Parliamentary Activity - Gareth Thomas MP

Business: Ethnic Groups

Department for Business and Trade

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

The government’s approach to support equitable outcomes for businesses led by ethnic minorities and other underserved groups is to work with the financial services sector, building on a...

Corporate Businesses and Franchisees: Regulatory Environment

Commons debates

The right hon. Gentleman made a very interesting speech with a series of interesting analogies, and I have noted those and the points that he made. As I have said, I will track this particular...

Corporate Businesses and Franchisees: Regulatory Environment

Commons debates

As I said, I recognise that this case has raised concerns across the House about the quality and effectiveness of the legislation that governs franchisees and, indeed, other businesses, and about...

Corporate Businesses and Franchisees: Regulatory Environment

Commons debates

My hon. Friend will forgive me, but I will not comment on the particular circumstances of Vodafone and its relationship with franchisees in general, or those former franchisees who are bringing...

Corporate Businesses and Franchisees: Regulatory Environment

Commons debates

I have already given a flavour of what might be in the small business strategy. I will leave the right hon. Gentleman to wait a little longer, if I may—he will have to forgive...

Corporate Businesses and Franchisees: Regulatory Environment

Commons debates

In the usual way, I thank the right hon. Member for South Holland and The Deepings (Sir John Hayes) for securing this debate. Having crossed swords with him when our positions were reversed, I...

Business: Northern Ireland

Department for Business and Trade

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

The £70 million Investment Fund for Northern Ireland launched in November 2023. The Fund has an investment period of five years, so the approximately £52 million remaining should be...

Post Offices: Basingstoke

Department for Business and Trade

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

The Government is committed to strengthening the post office network, in consultation with postmasters, trade unions and customers. It provides critical services that are valued by communities...

Hospitality Industry: Government Assistance

Department for Business and Trade

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

We recognise the vital role hospitality businesses play in driving economic growth and strengthening community cohesion across the country. We plan to introduce permanently lower business rates...

Horizon IT System: Compensation

Department for Business and Trade

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

As of 2 June 2025, £1.039 billion has been paid to over 7,300 claimants across the Horizon schemes. This represents a more than fourfold increase since July 2024, with more than 4,500...

Small Businesses: Billing

Department for Business and Trade

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

E-invoicing can help SMEs to reduce administrative burdens and data processing errors. Increasing SME adoption of digital tools like e-invoicing can therefore lead to increased productivity, as...

Banking Hubs: Lincolnshire

Department for Business and Trade

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

We understand the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and high streets and are committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. Government is working closely with...

Small Businesses: Finance

Department for Business and Trade

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

The SME Finance Charter was an awareness-raising initiative introduced in 2019 and updated in 2022 following the Covid-19 pandemic. The British Business Bank's Nations and Regions Investment...

Small Businesses: Billing

Department for Business and Trade

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

The Government is committed to tackling late payments, which can cause cash flow issues for SMEs. In September 2024 we announced measures including a new Fair Payment Code, legislation requiring...

Business: Imports

Department for Business and Trade

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

Globalised supply chains and the associated logistics costs remain a critical factor for the success of UK businesses and those on High Street. The Supply Chain Centre will work in tandem with...

Hospitality Sector - [Dawn Butler in the Chair]

Westminster Hall debates

The hon. Gentleman is right to make his point. One would hope that the Scottish Government would be as committed to taking action as the Government here in the UK. I hope he and other Scottish...

Hospitality Sector - [Dawn Butler in the Chair]

Westminster Hall debates

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Ms Butler, for I think the first time, and I hope it is the first of many. I congratulate the hon. Member for Kingswinford and South...

British Business Bank

Department for Business and Trade

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

The British Business Bank does have some quoted holdings, largely as a result of post-investment corporate activity. The focus of the Bank is on strengthening private markets. Any expansion of...

Horizon IT System: Compensation

Department for Business and Trade

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

As of 2 June 2025, £1,039 billion has been paid to over 7,300 claimants across the Horizon schemes. This represents a fourfold increase since July 2024, with more than 4,500 victims...

Small Businesses: South Northamptonshire

Department for Business and Trade

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

The Cluster Champions programme is designed to provide up to £100 million of additional targeted investment to businesses in the eight Industrial Strategy sectors in ten clusters located in...