BIS News Releases

View releases by month:

• October 2009
• September 2009
• July 2009
• June 2009

October 2009

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson Speech: ‘An Enterprise-Led Recover'

Oct 16: Saïd Business School, Friday 16 October 2009

UK to see Explosion in 3G and Mobile Broadband Services

Oct 16: The UK’s digital infrastructure is set to be boosted by the roll-out of next generation wireless broadband services and enhanced 3G coverage to as much as 90% of the country. 

Response to comments from CWU General Secretary Billy Hayes on Acas intervention in the dispute between the CWU and Royal Mail.

Oct 16: A Department for Business Spokesperson said:"If management and union wish to use Acas, and think it would be helpful, that is for them to decide. But there is no substitute for negotiating modernisation that needs to happen across the company, including London, not parts of it. That is at the core of this dispute".

Mandelson Statement on Royal Mail

Oct 15: Business Secretary Peter Mandelson said:"I very much regret this decision by the CWU. Candidly, I think it is suicidal.  Taking industrial action will not resolve this dispute.

Fairer Deal For Agency Workers

Oct 15: The Government set out its plans today to give Britain’s 1.3million agency workers a fairer deal in the workplace.

Building Britain’s Future With Better Regulation

Oct 15: A new package of measures cutting the costs of new laws that will benefit businesses both immediately and in the longer term, was announced today by Business Minister Ian Lucas.

UK Welcomes Progress Towards Korea Free Trade Deal

Oct 15: Business Secretary Lord Mandelson has urged British exporters to be ready to seize opportunities presented by a free trade deal with Korea.

iAwards Academy of Judges Announced

Oct 15: The iawards, in association with QinetiQ - the first government-led awards initiative to recognise and celebrate the best of British science; technology and innovation - today announces its inaugural academy of judges. Leading entrepreneur James Caan, who launched the iawards in July with Science and Innovation Minister, Lord Drayson, will chair the Academy. 

Review established to examine delivery of financial support for students

Oct 14: A review into the delivery of funding for English students this autumn was today announced by David Lammy, Minister of State for Higher Education, and John Goodfellow, Chair of the Student Loans Company.

Views Sought For Review Of Postgraduate Provision In The UK

Oct 14: Following Lord Mandelson’s announcement of a postgraduate review in July, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has issued a call for evidence from all those with an interest in this important topic. 

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson speech to New Industry New Jobs Conference - Wednesday 14 October

Oct 14: Business Secretary Lord Mandelson Driving forward industrial activism in a global economy speech to New Industry New Jobs Conference, Wednesday 14 October

Sector Skills Councils Relicensing – Further Decisions Announced

Oct 14: Four 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.

Lord Mandeslon Speech - Innovate09

Oct 13:

Statement by Lord Mandelson on Royal Mail

Oct 13: “A national postal strike defies logic. It would be a suicidal act – turning more hard pressed consumers and businesses away from using mail.

Mining Company Breached OECD Guidelines

Oct 13: A UK registered mining company failed to comply with OECD standards for operating overseas when it did not consult an indigenous group on the construction of a bauxite mine in India, a UK Government examination has found.

Brennan and Hope Launch National Skills Academy for Social Care

Oct 13: Up to 1.5 million adult social care workers currently working in England will be able to improve their skills as the National Skills Academy for Social Care was launched today by Skills Minister Kevin Brennan and Care Services Minister Phil Hope.

Mandelson Unveils Plans For New Drug Development Campus - Strictly embargoed until 00.01, 13 October 2009

Oct 13: Plans for a unique £37m Bioscience Campus in Stevenage, Hertfordshire - funded in partnership by the Government, GlaxoSmithKline, The Wellcome Trust, Technology Strategy Board and East of England Development Agency - will be announced today by Business, Innovation and Skills Secretary, Lord Mandelson.

UK Service Providers Urged To Tap European Markets

Oct 12: Business Minister Ian Lucas is urging companies, including SMEs, in the services sector to take advantage of new opportunities to do business with Europe.

Davies signs Trade Agreement with Kuwait

Oct 8: Embargoed until 14.30 hrs, Thursday October 8The climate for doing business with Kuwait was boosted today with the signing by the UK of a trade treaty with the Gulf state. 

Government embarks on study of global environmental migration

Oct 7: The Government Office for Science today begins its latest Foresight project examining how future environmental change could affect human migration in the long term around the world.

