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News releases

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March 2010

STFC: New Arrangements to Provide Stability in Research Funding
Mar 4: Science Minister Lord Drayson has today spelled out new arrangements for the Science and Technology Facilities Council designed to ensure that it can plan with greater predictability and provide its community with more stability. These will include better management of pressures arising from international subscriptions (such as CERN), and longer-term planning and budgeting for large domestic facilities (such as Diamond). These two measures will address the two main sources of uncertainty STFC faces.
One million employees get skills boost with train to gain
Mar 4: The number of people gaining a qualification through the Train to Gain programme has hit the one million mark, the Government announced today.
Broadband delivery UK to lead government’s drive for superfast broadband announced
Mar 4: The new Government body responsible for rolling-out next generation broadband across the UK will begin its work today, Digital Britain Minister Stephen Timms has announced.
EMBARGOED until 07:00 4 March: Refund fear could cost you almost £5,000
Mar 4: Government campaign urges you to spring clean your finances by brushing up on your consumer rights
BIS and DCSF respond to the Science for Careers Expert Group report
Mar 3: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) today welcome the publication of the report from the Science for Careers Expert Group.
Extra funding announced for consumer protection at ports
Mar 2: Consumer minister Kevin Brennan has today announced £300,000 of extra funding to help stop dangerous and unsafe products finding their way into British shops.
Extra funding announced for consumer protection at ports
Mar 2: Consumer minister Kevin Brennan has today announced £300,000 of extra funding to help stop dangerous and unsafe products finding their way into British shops.
British Council and Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) launch higher education scholarships for Palestine
Mar 2: London, 2 March 2010 David Lammy, Minister of State for Higher Education, will today host the launch of Higher Education Scholarships for Palestine (HESPAL).
Blacklisting Outlawed
Mar 2: It is now unlawful for trade union members to be denied employment through blacklists, under new regulations that come into effect today.
Business Minister Flies The Flag For The UK Car Industry At Geneva Motor Show
Mar 2: The Business Minister, Ian Lucas, is attending this year’s Geneva Motor Show to show his support for the UK’s car industry. He will be meeting top executives from a number of UK based manufacturers.
Government drive to get 7.5 million more people online
Mar 2: Older people and the less well-off are to be the target of an ambitious campaign to get 7.5 million new internet users online by 2014, Stephen Timms, Minister for Digital Britain announced today.
Lord Mandelson - Mansion House Speech
Mar 1: CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY LORD MANDELSON - MANSION HOUSE SPEECH - LONDON, 1 MARCH 2010.
Excellent Research Vital to Maintain UK’s Global Scientific Standing
Mar 1: Redesigned PhD and masters programmes to attract and nurture the best researchers are at the centre of proposals to maintain Britain’s leading position in scientific research published by the Council of Science and Technology today.
Increase in UK R&D Spend Revealed as R&D Scoreboard Published
Mar 1: The top one thousand UK companies invested more than £26bn on developing new products, services and improving productivity in 2008 according to the latest R&D scoreboard published today.
10 top tips for people who want to ‘know their consumer rights’
Mar 1: The ‘Know Your Consumer Rights’ campaign is a joint initiative by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), Consumer Direct and Consumer Focus to make sure shoppers get a fair deal.
Northwest Regional Development Agency Board Members Appointed
Mar 1: Rosie Winterton, Minister for Regional Economic Coordination, today announced two new business appointments and one trade union appointment to the Board of the Northwest Regional Development Agency.

February 2010

Food for Thought for Jailed Bankrupt Who Was a "Menace to Commerce"
Feb 26: A former bankrupt director of a food company from Leicester has been sentenced to sixteen months in prison for running a company and obtaining credit whilst bankrupt following a prosecution by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).
UK Regulators Continue to Improve
Feb 26: Regulatory bodies in the UK continue to make good progress putting better regulation principles into practice, according to a set of new reports published today by the Better Regulation Executive.
Import duty free and save cash
Feb 26: British manufacturers could save millions of pounds in import duties through an EU scheme promoted by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).
A new perspective on land use is needed for the 21st century
Feb 26: Strictly embargoed until 00.01 hours, Friday 26 February 2010A new approach to managing the UK’s land will be vital to meet the challenges of the 21st century, according to the latest report from Foresight, the Government's futures think tank.
New Scrutineers of Trade Union Ballots
Feb 25: A new list of organisations qualified to undertake and scrutinise statutory ballots and elections under trade union law was announced by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills today.
DCSF and BIS Response to Science and Learning Expert Group Report
Feb 25: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and Department for Children, Schools and Families thank Sir Mark Walport and the Science and Learning Expert Group for their report and will now consider the recommendations he makes.
