The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has announced the creation of a new Small Business Council to provide a bespoke platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to have their voices represented within the government. In addition, the Help to Grow campaign and website have also been refreshed for SMEs to access useful information on funding, webinars and basics of setting up a business. The campaign also offers intensive courses to improve SME management and leadership skills.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has issued two general trade licences permitting certain activities otherwise prohibited under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, SI 2019/855. The first licence (GBSAN0004) authorises the import into the UK of diesel and jet fuel processed in third countries from Russian crude oil, alongside provision of related services, subject to record-keeping requirements. The second licence, issued jointly with the Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation, authorises maritime transportation of liquefied natural gas and related ancillary services under Chapter 4LA prohibitions, expiring on 1 January 2027. The LNG licence includes an exception until 1 January 2027 for obligations under contracts concluded before 17 June 2025, subject to conditions specified in the Regulations.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has issued detailed guidance for traders operating consumer savings schemes under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA 2024). The guidance sets out the legal obligations for businesses, including those running Christmas savings clubs, to protect consumer prepayments in the event of insolvency.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT), in conjunction with the Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation, has published two sets of guidance to assist UK exporters in addressing and combating current and emerging trends related to the circumvention of Russian sanctions. The first new guidance addresses countering Russian sanctions evasion and circumvention, whilst the second has been issued to aid businesses in incorporating a 'no re-export to Russia' clause into their export contracts. The guidance is primarily focused on trade sanctions targeting Russia but is also applicable to other countries subject to trade sanctions measures. It specifically targets those involved in exporting items on the Common High Priority Items List and goods critical to Russian weapons systems and military development. The guidance includes best practice advice to enhance due diligence in exporter contracts.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has issued an update on the fifth round of negotiations for an enhanced Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the UK and Turkey, which took place in Ankara from 15–23 June 2026. Negotiators held detailed discussions across a wide range of areas, including digital trade, telecommunications, investment, legal services, goods market access and sanitary and phytosanitary measures, as well as issues such as intellectual property, procurement and sustainability. Both sides tested areas of alignment, reviewed proposals and identified remaining gaps, with notable progress reported in legal services and growing momentum in intellectual property. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing negotiations and securing outcomes that support businesses. Following 5 rounds, negotiating teams have closed 11 chapters and reached agreement on annexes and associated issues. A sixth round is expected in autumn 2026, with ministers to update Parliament as negotiations continue.

Employment news analysis: On 1 April 2024 the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) published an updated version of its guidance on simplifying holiday entitlement and holiday pay calculations. The changes to the guidance, which was originally issued on 1 January 2024, include some clarification on who falls within the definition of a ‘part-year worker’ and the treatment of bonuses.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has published two statutory guidance documents on the meaning of ‘significant influence or control’ for the purposes of Schedule 1A to the Companies Act 2006 (CA 2006), one for companies and one for Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs).

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has concluded its consultation on the Commercial Agents (Council Directive) Regulations 1993 (CARs). The consultation sought views on potentially disapplying the CARs to new contracts. After reviewing 86 responses from various stakeholders, including commercial agents, principals, and other interested parties, the government's policy is that the CARs will remain in force without amendment. The decision was based on feedback indicating that the regulations work well for commercial agents and provide necessary protections when negotiating contracts with principals, who are often larger businesses.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has launched the Fair Payment Code and Disability Finance Code for Entrepreneurship to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMES) and foster economic growth. The Fair Payment Code, overseen by the Small Business Commissioner, features a gold, silver, and bronze tiered system to reward best payment practices and tackle late payments to SMEs, aiming to improve cash flow. The Disability Finance Code for Entrepreneurship, supported by UK banks such as Barclays, HSBC UK, Lloyds Banking Group, and NatWest, seeks to improve access to finance for disabled entrepreneurs and encourage stronger engagement between the financial services sector and the disabled entrepreneur community, potentially unlocking £230bn in economic growth.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has launched a new independent appeals process for postmasters in the Horizon Shortfall Scheme, aimed at ensuring fair compensation for those adversely affected by the Horizon IT scandal. Postmasters who feel their financial settlements were inadequate will be able to request a reassessment. Eligible postmasters and their legal representatives will be notified later this month, with the appeals process set to open by the end of April 2025. The DBT also plans to franchise each Directly Managed Branch to ensure Post Office services remain accessible in local communities, and will allocate £276.9m in funding to support the Post Office network. In addition, a new compensation scheme for postmasters affected by issues with Post Office products, policies, or processes will be launched in May 2025.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has launched a call for evidence on potential reforms to the UK's toy safety framework to ensure it remains fit for purpose in light of technological developments, emerging safety risks and changes to EU toy safety legislation. The call for evidence seeks views on whether Great Britain should align its toy safety framework with aspects of the EU's new Toy Safety Regulation, continue recognising EU toy requirements, including Conformité Européenne (CE) marking, and introduce measures to address risks associated with chemicals, online marketplaces and connected or artificial intelligence-enabled toys. DBT states that the evidence gathered will inform future changes to toy safety regulations as part of the government's wider product safety reforms. It is also seeking views on the potential impacts of regulatory changes, including the introduction of digital product passports and new obligations for online marketplaces, while supporting consumer protection, innovation and trade. The call for evidence closes on 6 October 2026.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has launched a call for evidence seeking views on unpaid internships and related work practices. The consultation examines five key areas: unpaid internships and internships paid below the National Minimum Wage (NMW), unpaid work trials and work trials paid below NMW, voluntary workers, volunteers, and work shadowing. The call forms part of the government's commitment to ban unpaid internships unless part of educational or training courses. Running from 17 July to 9 October 2025, the consultation targets input from individuals with direct experience, worker groups, employers, businesses, and subject matter experts. The Department aims to publish its response by February 2026.