UK Celebrates World Space Week

Oct 7: Rocket scientists have headed down to Earth and back to school as part of World Space Week - the largest annual public space event on the planet.

Under Embargo: Kevin Brennan Launches the Learning Revolution Festival with Stakeholder Expo.

Oct 6: Embargoed until 00:01 Hours 6 October 2009People from every walk of life can now get involved in learning something new, said Further Education Minister Kevin Brennan, as he kicked off the Learning Revolution Festival at Old Spitalfields Market in East London today.

Achieving Global Success Through Quality Research

Oct 2: STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL: 00.01 hours, Friday 2 October 2009 UK research remains the most productive and efficient in the G8 – a report published today by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has found.

Companies Act Comes Into Full Force

Oct 1: EMBARGOED – NOT FOR PUBLICATION OR BROADCAST UNTIL 00.01 THURS 1 OCTOBER 2009The biggest overhaul of company law is completed today when the final elements of the Companies Act 2006 are brought into force, with 2.5 million British companies  set to benefit from a range of measures that simplify and strengthen the way they do business.

September 2009

Mandelson Serves Up Fair Deal On Tips And Announces New Minimum Wage Rates

Sep 30: New rules come into force tomorrow (1 October) to ensure that thousands of workers get a fair deal on tips and wages.

Small Businesses To Benefit From Graduate Talent

Sep 29: The Government has joined forces with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) to offer up to 10,000 graduates a boost to their future employability, through internships in small and micro businesses announced the Prime Minister Gordon Brown today.

Van Man Gets Extra Boost With Government Increase In Scrappage Funds

Sep 28: The Government today announced a £100M increase to the vehicle scrappage scheme to build on the success of the scheme in boosting consumer demand.

Anticipated Acquisition Of Qinetiq’s Under Water Systems Division By Atlas Elektronik

Sep 28: Minister for Consumer Affairs and Competition Kevin Brennan today announced that he has cleared Atlas Elektronik’s proposed acquisition of QinetiQ’s underwater systems division.

Two-thirds of a pint measure set to be introduced

Sep 26: A new imperial glass size, measuring two thirds of a pint, is set to be introduced in pubs and clubs under proposals to change prescribed quantities of alcohol, Science and Innovation Minister Lord Drayson announced today.

Department For Business Ministerial Team Changes

Sep 24: The Prime Minister has today announced that he has appointed Baroness Shriti Vadera as adviser to next chair of G20, the Republic of Korea, following a request from President Lee.

Britain’s got talent – We need to protect it

Sep 24: Digital piracy poses a threat to Britain’s creative industries and to their ability to nurture new talent, Lord Mandelson and Ben Bradshaw said today.

BIS statement on announcement of JLR’s business plan

Sep 24:  

New Call For Scrutineers Of Trade Union Ballots

Sep 24: The Department for Business has launched a public competition to identify suitable organisations to undertake and scrutinise statutory ballots and elections under trade union law.

Strictly embargoed until 00:01 24 September 2009 - Graduates Given A Flying Start

Sep 24: Graduates thinking about starting their own business will get a flying start as successful entrepreneurs offer advice to help them make it happen, Minister for Higher Education, David Lammy announced today.

Strictly embargoed until 20:00 23 September 2009 Peter Mandelson Speech – The British Retail Consortium, Grosvenor House Hotel

Sep 23: Check against delivery.

New Deputy Chair for Construction Industry Training Board

Sep 23: Ms Judy Lowe has today been appointed as Deputy Chair of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) from 1 October 2009 by Kevin Brennan, Minister for Further Education, Skills, Apprenticeships and Consumer Affairs.

Securing better regulation

Sep 22: The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is prioritising its use of better regulation principles and has made real progress improving its performance as a regulator, according to a new report published today by the Better Regulation Executive.

Mastering better regulation

Sep 22: The Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) has made good progress putting better regulation principles into practice according to a new report from the Better Regulation Executive published today.

New Single Helpline to Protect Vulnerable Workers

Sep 22: EMBARGOED UNTIL 00:01 22 SEPTEMBER 2009Vulnerable workers will be able to seek advice about their workplace rights and report abuses of those rights through a new helpline launched by Business Minister Pat McFadden today.