New Player in UK Offshore Wind Market
Feb 25: Mitsubishi Power Systems Europe signs MOU signalling intention to invest up to £100 million in UK wind turbine R&D project. Up to 200 highly skilled jobs to be created by 2014Government announces further £18.5 million grant to fund offshore wind test site at Narec in Blyth
Students' Direct Line To Government
Feb 24: Students have a direct line to Whitehall through the National Student Forum, as Minister of State for Higher Education David Lammy and Minister for Students Lord Young, publish the government’s response to their recommendations, today.
New Materials Launched to Support Learners and Carers
Feb 24: New Materials Launched to Support Learners and CarersContinued learning can have an overwhelmingly positive impact on older people’s health, confidence and dramatically improve their quality of life.
Government scrappage scheme to enter exit phase - manufacturer order allocations set
Feb 24: Embargoed until 00:01 on the 24 February 2010The final phase of the Government’s scrappage scheme will begin tomorrow (Wednesday 24th February), said Business Secretary Peter Mandelson today, reminding would-be car buyers to take advantage of the scheme before it closes. 
Lord Mandelson Speech - RDA Event Press Conference.
Feb 23: Why are we here today? We’re here to insist on the need for a certain kind of economic recovery in Britain. A recovery that is driven by growth in our regions, and in which the benefits are shared across all our regions.
Government announces investment package for regional development
Feb 23: Strictly embargoed until 13.00, 23 February 2010The Government underlined its commitment to economic development across the English regions today with a £64.4million package of new investment announced by Lord Mandelson.
Confident and Covered or Unaware and Exposed: Small Businesses Show a Varied Understanding of Employment Law
Feb 22: Significant disparities exist between small businesses in their confidence and awareness of managing employment law, according to new research published today by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).
Games Mean Jobs - Timms
Feb 22: The computer games industry is key to the future economic success of Scotland and will continue to support jobs and innovation in Dundee, UK Minister for Digital Britain Stephen Timms will say today at a visit to Abertay University. 
UK Innovation Continues Positive Trend
Feb 22: Innovation accounted for two thirds of average labour productivity growth in the UK between 2000 and 2007 according to the 2009 Annual Innovation report, published today.
Business, government must work together to secure global recovery: Prime Minister says
Feb 22: Prime Minister Gordon Brown said today that international business and government should work together to secure a global recovery in 2010.
£200m Boost for Future Technology Sectors
Feb 22: The Prime Minister announced today that £200m from the UK Innovation Investment Fund (UKIIF) will be used to benefit life sciences, digital and advanced manufacturing businesses.
Minister Visits Small Business Offering Apprenticeship and Graduate Opportunities.
Feb 18: Business Minister Lord Young has been in the North West this week and observed how one company in the area is offering Apprenticeship and graduate opportunities.
Young People in the North East Urged to Step up to Global Challenge
Feb 18: Business leaders in the North East today urged young people to proactively research local industries so they can rise to the challenge of getting a job in tomorrow’s global economy. In return they pledged to help local schools and colleges play an active role in plotting the North East’s economic future.
Minister’s Pride In New College Buildings
Feb 18: New buildings for colleges across England are helping this year’s intake of students get the skills they need, and Further Education Minister Kevin Brennan today hailed the success of the project.
Boost for Corus Apprentices and Business Start Ups in the Tees Valley
Feb 18: ·        £2.4m for Engineering Apprenticeship Programme to help Corus apprentices·        £1.4m package of support to boost help for business start ups and existing firms in the Tees Valley
‘2010’ Dads really do want to spend time with the baby
Feb 18: EMBARGOED UNTIL 00:01 18 February 2010- Campaign launches to remind dads of their rights at work -Flexible working is increasingly important to modern dads who want to take care of their children, according to figures published today by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).
Red Light Stops Driving Agency Bosses
Feb 17: The Directors of an HGV recruitment company have been banned from running an employment agency for up to ten years following action taken by the Employment Agency Standards inspectorate (EAS).
UK and India Forge Two New Research Collaborations to Tackle Global Challenges
Feb 17: Two major research deals have been signed between the UK and India, Minister for Business, Innovation and Skills, Pat McFadden, announced today.
UK Business Minister Addresses Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
Feb 17: (Extract from a speech by the Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP, UK Minister for Business, Innovation and Skills to CII).
Which Boss Are You?
Feb 17: SME bosses can get instant tailored advice on managing their employment law obligations with a free new online tool from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).
Vocational qualifications made simple for employers and learners
Feb 16: New online resources to help employers and learners explore important changes to vocational qualifications and shape the content of future vocational qualifications were launched today.
