Parliamentary Activity - Gareth Thomas MP

Food: East Midlands

Department for Business and Trade

Gareth Thomas received a response to a question they put to the government

DBT offers extensive support for food and drink businesses in Lincolnshire and the East Midlands. Our export offer includes educational programmes via the Export Academy, advice from...

New Businesses: Investment

Department for Business and Trade

Gareth Thomas received a response to a question they put to the government

According to data from research firm Beauhurst, the proportion of equity finance to female-led teams was stark at 2% in the first half of 2024, in comparison to 86% for all-male teams. To...

Trade Union (Facility Time Publication Requirements) Regulations 2017

Department for Business and Trade

Gareth Thomas received a response to a question they put to the government

The Trade Union Facility Time Publication Requirements Regulations 2017 will be automatically revoked when section 13 of the Trade Union Act 2016 is repealed pursuant to clause 63 of the...

Business: Equality

Department for Business and Trade

Gareth Thomas received a response to a question they put to the government

The Secretary of State and Ministerial team engage in regular discussions with UK business on topics including this. Department for Business and Trade ministers have already this year hosted...

New Businesses: Finance

Department for Business and Trade

Gareth Thomas received a response to a question they put to the government

The Government works with the British Business Bank to improve the access to finance landscape for smaller businesses. An example of the Bank’s interventions is the Start Up Loans programme...

Investment Fund for Scotland

Department for Business and Trade

Gareth Thomas received a response to a question they put to the government

A total of £150 million has been committed to the Investment Fund for Scotland. Three fund managers have been contracted to provide £110 million of this total in debt and equity finance...

Investment Fund for Scotland

Department for Business and Trade

Gareth Thomas received a response to a question they put to the government

The £150 million Investment Fund for Scotland was launched in November 2023 and provides debt and equity finance to Scottish businesses. Similar funds are available in Wales, Northern...

Horizon IT System: Compensation

Department for Business and Trade

Gareth Thomas received a response to a question they put to the government

As of 31 March 2025, the total amount of redress paid has increased by more than three and a half times since the beginning of July 2024, with £892 million having now been paid to over 6,200...

Business Growth Service

Department for Business and Trade

Gareth Thomas received a response to a question they put to the government

The new Business Growth service will simplify the government’s business support ecosystem to ensure businesses get the support they need with local delivery at its heart and all underpinned...

Business Growth Service

Department for Business and Trade

Gareth Thomas received a response to a question they put to the government

The new Business Growth Service will regularly review user feedback to ensure it delivers what businesses need to support their growth and productivity. My department is therefore engaging widely...

Manufacturing Industries: Exports

Department for Business and Trade

Gareth Thomas received a response to a question they put to the government

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is committed to supporting UK businesses, including those in the manufacturing industry, to grow and export. Under the umbrella of the recently...

Small Businesses: Government Assistance

Department for Business and Trade

Gareth Thomas received a response to a question they put to the government

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities. The Government has a wide range of business support offers aimed at independent retailers, engaging directly and through key trade...

Bakeries

Department for Business and Trade

Gareth Thomas received a response to a question they put to the government

We intend to introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties from 2026 - 27. Ahead of these changes being made, we have extended retail, hospitality, and...

Public Houses: Devon

Department for Business and Trade

Gareth Thomas received a response to a question they put to the government

Hospitality businesses, including pubs and breweries in Devon, are at the heart of our communities and play a vital role in supporting economic growth across the UK. The Government is creating a...

Hospitality Industry and Retail Trade: West Midlands

Department for Business and Trade

Gareth Thomas received a response to a question they put to the government

We are delivering across government to create better conditions for retail and hospitality businesses to thrive. This government has introduced the Crime and Policing Bill, which will scrap the...

Horizon IT System: Compensation

Department for Business and Trade

Gareth Thomas received a response to a question they put to the government

Many of the impacts experienced by family members of affected postmasters will already be compensated for under the relevant scheme in which postmasters are seeking redress. For example,...

Overseas Trade

Department for Business and Trade

Gareth Thomas received a response to a question they put to the government

We recognise the importance of increasing the capacity of businesses to export and succeed around the world. UK businesses can access DBT’s export support via Great.gov.uk. This comprises...

Horizon Redress and Post Office Update

Commons debates

I know from conversations I have had with my hon. Friend the significance of the post office to his community. I very much hope that his experience, the experience of his community, and that of...

Horizon Redress and Post Office Update

Commons debates

My hon. Friend made clear to me the significance of the King’s Road post office to his constituents, and I am pleased that there will continue to be a post office service there. I have...

Horizon Redress and Post Office Update

Commons debates

My hon. Friend has pushed me repeatedly on the future of the Leighton Buzzard post office. We are very clear that we want post offices to be located on or very close to high streets, so that they...