Government publishes response on automotive industry support

Sep 21: Government is doing all it can to support the car industry helping it to adapt and survive so it can emerge stronger and better able to deal with future challenges, Business Minister Ian Lucas said today.

Peter Jones’s National Enterprise Academy opens its doors to train the next generation of entrepreneurs

Sep 21: Young people will now be able to study for brand-new qualifications in enterprise and entrepreneurship as the National Enterprise Academy (NEA), brainchild of Dragons’ Den entrepreneur Peter Jones, and backed by Government, officially opens today. The NEA, the first-ever UK educational institution dedicated solely to enterprise and entrepreneurship, will pioneer a new and innovative way of teaching. It will expose students to real-life business issues in real-life business environments, with a high level of input from a range of entrepreneurs acting as mentors, supporting trained tutors. 

Uk Atomic Energy Authority announces sale of its commercial business, UKAEA Limited

Sep 18: The UK Atomic Energy Authority today announced it has reached an agreement with Babcock International Group for the sale of 100% of its commercial arm, UKAEA Limited, for £50.0m.

Government loan powers up electric car maker

Sep 18: The government today announced a £10M loan to Tata Motors European Technical Centre (TMETC) under the Automotive Assistance Programme (AAP) set up to support investment in a lower carbon future for the industry.

The Emerging World

Sep 17: Business Secretary Lord Mandelson - The Economist’s Emerging Markets Summit speech: 

Government announces Low Carbon Review of the Construction Industry

Sep 17: At today’s meeting of the Strategic Forum for Construction, Peter Mandelson announced that he was commissioning a review of the construction industry to ensure it was “fit for purpose” for delivering a low carbon future.

Almost A third of Scottish consumers claim their rights are ignored

Sep 16: - EMBARGOED UNTIL 00:01 16th September 2009-Almost a third of Scottish consumers claim their rights are ignored, according to a new survey.

Young Announces Union Modernisation Fund Awards

Sep 15: Trade unions’ efforts to support vulnerable workers were given a boost today as Lord Young announced Government funding for fourteen new projects at the TUC Annual Congress.

Government And Industry Launch Progress Report On Strategy For Sustainable Construction

Sep 15: As part of the Progress Report on the Strategy for Sustainable Construction the Government and industry today revealed the achievements made so far on their commitments to change radically the way the UK construction industry designs and builds.

New Rights for Families

Sep 15: Families are set to benefit from new leave rights that will give more choice and flexibility to parents as to how they use maternity and paternity leave.

One in three consumers claims their rights are ignored

Sep 14: Embargoed until 14 Sep 2009 - 00:01One in three people feel their consumer rights have been ignored and more than a quarter of people (28%) are more likely to complain about goods they bought during the economic downturn according to a new survey.

Awareness of Employment Rights on the rise

Sep 11: More than three quarters of people claim they feel well informed about their employment rights – a rise of 13 per cent - according to figures published today by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).

Government publishes report into collapse of MG Rover

Sep 11: The Government today published the results of an independent investigation into the collapse of the MG Rover Group (MGRG).

Statement on GM from Business Minister, Pat McFadden

Sep 10: Our objective throughout has been to get the best possible outcome for the Vauxhall workforce and the production plants in the UK.

Low Carbon Opportunities for Graduates

Sep 10: Low carbon vehicle and marine energy industries are to benefit from a new placement scheme that will see more talented graduates enter this key sector, putting their new skills to use while gaining vital career experience.

Lord Mandelson’s visit to China results in $500m worth of trade and investment deals

Sep 9: Contracts and new investment deals between UK and Chinese enterprises worth over US$500m were agreed during the visit to China this week by Lord Mandelson UK First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Business, Innovation & Skills.

Lord Mandelson & China’s Premier Advance Business, Climate Agenda

Sep 9: Business Secretary Lord Mandelson, was received by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao for an hour-long meeting in Beijing today (CST).

£30,000 Invested In Bristol To Kickstart The Learning Revolution

Sep 8: Open days at the local Children's Centre and science courses for the visually impaired are a few of the many new informal adult learning opportunities on offer in Bristol thanks to a significant investment in 'learning for pleasure' announced by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) today.

£44,000 Invested In Oxford To Kickstart The Learning Revolution

Sep 8: Parenting courses and reading workshops are a few of the many new informal adult learning opportunities on offer in Oxford thanks to a significant investment in 'learning for pleasure' announced by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) today.