Government crackdown on cyber scams
Feb 15: The Government is taking the fight to fraidsters, criminals and rogue traders who use the internet and email to con consumers.
UK and India launch £10 million collaboration on solar energy solutions and new research and networking opportunities
Feb 13: UK and Indian ministers announced today two multi-million pound research programmes to develop cost-effective and efficient solar energy solutions.
UK- India civil nuclear cooperation welcome step forward
Feb 13: The UK and India have signed a Civil Nuclear Cooperation Declaration, a welcome step forward which will help both countries to achieve low carbon growth, British Minister for Business, Innovation and Skills, Pat McFadden, announced in India today.
Former Prison Officer Escapes Jail
Feb 12: A bankrupt former prison officer from Leeds has been given a nine month suspended prison sentence for failing to tell the Official Receiver about his debts and land he owned, following a prosecution by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).
New Chair Appointed to CITB-ConstructionSkills
Feb 12: A new chairman has been appointed to the Construction Industry’s Training Board (CITB-ConstructionSkills), the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills announced today.
Furniture Firm Owner in the Hot Seat
Feb 12: A former furniture firm director from South Wales has been given an eight month prison sentence for running companies whilst disqualified following a prosecution by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
British minister Pat Mcfadden to visit India to strengthen UK-India ties
Feb 11: British Minister for Business, Innovation and Skills, Pat McFadden, will be visiting India from 13-17 February 2010 to strengthen the UK-India science and innovation relationship.
Midlands to Drive Forward Low Carbon Economic Area for Advanced Automotive Engineering
Feb 11: The Midlands has been designated a new Low Carbon Economic Area (LCEA) and has won £19million of government funding for research into and development of low carbon vehicles, Business Secretary Lord Mandelson, announced today.
Lord Mandelson - Business Secretary - speech the Lord Dearing Memorial Conference - Nottingham University.
Feb 11: It is a great to be asked to give a lecture in memory of Ron Dearing. Lord Dearing was an outstanding public servant, respected across the political spectrum, who played a role in British public life for more than forty years.
7000 Graduates to Get Job Market Head Start
Feb 11: Around 7000 graduates’ career prospects have been given a boost, now that over fifty universities have taken up the Government’s £13.6 million fund to provide internships in small businesses by the end of the year as part of the Backing Young Britain campaign to help young people into work.
BIS responds to the Space Innovation and Growth Team report
Feb 10: Commenting on today’s report by the Space Innovation and Growth Team, Science and Innovation Minister Lord Drayson said:
Government backs low carbon aerospace with £45m of research projects
Feb 10: And welcomes new Rolls-Royce factory in Washington, Sunderland£45 million Government support to research and develop more fuel-efficient, lower-carbon aero engines will fund new partnerships between Rolls-Royce and universities around the UK, Business Secretary Lord Mandelson announced today. 
BIS responds to the Science for All Expert Group report
Feb 9: Responding to the Science for All Expert Group, Science and Innovation Minister Lord Drayson said:
Sky gives undertaking to sell ITV shares
Feb 8: The Government has today accepted formal commitments from Sky (British Sky Broadcasting Group plc) that it will divest a proportion of its shares in ITV.
Statement by David Lammy on graduate recruitment survey
Feb 8: Higher Education Minister David Lammy commenting on the Association of Graduate Recruiters, graduate recruitment survey said;
Statement by David Lammy on UCAS figures for applications to University for 2010
Feb 8: Minister of State for Higher Education, David Lammy Commenting on today’s UCAS figures for applications to university for 2010 said,
Lord Mandelson Visits Berlin on Fact Finding Mission
Feb 5: Lord Mandelson is visiting Germany today on a fact finding mission, to see how the UK could learn from the success of the country’s innovation network.
Apprentices Flying High at Yeovil Helicopter Firm
Feb 5: Business Minister Pat McFadden is visiting AgustaWestland today to celebrate the helicopter manufacturer’s commitment to recruit apprentices.
Consultation Begins on Supermarket Body
Feb 5: Consumer minister Kevin Brennan today announced the next step in the Government’s plan to put in place a body to enforce compliance with the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP).
Statement on GSK’s Q4 2009 Results
Feb 4: Responding to the publication of GSK’s Q4 2009 results, Science and Innovation Minister Lord Drayson said:
Train to gain helps businesses of all sizes fight recession.
Feb 4: Business leaders have hailed the Government’s flagship Train to Gain programme, saying it has helped them provide vital training to their staff during the downturn.
Government Announces Exit Phase for Scrappage Scheme Will Run to End of March
Feb 4: An extra month has been added to the deadline for the Government Scrappage Scheme today, allowing manufacturers and dealers more time to prepare for and operate the exit phase of the Scheme.  This change was announced by Government following requests from car manufacturers for more time to prepare dealers and inform consumers.
