Business & growth

Increasing businesses: The number of private sector businesses in the UK at the start of 2010 increased by 48,000 (1.1 per cent) since the start of 2009, statistics from BIS reveal. 

Regional Growth Fund roadshow: Sir Ian Wrigglesworth was in Dudley, Staffordshire on Monday at a road show to promote the second round of the Regional Growth Fund and encourage bidders to compete for a share of £950m.

Manufacturing exhibition: Business Minister Mark Prisk met exhibitors showcasing their products at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to highlight the design and manufacturing excellence of the British security industry.

New Gloucestershire LEP: Businesses in Gloucestershire will be supported by a new local enterprise partnership approved by Mark Prisk and Decentralisation Minister Greg Clark.

Hargreaves Report: Changes to Intellectual Property systems could add up to £7.9 billion to the UK’s economy, the first report looking at how it can drive growth has revealed.

HE and Skills

Proposals to get prisoners into jobs and out of crime: Government proposes reforms to the adult offender education system in England, with a greater emphasis on the results that education and training in prison delivers.

Intellectual Property: Universities can now access a new tool to help develop and manage their intellectual assets. The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has launched a strategy guide called ‘Intellectual Asset Management for Universities’. 

Consumers

Groceries Code Adjudicator: A new independent body to adjudicate between suppliers and retailers and protect against unfair practices has moved a step closer. Consumer Minister Edward Davey has published the draft Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill and invited pre-legislative scrutiny of the Bill by Parliament. 

Science & research

Government position paper: The Government has published the position paper: 'Funding for EU research and innovation from 2014: a UK perspective’ which looks at the future role and shape of EU funding for research and innovation and sets out a number of recommendations.

Postal affairs

Report on Post Office mutualisation: A Government-commissioned report has been published on how best to transfer Post Office Ltd from Government ownership into a mutual run for the public benefit. 

Get involved

The Department currently has two consultations open. They are:

• Consultation on Modern Workplaces
• A Competition Regime for Growth: A Consultation on Options for Reform