£451,000 invested in Nottingham to kickstart The Learning Revolution

Sep 8: A community gallery at Nottingham Castle, arts workshops and gallery visits plus access to over 50 new learning centres are all on offer in Nottingham thanks to a significant investment in 'learning for pleasure' announced by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) today.

£530,000 Invested In Newcastle To Kickstart The Learning Revolution

Sep 8: Researching your family history and local historical visits are a few of the many new informal adult learning opportunities on offer in Newcastle thanks to a significant investment in 'learning for pleasure' announced by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) today.

£243,000 invested in Manchester to kickstart The Learning Revolution

Sep 8: Horticulture training for the community, computer skills training for the homeless plus trip to the city's cultural hotspots are a few of the many new informal adult learning opportunities on offer in Manchester thanks to a significant investment in 'learning for pleasure' announced by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) today.

Over £2.6 Million Invested In London To Kickstart The Learning Revolution

Sep 8: Creative music master classes for people out of work or education, reading opportunities for older people plus a fully equipped converted double-decker learning resource bus are all on offer in London thanks to a significant investment in 'learning for pleasure' announced by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) today.

£304,000 invested in Leicester to kickstart The Learning Revolution

Sep 8: A community art exhibition, and the creation of new informal adult learning spaces are a few of the many new informal adult learning opportunities on offer in Leicestershire thanks to a significant investment in 'learning for pleasure' announced by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) today.

£269,800 Invested In Leeds To Kickstart The Learning Revolution

Sep 8: Workshops for new tenants and the creation of a community museum are a couple of the many new informal adult learning opportunities on offer in Leeds thanks to a significant investment in 'learning for pleasure' announced by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) today.

Over £100,000 invested in Cambridge to kickstart The Learning Revolution

Sep 8: Arts workshops, and multi-cultural recreational and educational events are now all on offer in the Cambridge area thanks to a significant investment in 'learning for pleasure' announced by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) today.

£227,000 Invested In Birmingham To Kickstart The Learning Revolution

Sep 8: An informal adult learning centre for Somali, Bangladeshi and Pakistani women, dance classes and community opera productions are a few of the many new informal adult learning opportunities on offer in Birmingham thanks to a significant investment in 'learning for pleasure' announced by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) today.

£20 million invested to kickstart The Learning Revolution

Sep 8: Creative music master classes for people out of work or education, learning adventures for isolated older people and access to digital technologies in a Tyneside Cinema are all on offer thanks to a significant investment in 'learning for pleasure' announced by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) today.

£20 million invested to kickstart The Learning Revolution

Sep 8: Creative music master classes for people out of work or education, learning adventures for isolated older people and access to digital technologies in a Tyneside Cinema are all on offer thanks to a significant investment in ‘learning for pleasure’ announced by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) today.

Manufacturing Insight Appoints New Director

Sep 2: Ian Lucas, Minister for Business, Regulatory Reform and Employment Relations, today offered his congratulations to Nick Hussey on his appointment as the new Director of Manufacturing Insight.

Mobile Network Operators Vital To Progress On Digital Britain

Sep 1: Business Secretary Lord Mandelson today emphasised the important role of mobile phone network operators in delivering jobs and growth in the digital economy.

Appointment to the National Endowment for Science Technology and the Arts (NESTA)

Sep 1: Lord Drayson, Minister for Science and Innovation at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, and Sion Simon, Minister for Creative Industries at the Department for Culture Media and Sport today announced the appointment of Sir John Chisholm, FREng, CEng, FIEE as Chair of the National Endowment for Science Technology and the Arts (NESTA).

July 2009

Gasman's Phoenix Scam Goes Up In Flames

Jul 31: A gas repairman's crimes have caught up with him after he used [euro]oephoenixcompanies to continue trading after his firm went bust leaving tens of thousands of pounds of unpaid debt.

New Advisory Panel On New Industry, New Jobs, Universities And Skills

Jul 31: Business Secretary Lord Mandelson today announced the creation of a new advisory panel on New Industry, New Jobs, Universities and Skills.

Former Trawlermen to Net Compensation

Jul 31: The Government has launched a new scheme to compensate former Icelandic-water trawlermen who lost their livelihoods following the Cod Wars of the 1970s.

New Chair Appointed For The Science And Technology Facilities Council

Jul 31: The Minister for Science and Innovation, Lord Drayson today announced the appointment of Professor Michael Sterling as the new Chair of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).