Government announces March deadline as exit phase for scrappage scheme
Feb 3: An extra month has been added to the deadline for the Government Scrappage Scheme today, allowing manufacturers and dealers more time to prepare for and operate the exit phase of the scheme. 
New Thinking for a Changing Population
Feb 3: Older people bring skills and experience to the workplace that can be an asset to business and their spending power can boost the wider economy.
Environment Agency and Natural England Given New Enforcement Powers
Feb 3: The Environment Agency and Natural England today became the first regulators to be given new civil powers that will give them greater flexibility to enforce environmental law, making the system more efficient and effective for both regulators and businesses.
Revised Limits on Payments Under Employment Rights Legislation
Feb 1: Limits on awards and payment made to workers in certain employment rights cases will be revised from 1st February under the annual index-linked formula.
Government celebrates apprenticeships and urges business to recruit in the recovery
Feb 1: The government today launched National Apprenticeship Week, celebrating the commitment of employers to recruit apprentices and urging people to look at the benefits to their skills and career of becoming an apprentice.

January 2010

Pensions Regulator Delivering Outstanding Better Regulation
Jan 29: The Pensions Regulator has made strong progress putting better regulation principles into practice according to a new report from the Better Regulation Executive published today.
Government Takes Decision on Nottingham Evening Post
Jan 29: The Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills has declined the request from the owners of the Nottingham Evening Post to be released from the requirement to have an independent editorial board for the newspaper.
Better Regulation at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Jan 29: The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has made progress putting better regulation principles into practice according to a new report from the Better Regulation Executive published today.
Good Progress By Better Regulators
Jan 29: The UK’s regulatory framework is making good progress putting better regulation principles into practice, according to a set of new reports published today by the Better Regulation Executive.
New Help for Parents
Jan 28: Legislation to give parents more choice and flexibility in how they use maternity and paternity leave will be introduced under Government plans outlined today.
New Deputy Chair of Competition Commission Announced
Jan 28: Consumer minister Kevin Brennan today announced the appointment of Laura Carstensen as the new Deputy Chair to the Competition Commission.
Life Sciences Super Cluster Announced as Support for Life Sciences is Bolstered
Jan 26: Today the Government announced plans for a new UK Life Sciences Super Cluster, supported by £1 million of Government investment. Bringing together industry, academia and the NHS, it will help deliver the next generation of medicines and technologies needed to support people suffering from chronic diseases.
UK Innovation Investment Fund Launches £125m Environmental Investment Fund
Jan 26: The UK Innovation Investment Fund is off the ground with the first closing of the £125m Hermes Private Equity environmental innovation fund.
Free Course to Help Smaller Firms Bid for Government Contracts
Jan 25: A free online public procurement course designed to help smaller firms bid for the £220 billion of public sector contracts awarded each year was today launched jointly by Small Business Minister Lord Davies and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury Liam Byrne.
Finance for Business North East Fund Goes Live Investing £125m Into Regional Economy
Jan 22: A new £125m ‘super fund’ was officially launched today (Friday 22 January) aimed at supporting hundreds of businesses which will help lead the North East’s economic recovery.
Lord Mandelson Says “Cumbria is Open for Business”
Jan 22: Lord Mandelson will visit Cumbria today to see how the area is open for business again.
Going for Growth in the Regions
Jan 21: At a meeting in London today, the Regional Economic Council (REC) picked up the challenge of taking forward the Government's growth agenda, as set out in its ‘Going for Growth’ strategy.
Increase in People Achieving High-Level Apprenticeships
Jan 21: The number of people achieving an advanced level Apprenticeship has increased by approximately a third, according to provisional data released today by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
Fairness for Agency Workers, Flexibility for Employers
Jan 21: Legislation to give Britain’s 1.3 million agency workers important new rights was laid before Parliament today.
Government acts to break through glass ceiling on social mobility
Jan 18: Business Minister, Pat McFadden, is today confirming the Government’s commitment to promoting the aspirations of all young people, whatever their background, and putting social mobility at the heart of plans for growth and success in the global economy.
Last chance to take part in Government Scrappage Scheme - less than 100,000 vehicle orders left
Jan 15: Figures released today show that more than three quarters of the budget for the Government’s scrappage scheme has been used up. Funding for less than 82,000 new vehicles orders is left for consumers to take advantage of under the scheme, as it nears its end
Lord Mandelson Speech - Business For New Europe Event "Friend or Foe: Is The EU Good For Business?"
Jan 14: In theory, this is a transformative phase we are now entering for Europe. We have a new role for a President and a new High Representative. We have a big chance to redefine European influence globally in the face of major challenges like climate change.
