Parliamentary Activity - Gareth Thomas MP

Small Businesses: Artificial Intelligence

Department for Business and Trade

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

Adoption of new digital technology, including AI, can help businesses become more productive – but we know Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) sometimes need additional help and...

Small Businesses

Department for Business and Trade

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

The Government will publish its SME Strategy later this year. The Strategy will set out the Government’s ambition to champion entrepreneurship, create an environment for SMEs to thrive and...

Post Offices: Franchises

Department for Business and Trade

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

The Government provides a network subsidy so that Post Office can cover the costs of delivering Government policy requirements, which include geographical access criteria. In order to fulfil the...

Small Businesses: Electrification

Department for Business and Trade

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

We will launch the Small Business Strategy later this year complementing the Government’s forthcoming Industrial and Trade Strategies as part of our economic growth mission. The strategy...

Transition of services from NATIS to the Insolvency service

Department for Business and Trade

Written Ministerial Statements

Under the previous government, a contract was entered into in 2020 with Thurrock Council’s National Investigation Service (NATIS), to investigate Covid-19 Bounce Back Loan fraud. After...

Duke of York: Trade Promotion

Department for Business and Trade

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

The Duke of York was the Special Representative for UK Trade and Investment and not a Trade Envoy. The Department for Business and Trade does not hold details of the specific costs for the Duke...

Service Industries: Employers' Contributions

Department for Business and Trade

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

An assessment of the changes to Employers’ National Insurance has been published by HMRC in their Tax Information and Impact Note, including impacts on the exchequer, the economy,...

Business Growth Service

Department for Business and Trade

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

My department is working closely with independent retailers and the wider business community on the design of the Business Growth Service. We’ve held roundtables and consultation events...

Exports: EU Countries

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 to export and access the EU market. UK businesses can access DBT’s wealth of export support via...

Venture Capital: Access

Westminster Hall debates

I am completely with the hon. Lady on that point and recognise that is exactly where Government can play a useful role in getting behind industry-led initiatives. We have certainly been doing...

Venture Capital: Access

Westminster Hall debates

I will begin in the usual way by congratulating the hon. Member for Richmond Park (Sarah Olney) on securing this debate. I also acknowledge the contribution of the hon. Member for Strangford...

Beer: Sales

Department for Business and Trade

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

Hospitality businesses, including pubs and independent breweries, are at the heart of our communities and play a vital role in supporting economic growth across the UK. The government wishes to...

Small Businesses

Department for Business and Trade

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

Business cash levels have been resilient and have strengthened since the pre-pandemic and pre-referendum periods. According to figures published by BVA BDRC, in Q1 2025, 29% of SMEs were holding...

Small Businesses: Aldridge-Brownhills

Department for Business and Trade

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

The High Growth Accelerator is a great example of locally led business growth delivered by the West Midlands Combined Authority through Business Growth West Midlands. Last year’s pilot...

Duke of York: Trade Promotion

Department for Business and Trade

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

I understand that the Duke of York visited multiple overseas states in his role as a Special Representative. To note the Duke of York was the Special Representative for UK Trade and Investment...

British Steel: Scunthorpe

Department for Business and Trade

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

The funding required to maintain iron and steel production at Scunthorpe will be drawn from the £2.5bn funding for steel, which is available through the National Wealth Fund and other...

New Businesses

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, built around the new Business Growth Service. Start Up Loans...

Personal Care Services: Employment

Department for Business and Trade

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

This Government recognises the immense economic and social value of the hair and beauty industry, and we know it can be difficult for some to understand their tax obligations. We are working with...

Urban Areas: Government Assistance

Department for Business and Trade

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

This government is supporting high street businesses in Huddersfield and in similar towns by reforming business rates, empowering communities to address vacant high street properties through high...

Restaurants: West Dorset

Department for Business and Trade

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

Hospitality businesses, including those in West Dorset, are at the heart of our communities and play a vital role in supporting economic growth and social cohension across the UK. We recently...