Call for businesses to pay fair

Jul 30: Rosie Winterton visited Seevent Plastics near Brighton to highlight the importance of ensuring that companies pay their suppliers promptly, without changing their agreed terms.

Advanced Manufacturing - Building Britain's Future

Jul 28: A significant package of measures to help UK manufacturers seize the opportunities provided by emerging technologies was launched today by Business Secretary Lord Mandelson.

World class facilities for world leading research centre

Jul 28: World class facilities for research into animal health and welfare will be built at Pirbright with new investment from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, it was announced today.

Winterton Launches National Manufacturing Award

Jul 27: Successful manufacturing clusters in the UK regions will now be able to seek an internationally recognised award, in a competition launched today by Rosie Winterton, Minister for Regional Economic Development.

Universities are central to economy and social mobility - Lord Mandelson says in keynote speech

Jul 27: In his first major speech on higher education since taking responsibility for it under the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), Lord Mandelson today outlined his views on the essential issues facing universities ahead of an HE Framework on the future shape of the sector that he will publish later this year.

More Businesses Encouraged To Consider Government-Backed Loan

Jul 27: Business Minister Shriti Vadera today welcomed the Business and Enterprise Select Committee report on the Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG), which has seen thousands of businesses benefit from the government guaranteed loan.

Sector Skills Councils Relicensing - Further Decisions Announced

Jul 24: Four 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.

Better Regulation, Better Regulators

Jul 23: The Better Regulation Executive (BRE), part of the Department for Business, today published four new reports, as part of their ongoing examination of national regulators, on the Insolvency Service, Human Tissue Authority, Fish Health Inspectorate and Natural England.

Stronger Protection For Consumers Borrowing Money

Jul 23: Consumers taking out new deals on credit and store cards and personal loans are set to benefit from enhanced protection.

Lord Mandelson visits the Vauxhall plant Ellesmere Port

Jul 23: The Business Secretary Lord Mandelson is going to GM's car-making plant in Ellesmere Port, Merseyside today where he is meeting the unions as well as Vauxhall workers.

Creative projects share £1 million as summer of learning gets under way

Jul 22: A mobile film studio for disadvantaged young adults, football skills for the homeless and university lectures for older people are among the 18 projects which have today won Government funding, kicking off a £20m scheme that will see creative learning flourish across the country.

European Space Agency touches down in UK as part of ambitious vision to strengthen Britain's space economy

Jul 22: In a remarkable first for the UK, the European Space Agency (ESA) will touch down in Britain this week, heralding the start of a new space age and thrusting the sector forward for the next 40 years and beyond.

A new space age for Britain beckons as BIS launches consultation on the creation of a British Space Agency

Jul 22: In the week the whole world celebrates the anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landings in 1969, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills is beginning a consultation which aims to thrust the UK space sector forward for the next 40 years and beyond.

Government statement in response to the fair access to professions report

Jul 21: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) will respond to today's report on behalf of the Government.

North East named UK's first specialist region for low carbon vehicles

Jul 21: Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Business Secretary Lord Mandelson today welcomed Nissan's intention to invest more than 200m over the next five years in a new battery factory in Sunderland.

10,000 extra higher education places to help more students go to university this year

Jul 20: An extra 10,000 places are being made available to universities to support more students going into higher education this year, Lord Mandelson announced today.

New Non-Executive Director at OFCOM

Jul 20: Following a recruitment exercise conducted by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Government has appointed Lord Norman Blackwell to the Ofcom Board as a Non-Executive Director.

Toyota to manufacture full hybrid Auris in the United Kingdom

Jul 20: Toyota Motor Europe (TME) today announced plans to manufacture a full hybrid version of its C-segment hatchback, Auris, at its UK-based facility in Burnaston, Derbyshire.

Government investment to secure low carbon future and new jobs for Wilton

Jul 17: The Department for Business Innovation & Skills is investing £12 million in open access demonstrator facilities for industrial biotechnology (IB) at Wilton in the North East of England. The Government will also provide £2.5 million to support companies using the demonstrator facility and match funds from the Technology Strategy Board for new projects related to IB.

Government Call To Help Create A Uk Strategy For Nanotechnologies.