EAS Teaches Non-Compliant Agencies A Lesson
Jan 14: Thirty-eight agencies in the teaching and childcare sectors have been issued with warnings by the Employment Agency Standards inspectorate (EAS) for failing to comply with the law.
Statement by David Lammy on the latest HESA data on student enrolments and entrants for 2008/09
Jan 14: Commenting on the latest HESA data on student enrolments and entrants for 2008/09, Minister of State for Higher Education David Lammy said.
Government Announces Extra Vessels to be Included in Trawlermen Compensation Scheme
Jan 14: Business minister Lord Young of Norwood Green has today announced that 19 new vessels will be included in the Government’s Icelandic water trawlermen compensation scheme.
Government Offers Buoyant Message at Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show
Jan 13: Ian Lucas, Minister for Business and Regulatory Reform today visited the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show, where he was delighted to note the signs of recovery that the UK leisure and small commercial marine industry is beginning to show.
BIS Responds to Science and The Media Expert Group Report
Jan 13: Responding to the Science and the Media Expert Group report, Lord Drayson, Science and Innovation Minister, said:
Right to Request Training Guidance Published.
Jan 13: GUIDANCE is today being published to inform employers about the new right for employees to request time for training.
UK and India Commit to Strengthening Education Links
Jan 13: Business Secretary, Lord Mandelson will be among the British delegation meeting the Indian Minister for Human Resource Development, Kapil Sibal, this week for discussions about the broad range of UK-India cooperation.
Paul Drayson Speech - European Cleaner Racing Conference, Birmingham NEC 13 January 2010
Jan 13: CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY
Government Announces Go-Ahead For Supermarket Enforcer
Jan 13: Consumer minister Kevin Brennan has today announced that he has accepted the Competition Commission’s recommendation for a body to enforce the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP).
Mandelson Launches New Online Basics Courses For Adults
Jan 11: New IT courses to give thousands of adults the skills and confidence they need to go online will be piloted from today, Business Secretary Lord Mandelson announced at the Learning and Technology World Forum.
EU Galileo contract won by consortium involving British satellite manufacturers SSTL
Jan 7: Commenting on the EU Galileo contract announced today, Lord Drayson, Science & Innovation Minister, said: "This is great news for Surrey-based satellite manufacturer SSTL and the British space industry. The contract for 14 satellites will provide approximately €236m (£212m) of work for SSTL and cement their position as key player in this booming industry."
£70 million boost for UK manufacturing
Jan 7: The first three state of the art manufacturing research centres funded under a new £70M Government investment will be based at Southampton, Loughborough and Brunel universities, to help UK businesses develop the technology products of the future and underpin manufacturing growth, Business Secretary Lord Mandelson announced today.
Government sets out strategy to get Britain Going for Growth
Jan 7: Britain needs a strategic approach to building the foundations of low carbon industrial competitiveness to boost the UK’s public finances through sustainable growth, Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said today, publishing the Government’s UK growth strategy.
Next generation fund launched: UK to benefit from £1 billion investment in super-fast broadband
Jan 7: Rural communities and hard to reach areas who do not have access to next generation broadband will benefit from a share of £1billion of Government investment said Business Secretary, Lord Mandelson today. 
Going for Growth - Extracts from Lord Mandelson’s speech to The Work Foundation
Jan 6: This week marks the start of a new decade in which we know the economy will come under fiercer competitive challenge than ever before, as the world tilts further east towards China and the other emerging economies.
National Celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
Jan 5: An extra bank holiday will be part of the celebrations to mark Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, Lord Mandelson, President of the Privy Council, announced today.
UK Cross-Government Strategy for Food Research and Innovation
Jan 5: A new science strategy to help improve the security and sustainability of our food system has been launched today by the Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser Professor John Beddington.
Prime Minister and Business Secretary visit London Gateway port site as construction gets underway
Jan 5: The Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Business Secretary Lord Mandelson visited London Gateway’s port construction site today to mark the start of work on one of the UK’s largest infrastructure projects.
A Happy New Year for the British Pint
Jan 1: New powers preserving the pint and the mile come into force today after the Government's success in Europe. The new legislation also ensures that any business that uses imperial units alongside metric can continue with business as usual.

December 2009

New team ready for blitz on minimum wage evasion
Dec 31: The New Year will see a new team taking up the fight against rogue employers who refuse to pay their workers the National Minimum Wage.
New regulations for producers of industrial and automotive batteries
Dec 29: New legislation, designed to ensure that all waste industrial and automotive batteries are recycled in the future, will come into effect on 1 January 2010.
