Business & growth

Simplifying development to aid growth: The latest measures to help simplify development consents, by cutting red tape and creating a more open and competitive planning system, have been set out in the Government’s progress update to the Penfold Review.

Regional Growth Fund: Lord Heseltine was in York at a road show to promote the second round of the Regional Growth Fund and encourage bidders to compete for a share of £950m.

Regulation

Red tape cut welcomed: Business Minister Edward Davey has welcomed an agreement on new, simpler accounting rules which will benefit up to 1.5 million small British companies, during a regular meeting of Business Ministers from across the EU in Brussels.

Higher education & science

OFFA appointment: Vince Cable has announced the appointment of Sir Graeme Davies as the interim Director for Fair Access. This interim appointment has been made in response to Sir Martin Harris informing Government of the necessity for him to stand down due to the need to undergo surgery for a serious medical condition.

President Obama visit: A joint statement agreed by Prime Minister David Cameron and USA President Barack Obama will strengthen collaboration in science and higher education.

Consumer affairs

Consumer Focus Wales: BIS has confirmed the re-appointment of Professor Marcus Longley, Eifion Pritchard and Dr Malcolm Smith to the Committee of Consumer Focus Wales for a second term.

Get involved

The department currently has three consultations open. They are:

• Regional Economic Performance Indicators
• Modern Workplaces
• A Competition Regime for Growth: A consultation on options for reform