Jul 16: Lord Drayson, Science and Innovation Minister and chair of the Ministerial Group on Nanotechnologies, is today calling on industry and interested groups to get involved in shaping a UK strategy for nanotechnologies.

Lord Young: workers hold key to business success

Jul 16: Firms must harness the full potential of their employees if they want to be ready to take advantage of new opportunities, Employment Relations Minister Lord Young said today.

British business future lies with engaging its employees

Jul 16: Involving employees fully in the future of the firms they work for will be a key step if businesses are to innovate and take advantage of new opportunities, an independent review announced today.

Strategy For Low Carbon Businesses to Benefit British Jobs

Jul 16: The Low Carbon Industrial Strategy, launched today, sets out the action the Government is taking to ensure that British businesses and workers are equipped to maximise the economic opportunities and minimise the costs of the transition to a low carbon economy.

Life Sciences Blueprint to build a strong and healthy future for Britain

Jul 15: A new Blueprint to put innovation at the heart of healthcare delivery was launched by Lord Drayson and Lord Darzi at Imperial College London today.

UK low carbon transition plan - launch - 15 July 2009

Jul 14: A comprehensive plan for decarbonising the UK and maximising the economic benefits presented by low carbon industries will be published next week by the Government.

British Innovation Gets Recognition

Jul 13: Call made for all new ideas and innovative companies to enter inaugural iawards

Anticipated Acquisition by Atlas Elektronik UK of Qinetiqs Under Water Systems Division

Jul 13: Minister for Consumer Affairs and Competition Kevin Brennan today announced that he proposes to accept statutory undertakings instead of referring the proposed acquisition of QinetiQ's under water systems division by Atlas Elektronik UK to the Competition Commission.

Government Announces New Plans for Publishing FE College Performance Results

Jul 10: Headline results for further education revealed for the first time. Individual colleges will be able to show how good their organisations are when their performance results are published in 2010, Kevin Brennan, Minister for Further Education, announced today. This will be the first assessment of its kind in this country, and will help students and employers choose the learning provider best suited to their needs, while driving up performance within further education.

Competition Commission announces two new members

Jul 9: Consumer Minister Kevin Brennan today announced the appointment of a further two new members to the Competition Commission.

New Chair for the South East England Regional Development Agency

Jul 9: Business Secretary Lord Mandelson has today announced the appointment of Rob Douglas CBE as the new Chair of the South East England Regional Development Agency (SEEDA) New Chair for the South East England Regional Development Agency

New Chair for North West Regional Development Agency

Jul 9: Business Secretary Lord Mandelson has today announced the appointment of Robert Hough as the new Chair of North West Regional Development Agency (NWRDA)

New trustee for the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts

Jul 9: Lord Drayson, Minister for Science and Innovation, has appointed Coram Williams as a Trustee of the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA). Mr Williams will also chair NESTA's Finance and Audit Committee.

Government outlines plans to outlaw blacklisting

Jul 8: The Department for Business today launched a consultation on new regulations that will make it unlawful for trade union members to be denied employment through secret blacklists.

Inspectors Report on MG Rover Group sent to Serious Fraud Office

Jul 7: The Serious Fraud Office has today been asked to consider whether there should be a criminal investigation following completion of an inquiry into the collapse of the MG Rover Group owing creditors nearly £1.3 billion.

Consultation on Employment Tribunal claims and the Public Interest Disclosure Act

Jul 6: The Government today begins a consultation on how employment tribunals can pass on details about whistleblowing cases to appropriate regulators.

Regional Business Minister scores a goal for enterprise in Hull

Jul 3: Young entrepreneurs will today join Regional Business Minister, Rosie Winterton and stars from the world of football and rugby at the Hull KC stadium to launch the Hull Enterprise Academy.

Lord Mandelson visits the Vauxhall plant at Luton

Jul 3: The Business Secretary Lord Mandelson is going to GM's van-making plant in Luton today where he is meeting the unions as well as Vauxhall workers.

Mandelson condemns Royal Mail strike threat

Jul 3: Business Secretary Lord Mandelson today condemned planned strike action by postal workers over Royal Mail modernisation plans.

Candidate for Research Council Chair post announced

Jul 2: Professor Michael Sterling, until recently Vice Chancellor of Birmingham University, has been selected as the preferred candidate to become Chair of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).