New Year, New Opportunities For Graduates
Dec 29: STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL 00:01 29.12.09 A new guide for parents of recent graduates written by award winning career coach Denise Taylor was launched today by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. The guide aims to help parents support graduates in their search for work and understand the support available.
Know Your Consumer Rights Abroad
Dec 27: UK consumers will be able to shop for services in Europe with renewed confidence as Consumer Minister Kevin Brennan launched a new free service informing them of their rights.
You still have your rights, even when it’s a bargain, consumers reminded
Dec 26: When you head out into the post-Christmas sales looking for a bargain, or take back that awful Christmas present that your Auntie gave you, do you know your consumer rights?
Learning and Skills Councill Chief Executive to Lead New Skills Agency
Dec 23: Learning and Skills Council Chief Executive Geoff Russell has today been appointed as the first Chief Executive of the new Skills Funding Agency.
Personal Skills Accounts on Course for Next Autumn, Reports Find
Dec 23: Trials of a scheme to improve access to information about training courses, and show learners how much Government funding is available to them are so far proving to be successful, a report out today has found.
Over £500m of Government-Backed Loans Boosts Business Prospects
Dec 22: Please note correction in Notes to Editors. The comany name should read Green Lite in the third case study.Companies from printing firms to lighting groups have improved their business prospects after benefitting from more than half a billion pounds of Government-backed loans, Small Business Minister Lord Davies announced today.
UK Attracting Europe’s Best Research Brains
Dec 22: A national action plan to encourage the best brains into research careers and attract them to the UK has been published today by the department for Business, Innovations and Skills.
Over £500m of Government-Backed Loans Boosts Business Prospects
Dec 22: Companies from printing firms to lighting groups have improved their business prospects after benefitting from more than half a billion pounds of Government-backed loans, Small Business Minister Lord Davies announced today.
Consumer Minister Reveals Plans to Ban Bills of Sale Lending - Embargoed until 00:01 22nd December 2009
Dec 22: Embargoed until 00:01 22nd December 2009Consumer Minister Kevin Brennan today announced plans to ban the use of an outdated law used to sell high-cost loans.
Record numbers of people successfully completing apprenticeships
Dec 17: A record 143,400 people completed their apprenticeship in the 2008/09 academic year, according to data on vocational qualifications released today by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. This increase of 27.4 per cent compared to 2007/08 smashes all previous records, and means the Government has met its target to increase the number of apprenticeship completions two years early.
Lord Mandelson Statement on Cadbury Take-over Bid
Dec 16: Lord Mandelson met today with MPs from the Birmingham region and trade union leaders to discuss the issues surrounding the take-over bid for Cadbury.
Lord Drayson’s statement on STFC re-prioritisation exercise
Dec 16: Responding to the results of the re-prioritisation exercise announced by the STFC today Science and Innovation Minister Lord Drayson said:
Government Response to the Risk and Regulation Advisory Council
Dec 16: The Government response to the Risk and Regulation Advisory Council (RRAC) report: Response with Responsibility: Policy-making for public risk in the 21st century was published today by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
Sector Skills Councils Relicensing - Decision for Skillfast-UK Announced
Dec 15: Following advice from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills Lord Mandelson, the Business, Innovation and Skills Secretary, announced today, on behalf of the UK Government and the Devolved Administrations, that Skillfast-UK will not be relicensed as a Sector Skills Council (SSC) in its own right. 
New Review of Consents for Development
Dec 15: A new review, and a call for evidence, to identify and address barriers to investment created by consents for development, other than planning permission, was announced today by Business Minister, Ian Lucas.
Principles on scientific advice to Government published for consultation
Dec 15: High-level Principles on scientific advice to Government to ensure effective engagement between the Government and those who provide independent science and engineering advice, were published today by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. 
Making it Simple is Saving Businesses Nearly £3 Billion
Dec 14: Businesses are saving nearly £3 billion a year due to the Government’s Simplification programme which aims to get rid of unnecessary paperwork -  saving firms time, money and hassle - according to the latest report published today.
New Chief Executive Appointed at Intellectual Property Office
Dec 14: John Alty will become the new Chief Executive and Comptroller-General of the Intellectual Property Office, Minister of State for Intellectual Property announced today.
New Chief Executive Appointed at Intellectual Property Office
Dec 14: John Alty will become the new Chief Executive and Comptroller-General of the Intellectual Property Office, Minister of State for Intellectual Property announced today.
Know Your Consumer Rights Before You Hit The Shops This Christmas/Sales
Dec 11: Shoppers who know their rights can save both money and time this festive seasonWith fewer than 15 shopping days left until Christmas and many people buying the latest must-have gadgets and toys or looking forward to the sales, the Know Your Consumer Rights campaign is reminding shoppers to be aware of their rights.
