
This funding is crucial in helping British music continue to flourish internationally and remain a driving force in the world and I encourage all eligible to apply and seize this opportunity.”
BPI CSO Sophie Jones:
“We are pleased to be opening applications for the 25th round of the vital Music Export Growth Scheme, together with our partners at DBT and DCMS, and are grateful to the UK Government for its continued support of and commitment to the Scheme.
With many MEGS alumni going on to become BRIT Award and Mercury Prize-winners, chart-toppers and household names, we’re looking forward to seeing its continued impact on British musical success for years to come.”
Apply here: https://grants.businessandtrade.gov.uk/
The Small Business Protections Bill has been introduced, bringing the toughest crackdown on late payments in over 25 years that includes:
-new 60-day cap on payment terms for large firms ✅
-mandatory interest on late payments ✅
-banning the practice of retentions in construction ✅
No more chasing what’s already owed. Just fair pay on time, for small businesses like Rawstone Consulting and KBH Haus
21/05/2026
We’ve unveiled a major new funding package to support British industry.
The funding - targeted at important parts of the economy that keep everyday infrastructure running and support thousands of jobs - is designed to help firms decarbonise and transition their energy supplies from gas to electricity.
Ready to make a corn-nection in the Gulf 🤝
The new UK–Gulf Cooperation Council trade agreement is making exporting easier than ever for British businesses like 🍿
NEWS: The UK has concluded a historic trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council, covering six nations & £1.8tn in GDP.
This is Global Britain in action 🤝
More 👉 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-and-gulf-strike-historic-multi-billion-pound-trade-deal
20/05/2026
A new appeals process will launch later this year for Horizon postmasters who accepted the £75,000 Fixed Sum Offer and believe they were owed more.
More 👉https://www.gov.uk/government/news/fixed-sum-appeals-and-shortfall-evidence-processes-to-launch-for-postmasters-who-suffered-horizon-shortfalls
19/05/2026
Cleared for take-off ✈️
The UK’s largest business delegation has now touched down in LA 🌍
More than 100 delegates have joined Minister McDougall as Greater Together gets underway, showcasing the best of UK business and innovation, and opening the door to new partnerships and investors from across the US 🤝