Government action to secure a better deal for consumers

Jul 2: Cracking down on persistent rogue traders and a ban on unsolicited credit card cheques are at the forefront of measures announced in the Government's Consumer White Paper today. 'A Better Deal for Consumers - Delivering Real Help Now and Change for the Future'sets out action to promote responsible borrowing and lending and provides a longer term framework to enhance and enforce consumer rights in the wider economy and a changing world.

Stop press! Minister praises UK science journalists

Jul 2: Fleet Street will be in for a major shock this week - a government minister is getting up on his soapbox to defend the press.

Business Minister in Oxfordshire to launch national discussion around building britain's future

Jul 1: Business Minister Pat McFadden will meet business leaders and the public in Oxfordshire today to discuss the Government's national plan and vision for a fairer, more prosperous society.

June 2009

Government aims for £1 billion venture capital fund to invest in the businesses of the future

Jun 30: The Prime Minister has today announced the creation of the UK Innovation Investment Fund to invest in technology-based businesses with high growth potential. The new fund will focus on investing in growing small businesses, start-ups and spin-outs, in digital and life sciences, clean technology and advanced manufacturing.

Increase in wealth created by UK firms

Jun 29: The latest data on the wealth created by UK companies shows that the top 800 UK businesses increased their [euro]~value added' by 8.2 percent, Science and Innovation Minister Lord Drayson announced today.

Minister for Science and Innovation welcomes creation of Science and Technology Select Committee

Jun 26: The establishment of a new Select Committee for Science and Technology by MPs was welcomed today by Lord Drayson, the Minister for Science and Innovation.

Statement from Business Minister Pat McFadden on the Corus jobs announcement today

Jun 26: Business Minister Pat McFadden said: "This is very disappointing news for those affected. We understand the difficulties that the company is facing caused by an extreme downturn in demand for steel around the world. It is restructuring as it seeks to match production to lower demand and to position itself for to the future.

Train to Gain goes from strength to strength

Jun 25: -Over 90 per cent of employers and learners happy with the service -Record numbers of employees achieving through Train to Gain

UK launches most ambitious review of space industry to date

Jun 25: Government and industry team to look at opportunities in, and barriers to, innovation and growth in the UK Space sector. The future challenges and opportunities for the UK Space industry will be assessed by a new expert group charged with producing a report for Government, Science Minister Lord Drayson announced today.

UK-China Relations Boost Education and the Global Economy

Jun 25: The UK and China today re-affirmed their commitment to developing stronger links in higher education, as Ministers took part in the fourth UK-China Education Summit in London.

Prime Minister honours business heroes

Jun 24: The Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Business Secretary Lord Mandelson yesterday hosted a reception for a selection of Britain's most innovative entrepreneurs at Downing Street to recognise their contribution to business.

Universities set to go online for millions

Jun 23: A new task force to ensure our universities become the first choice across the world for on-line distance learning was announced today by Higher Education Minister, David Lammy.

Lord Mandelson speech - unite nuclear supply chain conference - 22 June 2009

Jun 23: I want to really welcome UNITE's decision to hold this conference and in particular its theme. Namely: how we translate the huge economic and technological - and social - shift that will come with climate change into innovation and jobs in Britain. This is one of the top two or three priorities I have in the new Department.

Government acts to support innovation in the industrial biotechnology sector

Jun 22: Government support for industrial biotechnology (IB) will ensure the UK maximises the sector's economic and environmental benefits. Science Minister Lord Drayson announced today a range of actions to increase the industrial use of biological substances, systems and processes to produce materials, chemicals and energy. These are increasingly used to make ingredients that have traditionally been generated using oil and other fossil fuels.

Rail workers win back wages

Jun 22: A recruitment agency consultant supplying rail workers was ordered to pay back a total of over £11,000 in withheld wages today at Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court. This follows a prosecution by the Government's Employment Agency Standards inspectorate.

Amended Copy - Lord Mandelson speech - Can we fix globalization?

Jun 19: - We've spent a lot of the last year trying to finger the villain in the banking crisis, and there is plenty of blame to go around. Skewed incentives and incompetent risk management in financial institutions. Regulatory failure. Excessive leverage. Unsustainable levels of consumer debt, especially to fund home ownership.

NEW CHAIR APPOINTED FOR THE BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL

Jun 19: Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Lord Mandelson, today announced the appointment of Professor Sir Tom Blundell FRS FMedSci as the new Chair of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

Lord Mandelson speech - Can we fix globalization?