Time Called on Bankrupts
Dec 11: Two bankrupt former pub owners from Warehorn,  Ashford have been given suspended prison sentences after failing to tell the Official Receiver that they had sold their pub and fled to Spain with the profits, following a prosecution by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
Sector Skills Councils Relicensing - Further Decision Announced
Dec 11: Four further Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) have been relicensed, Business, Innovation and Skills Secretary Lord Mandelson announced today, on behalf of the UK Government and the Devolved Administrations.
Reappointments to the UK Commission for Employment and Skills
Dec 11: Ministers have agreed to re-appoint Larry Hirst CBE and Dave Prentis as Commissioners with the UK Commission for Employment and Skills.
Science Minister Announces New Executive Agency For UK Space and Satellite Industry
Dec 10: Strictly embargoed until 16.50, Thursday 10 DecemberA new executive agency will be created to take the UK’s recession-busting space and satellite sector into a new space age, Science and Innovation Minister Lord Drayson said today.
New Head of Property at Shareholder Executive is John McCready
Dec 10: John McCready is to head the new Property Unit within the Shareholder Executive, ShEx Chief Executive Stephen Lovegrove announced today.
"A Low Carbon Future Must Bring Opportunities For The Many"
Dec 10: The change to a low carbon economy must ensure UK workers and consumers can take advantage of the opportunities it will bring, a new Government forum said today.
Government Welcomes GSK's Response to Patent Box
Dec 10: The Chancellor's tax measure announced yesterday in the Pre-Budget Report already delivering major investment decisions
Consumer Minister Welcomes Additional £5m For Citizens Advice Bureaux
Dec 10: Consumer Minister Kevin Brennan has today outlined new funding awarded to Citizens Advice Bureaux in the Pre-Budget Report.
Regional Development Key to Growth of New Industries
Dec 10: The government today set out a new role for regional development agencies and local authorities to back growing industries and support the country's future economic success.
£19 Million Boost for Low Carbon R & D at First Automotive Council Meeting
Dec 10: Business Secretary Lord Mandelson today announced a £19 million competition to support industry-led collaborative projects which focus on strengthening UK capability and developing the UK's supply networks for low and ultra low carbon vehicle projects.
Investing for Growth
Dec 9: New investments in businesses and technologies with strong potential to support sustainable economic growth were announced by Business Secretary Lord Mandelson today.
New £24m Boost to Life Science Sector in Edinburgh
Dec 9: A £24million investment in life sciences is confirmed today with the announcement of a new 10,000sq m bioincubator at the landmark Edinburgh BioQuarter, at the heart of the Scottish life sciences cluster.
Cutting edge computing institute for Wales
Dec 9: Businesses across Wales are to benefit from access to the latest computing technology, expert advice and training, through a new £44m High-Performance Computing Institute (HPC) announced today.
Government Extends Loan Guarantee Scheme
Dec 9: The Government announced today in the Pre-Budget Report that its successful guarantee scheme to support business loans will continue for another year.
Government on Course to Create Europe's Largest Technology Venture Capital Fund
Dec 9: Government's cornerstone investment of £150 million in the UK Innovation Investment Fund leverages additional £175 million from investors
£60m Package for Teesside Industry
Dec 8: The Government today announced over £60M investment in the North East to support the region's industrial transition to low carbon and advanced manufacturing.
Ian Lucas Announces Appointments to the Regulatory Policy Committee
Dec 8: Business Minister Ian Lucas announced today the appointment of the members of new independent scrutiny body the Regulatory Policy Committee.
Fantastic Plastic: New Boost for UK Electronics Manufacturing Sector
Dec 7: . New strategy to ensure UK remains a Global leader in £multi-billion industry of the future. Details of £28m government investment revealed
Jim Murphy Welcomes Multi-Million Pound Investment in Video Games Centres of Excellence in Dundee And Manchester.
Dec 7: Scotland's video game industry will be given a welcome boost today with a £2.5 million investment for Dundee from the UK Government's Strategic Investment Fund - established to back business in new growth sectors. A total of £3.5 million investment was announced for linked centres of excellence in Dundee and Manchester as part of the Government's commitment to maintaining the UK's global reputation in the growing video games industry.
Government Consults on Proposed Modifications to draft text of 'Final Undertakings' to Reduce Sky Stake in ITV
Dec 7: The Government has published for consultation proposed modifications to the draft 'final undertakings' which it proposes to accept from Sky (British Sky Broadcasting Group plc). The undertakings will require Sky to divest a proportion of its shares in ITV.
Solutions for business on track to deliver 100 scheme target
Dec 7: The government's programme to simplify and streamline publicly-funded business support has almost reached its March 2010 target.
