News & Articles
Latest Government Updates on Trade, Procurement, and Growth
The UK Government has released a series of new strategies and consultations aimed at driving long-term economic growth, strengthening global trade relationships, and supporting key industries across the country.
These updates cover a wide range of areas relevant to the giftware sector, including:
- A new UK Trade Strategy focused on global connectivity and responsible supply chains
- Public procurement reforms designed to boost domestic competitiveness
- Industrial and sector-specific plans to accelerate growth in creative, digital, and manufacturing industries
- Consultations on sustainability reporting, customs regulations, and financial support for exporters.
These developments present both opportunities and considerations for businesses navigating international supply chains, seasonal cashflow, or government contracts. We encourage members to explore the updates and consider how they may impact their operations now and in the future.
A summary of key announcements and links to official resources are included below.
Announcements and Calls for Evidence:
New Trade Strategy to protect and boost British business
The strategy will make the UK the most connected nation in the world while protecting vital industries from global threats and backing businesses to thrive.
First published.
UK Trade Strategy
Strategy document setting out the government’s plans to maximise trade opportunities now and in the future. Government will launch a review of our approach to ensuring responsible business conduct, focusing on the global supply chains of businesses operating in the UK.
It will harness the insights and expertise of businesses, investors, trade unions, academia, civil society and our trading partners.
First published.
Public Procurement: Growing British industry, jobs and skills – consultation on further reforms to public procurement
This consultation aims to ensure that public procurement improves domestic competitiveness, strengthening the UK’s economic resilience and supporting British businesses
First published.
Strategy document setting out a new economic approach to backing the UK’s strengths, with ambitious plans for 8 high-growth sectors.
First published.
Industrial Strategy Sector Plans
Sector Plans to increase investment and growth in the 8 Industrial Strategy sectors through to 2035.
First published.
Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan
The plan to increase investment and growth in Advanced Manufacturing, as part of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy.
First published.
Creative Industries Sector Plan
This Plan will ensure that the UK is the number one destination worldwide for investment in creativity and innovation and aims to significantly increase investment by 2035.
First published.
Digital and Technologies Sector Plan
The UK’s Plan to drive growth in the digital and technologies sector and unlock growth in the technologies of the future as part of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy.
First published.
Industrial Strategy sets out a ten-year plan to boost investment, create good skilled jobs and make Britain the best place to do business
First published.
Growing the market for low carbon industrial products: policy framework
We’re seeking views on policy options for growing the market for low carbon industrial products, including steel and concrete.
First published.
Exposure drafts: UK Sustainability Reporting Standards
This consultation seeks views on the government’s draft UK Sustainability Reporting Standards, based on the International Sustainability Standards Board standards.
‘Draft UK SRS S1 Standard with amendments’ re-uploaded to correct an error in paragraph 27.
Assurance of sustainability reporting
This consultation seeks views on the government’s proposal for greater regulatory oversight of third-party assurance services for sustainability-related financial disclosures.
First published.
UK seeks views on further trade protections for steel
The UK has launched a six-week Call for Evidence, inviting views from across the steel supply chain to help shape new, future-ready trade measures.
First published.
Regulations, Compliance, Procurement, and reporting requirements
Procurement Act 2023 guidance documents – Procure phase
These documents are intended to provide technical guidance and help with interpretation and understanding of the Procurement Act 2023
Added guidance links to the document: Guidance: Debarment
Procurement Act 2023 guidance documents – Manage phase
These documents are intended to provide technical guidance and help with interpretation and understanding of the Procurement Act 2023
Added guidance links to the document: Guidance: Contract Performance Notice
Procurement Act 2023 guidance documents – Plan phase
These documents are intended to provide technical guidance and help with interpretation and understanding of the Procurement Act 2023.
Added guidance links to the document: Guidance: National Procurement Policy Statement
Goods Movement
Imports, exports and EU trade of animals and animal products: topical issues
Current issues relating to imports and exports of animals and animal products.
Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) has suspended the imports of certain bovine products from Italy due to an outbreak of lumpy disease.
Plant imports: authorised border control posts in the UK
A list of places where you can bring consignments of plants, seeds and produce into the UK, including ports and airports.
Updated ‘Plant imports: control points in the UK’ HTML.
Find out about the tariff suspensions that apply from the end of the transition period.
Removed: Suspensions of Import Duty Rates, version 2.8, dated 27 March 2025 (entry into force 27 April 2025)
The Customs (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2025
This tax information and impact note is about some changes to customs rules which apply to goods that are imported and exported in certain circumstances.
First published.
Make an entry summary declaration using the Import Control System 2
Check when you need to use this system to make an entry summary declaration for goods moving into Northern Ireland from Great Britain, or into Northern Ireland from countries outside the EU.
New information on how to use the Import Control System 2 has been added.
Trade, investment, and export support
UKEF unveils new strategic financing for industrial growth
Up to £13 billion of direct lending will be used to help boost British exports across key industrial sectors as part of new growth measures spearheaded by UK Export Finance (UKEF).
First published.
Sanctions
Who is subject to financial sanctions in the UK?
A guide to the current consolidated list of asset freeze targets, and a list of persons named in relation to financial and investment restrictions under the Russia regulations
HM Treasury Notice, Russia, 26/06/2025 added
OPSS updates
OPSS enforcement: enforcement actions
Page summary:
Guidance for businesses we regulate on enforcement actions and associated rights.
Change made:
Section on Court Orders relating to an Information Notice added to the attachment for consumer connectable product security regulations.
CMA updates
Tell the CMA about a merger that might affect you
Why the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has asked you for information about a merger, and how to share it with us.
First published.
Skills, employment, and training
Employer support fund for T Level industry placements
Information for providers and employers about the employer support fund (ESF) for the 2025 to 2026 financial year.
Updated the guidance about the claim amount per student in the section ‘What the fund is intended to be used for’.
Latest information and actions from the Department for Education about funding, assurance and resource management, for academies, local authorities and further education providers.
First published.