Jun 19: - We've spent a lot of the last year trying to finger the villain in the banking crisis, and there is plenty of blame to go around. Skewed incentives and incompetent risk management in financial institutions. Regulatory failure. Excessive leverage. Unsustainable levels of consumer debt, especially to fund home ownership.

NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOR THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES RESEARCH COUNCIL

Jun 18: Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Lord Mandelson, today announced the appointment of Professor Rick Rylance, as Chief Executive and Deputy Chair of the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

REVIEW CALLS FOR BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS TRAINING

Jun 17: Report by Baroness Estelle Morris calls for more support for 11.6 million who need basic computing skills training in England

CHAMPION FOR DIGITAL INCLUSION APPOINTED

Jun 16: The Government today announced the appointment of Martha Lane Fox as the New Champion for Digital Inclusion.

Building Britain's Digital Future

Jun 16: Government Unveils Action Plan for the Digital Economy. - Digital Economy central to industrial strength and competitiveness. - Communications Infrastructure critical for future economic growth. London, June 16, 2009: The Digital Britain White Paper, published today, sets out the importance of the Digital Economy to the nation's economic future, and how it will drive future industrial capability and competitiveness

WANTED: BUSINESSES TO GIVE EVIDENCE ON ACCESS TO FINANCE

Jun 16: Small and medium sized businesses, banks, industry representatives, regional agencies, venture capital experts and academics were today invited to give evidence to the Rowlands Growth Capital Review.

MANDELSON HAILS UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES AS VITAL TO BUILDING BRITAIN'S FUTURE

Jun 16: The higher and further education sectors are playing a key role in getting Britain through the recession to emerge stronger and more competitive than before, Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said today.

ORDERS FOR NEW CARS UNDER SCRAPPAGE SCHEME CONTINUE TO RISE

Jun 16: Figures out today show that consumers are helping to boost the car industry under the Government's scrappage scheme.

Joint statement from Departments for Business, Innovation and Skills and Culture Media and Sport

Jun 15: The Prime Minister appointed Stephen Carter as Communications Minister with the specific task of commissioning and producing the Digital Britain report and its follow-up recommendations. This was agreed at the time.

Low Pay Commission to consider minimum wage for apprentices

Jun 12: For the first time the Low Pay Commission has been asked to consider introducing a new national minimum wage rate for apprentices.

Mandelson urges New European Commission to be "Europe's Economic Conscience"

Jun 12: Lord Mandelson has argued today that the new European Parliament and next European Commission must be "Europe's economic conscience", pushing European member states to work together to rebuild Europe's economic strength. Mandelson argued that reforming financial markets and rebuilding sustainable economic growth demanded an even greater recognition of the European dimension of economic policy from European states .

New Chair appointed for the Economic and Social Research Council

Jun 11: Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Lord Mandelson, today announced the appointment of Dr Alan Gillespie CBE as the new Chair of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

Ministerial responsibilities announced at Department for Business, Innovation and Skills

Jun 11: Lord Mandelson today outlined the responsibilities of his Ministerial team at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Lord Mandelson holds talks on Vauxhall

Jun 11: The Business Secretary is having a series of meetings in the UK and Germany this week to discuss Vauxhall and its future as part of GM Europe.

Mandelson says new department will put science at centre of vision of Britain's future prosperity

Jun 10: Lord Mandelson, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, has today used the launch Science Museum's 100th birthday celebrations to argue that the creation of a new department for Business, Innovation and Skills will put science at the centre of the Government's economic recovery plans for a prosperous, sustainable future.

Extension to Government's trade credit insurance top-up scheme

Jun 9: Business Secretary Peter Mandelson today announced changes that will mean many more firms can now purchase top-up cover as part of the Government's trade credit insurance scheme.

Consumer Minister Gareth Thomas takes on rogue traders

Jun 9: Consumer Minister Gareth Thomas today met with enforcement bodies and consumer groups to announce intentions to tackle rogue traders.

Consultation launched on the future of Parliamentary Pensions

Jun 8: A consultation on the future of the Parliamentary Contributory Pension Fund is being launched today by the Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB).

World Trade Week UK - defending open trade

Jun 8: An early-warning system to help guard against nations turning to protectionist policies during the global recession is launched today as part of the UK Government's ongoing commitment to open trade.