Lord Mandelson Statement on the Corus Teeside Cast Products Announcement
Dec 4: Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said:
New Chair for the Financial Reporting Council
Dec 4: Lord Mandelson, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, today (Friday, 4 December 2009) announced that Baroness Sarah Hogg has been selected as the new Chair of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC).
Minister Warns Consumers to Watch out for Scams Whilst Looking for Bargains this Christmas
Dec 4: Consumer minister Kevin Brennan has today warned consumers to be on their guard from retailers offering deals that seem too good to be true in the run-up to Christmas and the January sales, as part of the Government's "know your consumer rights" campaign.
Lord Mandelson Speech to the House of Lords: Creation of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
Dec 3: My Lords, I congratulate the Noble Lord, Lord Hunt of Wirral on securing the debate. I am, of course, grateful for this opportunity to set out again the purpose of the new Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and - more importantly - its progress.
Business Minister Hails Modec Deal
Dec 3: A landmark joint-venture between Coventry-based electric van maker Modec and US firm Navistar was welcomed by Business Minister Pat McFadden during a visit to the company today (3 December).
Appointments to the WEEE Advisory Body (WAB)
Dec 3: Business Minister, Ian Lucas, has announced the appointment of 11 new members to the WEEE Advisory Body (WAB), a non-Departmental public body established to provide advice to Government on the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive and the UK WEEE Regulations.
Better Regulation Reviews Into VOSA, FERA and HFEA
Dec 3: New reports into the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA) and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) published today by the Better Regulation Executive found that they have made, or are taking, positive steps to put better regulation principles into practice.
Strengthened EAS Delivers on Protection for Vulnerable Agency Workers
Dec 3: The Employment Relations Minister, Lord Young, welcomed the publication of the latest Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate (EAS) Annual Report which shows the regulator has continued to provide a valuable service for vulnerable agency workers.
Government Outlines Support for UK Civil Nuclear Sector Ahead of Copenhagen
Dec 3: As part of the Government's commitment to new low carbon sustainable growth, the Business Secretary Lord Mandelson provided a boost for the UK's civil nuclear industry today, outlining a package of announcements in Yorkshire and the North West to provide real help to enable British businesses to seize the opportunities this rapidly expanding sector presents.
Ian Lucas Speech on Sustainable Travel in a Low Carbon Economy
Dec 3: Event: BMW conference, Berlin, 2 December 2009 - 'And this is just the beginning-a sustainable approach for individual mobility'
New Chair For Better Regulation
Dec 3: Peter Mandelson, Business Secretary, today announced that Sir Donald Curry will be the new Non-Executive Chair of the Better Regulation Executive, part of the Department for Business that leads the Government's regulatory reform agenda.
Government Consults on Role of New Consumer's Champion
Dec 2: Consumer Minister Kevin Brennan today launched a public consultation on the role and powers that will be given to a new champion of consumer rights, the 'Consumer Advocate', who will be tasked with ensuring UK consumers get a fairer deal in the future.
Blacklisting to be Outlawed
Dec 2: It will be unlawful for trade union members to be denied employment through blacklists under plans outlined by Employment Relations Minister Lord Young today.
Davies and Timms Launch New Action Plan for International Trade
Dec 2: The Government has today set out its action plan to ensure cross-border trade is simpler, quicker and less costly for importers and exporters.
Great British Institution to Expand Financial Services Offer
Dec 2: The Business Secretary Lord Mandelson today opened a public consultation on new financial products and services that could be offered by the Post Office.
Business Minister test drives Vauxhall's new electric car
Dec 1: Business Minister Ian Lucas had a taste of the future of motoring in the UK when he was one of the first people to get the chance to drive GM's new electric car today (1 December).
Peter Mandelson Launches Low Carbon Construction IGT
Dec 1: Attending the first meeting of the Innovation and Growth Team on Construction, Peter Mandelson today laid down a challenge to members, to ensure the industry is "fit for purpose" for delivering a low carbon future.
Mandelson welcomes IBM initiative in the UK
Dec 1: A new data analytics centre based in London will help to give the UK financial services sector a cutting edge, Lord Mandelson said today.
£4.5m for more training in the Engineering Construction Sector
Dec 1: A £4.5 million increase in Government funding for apprenticeships and trainees in the engineering construction sector will mean that opportunities for young people to train for skilled jobs could double to 1,200 by 2011, Secretary of State for Business, Lord Mandelson said today.
£4.5m for more Training in the Engineering Construction Sector
Dec 1: A £4.5 million increase in Government funding for apprenticeships and trainees in the engineering construction sector will mean that opportunities for young people to train for skilled jobs could double to 1,200 by 2011, Secretary of State for Business, Lord Mandelson said today.