Business & growth

Next phase of Growth Review: Skills, the rural economy and medium sized businesses will be at the centre of the next stage of the Growth Review, the Government has announced, as it continues its focus on restoring the economy’s health.

UK car industry: Some of the biggest car manufacturers in Europe came to Downing Street to discuss the growing confidence in the UK automotive industry and the Government’s commitment to its success.

Vince Cable speech: Business Secretary Vince Cable gave a speech to the GMB Congress in Brighton.

Higher education & science

Student finance campaign: You can download the resources from BIS's student campaign, including flyers and the loan repayment calculator for your own use.  Stakeholders can also link to the campaign website.

Rock Assembly 2011: The 2011 Rock Assembly, run by the Transformation Trust, a charity that works with schools in some of England’ most deprived areas, is a free event which provides young people - regardless of background - with opportunities and experiences to help them fulfil their potential. BIS through the Student Loan Company will be at the event, you may also wish to exhibit or support the event.

Research Council re-appointment: Science Minister David Willetts has announced the re-appointment of Professor David Delpy as Chief Executive and Deputy Chair of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

Regulation

Modern Workplaces: The Modern Workplaces consultation is seeking views on proposed changes to employment law, including flexible parental leave, extending the right to request flexible working, updating the Working Time regulations following EU cases, and promoting equal pay. The consultation is open until 8 August.

Low Pay Commission: The Government has written to the Low Pay Commission setting out its remit for their 2012 Report.

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.

Get involved

BIS currently has four consultations open. They include:

• Regional Economic Performance Indicators
• A Competition Regime for Growth: A Consultation on Options for Reform
• Consultation on statistics that measure the progress of children from disadvantaged backgrounds to higher education