Government group formed to focus on business engagement

A new business engagement inter-ministerial group, chaired by Business Secretary Sajid Javid and bringing together ministers from across government to coordinate engagement with the business community, has been established.

The group will provide an opportunity for ministers to discuss the views from businesses of all types and in all sectors, and will feed into the new EU Referendum Unit established within the Cabinet Office.

Secretary of State for Business, Sajid Javid, said: “Now more than ever, businesses need certainty so it’s vital that the government maintains an open and continuous dialogue. We must work together to make sure the world knows that the UK is still open for business and remains an attractive place with which to trade and invest.

“Working with ministers across government, I will make sure businesses have the information they need and work with them to identify opportunities as they open up.”

The inter-ministerial group will also look at where businesses are seeking clarity and certainty and make sure the government is sending a clear message that it remains committed to making the UK the best place in the world to start and grow a business.

Membership includes the Energy Secretary, Environment Secretary, Culture Secretary, Defence Secretary, Foreign Secretary, Chief Secretary to the Treasury and the Trade and Investment Minister.