Business & Growth

Enterprise Zones: The locations of four more Enterprise Zones and a progress report showing that the Government has already met or reached significant milestones on 124 of the 137 reforms unveiled in the Plan for Growth in March 2011 were announced by the Prime Minister, David Cameron, and Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne.

Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnerships: Businesses in Swindon and Wiltshire will be supported by a new local enterprise partnership approved by Business Minister Mark Prisk and Decentralisation Minister Greg Clark.

Higher Education & Skills

10,000 Higher Apprenticeships: Visiting Jaguar Land Rover in the Midlands, David Cameron announced a £25 million fund that will support up to 10,000 Advanced and Higher Apprenticeships.

Regulation

Red Tape Challenge: The manufacturing theme is currently live on the website, with over 120 regulations included for comment. Enforcement and other general regulations are also online for comment.

Employment

Modern Workplaces: There are just 10 days left to comment on the Modern Workplaces consultation, which looks at possible changes to employment law to encourage a more fair and flexible approach at work.

Zero Waste Economy

Resource efficiency: UK businesses could save around £23bn per year from the more efficient use of raw materials, energy and water. Support for business can be found through the Waste and Resources Action Programme website.

Waste Policy Review: The Review sets out a range of measures to tackle waste including working with business to prevent waste occurring and improving the access for businesses (especially SMEs) to cost-effective recycling services.

Get Involved

BIS currently has 9 consultations open. These include:

• Higher Education White Paper: Students at the Heart of the System
• Higher Education: Consultation on potential early repayment mechanisms for student loans
• Transforming Regulatory Enforcement Discussion Paper