Business & growth

Local growth moves up a gear: Business Minister Mark Prisk has stepped up the drive to stimulate local economic growth, announcing a package with three measures to help local enterprise partnerships get up and running. He also had his first meeting with the South East Midlands LEP.

Regional Growth Fund: Lord Heseltine has kicked of a series of road shows to promote the second round of the Regional Growth Fund and encourage bidders to compete for a share of £950m.

Early prototype of a potential single Government website launched: Cabinet Secretary Francis Maude has launched a demonstration of how a future single website for Government could look and act – alpha.gov.uk. This demonstrates only parts of what might be provided in a full version and the Government Digital Service would welcome your feedback.

Skills

Adult Learners' Week: Thousands of fun and creative activities are being held across the country this week to inspire adults to learn something new. Find out what’s happening in your area.

Regulation

Next steps in employment law review: Government announces new areas that it will consider reforming as part of its review of employment red tape.

Space

Supporting disaster efforts worldwide: The UK has gained agreement on providing universal access to satellite images during natural emergencies, at its first meeting after taking over as Chair of the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters.

Consumers

Consumer Focus Scotland: BIS has confirmed the re-appointment of Alan Hutton and Coinneach Maclean to the Committee of Consumer Focus Scotland (the Scottish Consumer Council) for a second term.

Get involved

BIS currently has the following consultations open:

• A competition regime for growth: A consultation on options for reform.
• Consultation on Modern Workplaces.

Take part in the Red Tape Challenge: Government gives you the chance to rip up some of the 21,000 rules and regulations that are getting in your way.