Parliamentary Activity - Gareth Thomas MP

New Businesses: Women

Department for Business and Trade

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

The British Business Bank delivers most programmes via third parties, limiting data on gender and sectoral breakdowns, however it aims to increase gender data in 2025. The Start Up Loans...

Companies: Insolvency

Department for Business and Trade

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

The Government aims to boost all businesses, across key policy areas to build business capabilities, and a strong business environment. The Government works closely with the British Business Bank...

Defence: Industry

Department for Business and Trade

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

The Department for Business and Trade continues to work with colleagues across government to deliver new a Defence Industrial Strategy which will help us meet our NATO commitments, such as the...

Trade Promotion: Israel and Occupied Territories

Department for Business and Trade

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

Following the announcement by the Secretary of State on 28th January of the appointment of a new team of Trade Envoys, we are in the process of developing specific objectives to measure the...

Trade Promotion: Israel and Occupied Territories

Department for Business and Trade

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

The Department has so far not spent any of its budget this Financial Year to support the Trade Envoys to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The funding for next Financial Year...

Midlands Engine

Department for Business and Trade

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

Midlands Engine have undertaken a range of valuable work and have supported collaboration on shared growth opportunities. This has included launching the Midlands Engine Investment Portfolio at...

Post Offices: Rural Areas

Department for Business and Trade

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

We recognise the key role Post Offices play in their communities, and branches in some rural areas are particularly important as the Post Office often acts as a community hub. We are listening...

Small Businesses: Finance

Department for Business and Trade

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

This government is committed to creating a fairer business rates system for small businesses on the high street. From 2026-27, we will introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail,...

Retail Trade: Ilford South

Department for Business and Trade

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

Revitalising our high streets is a priority for this government. We are delivering across government to create better conditions for high street businesses to thrive. We have heard...

Small Businesses: Young People

Department for Business and Trade

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

We will publish our Small Business Strategy later this year with a clear ambition to promote startups and encourage entrepreneurship in Surrey Heath and across the UK including amongst young...

Electric Bicycles: Exports

Department for Business and Trade

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

Growing the economy is a key mission for the Government, and we recognise the importance of boosting UK exports in achieving this. We are working hard to ensure that UK businesses, including...

Business: 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 small businesses grow and export. UK businesses can access DBT’s wealth of export support via Great.gov.uk. This...

Horizon IT System: Compensation

Department for Business and Trade

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

The Government is doing all it can to increase the pace of redress across all four Horizon compensation schemes. We are making upfront fixed offers and making interim and partial payments where...

Night-time Economy: Employers' Contributions

Department for Business and Trade

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

We continue to work closely with HM Treasury on the challenges facing high street and other businesses including those within the nighttime economy. The Government is protecting the smallest...

Appointment of Lord Evans of Sealand as UK Trade Envoy to Brazil

Department for Business and Trade

Written Ministerial Statements

The Secretary of State has today appointed Lord Evans of Sealand to the United Kingdom’s Trade Envoy programme as the UK Trade Envoy to Brazil. The United Kingdom’s Trade Envoys will...

Hospitality Industry: Policy

Department for Business and Trade

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

The Hospitality Sector Council is designed as a collaboration between government and the sector. The Council has several working groups led by business which work through specific issues and...

Retail Trade: Fylde

Department for Business and Trade

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

Revitalising our high streets is a priority for this government. We are delivering across government to create better conditions for high street businesses to thrive. The new Crime and Policing...

Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry

Department for Business and Trade

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

Sir Wyn Williams is committed to progressing matters as swiftly as he can. Now that the final Phase of gathering oral evidence is complete, Sir Wyn will look to deliver his report on what...

Topical Questions

Business and Trade

Gareth Thomas made a speech in the House of Commons

One of the big issues that small businesses wanting to scale up face is access to finance. We are actively working across Government on what else we can do to support businesses to get access to...

Topical Questions

Business and Trade

Gareth Thomas made a speech in the House of Commons

We know that rural businesses want to see more investment in bus services and better transport infrastructure. My hon. Friend will appreciate that the Chancellor announced in the Budget some...