Department for Business Innovation & Skills (UK)

Introduction: The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) is the department for economic growth. The department invests in skills and education to promote trade, boost innovation and help people to start and grow a business. BIS also protects consumers and reduces the impact of regulation.

We work on these topics

Business and enterprise
The government is working to create the right conditions for companies to thrive and make it easier for people to start successful new businesses. 

Consumer rights and issues
The government is working to make sure that people have the information and protection they need when they buy goods and services. Read more

Economic growth
The government has 4 aims to help the economy to grow: to create the most competitive tax system in the G20; to make the UK the best place in Europe to start, finance and grow a business; to encourage investment and exports as a route to a more balanced economy; and to create a more educated workforce that is the most flexible in Europe. 

Employment
To boost the number of jobs and create a flexible labour market, the government is modernising employment law while protecting employee rights. To increase the number of people in employment, we need to support them into work through the benefits system and job search support. 

Europe
The government works to develop British interests in the EU, and works constructively with the EU and its member states on issues like trade, the single market, and economic growth. Read more

Financial services
Financial services support the economy and provide essential credit to households, consumers and business. We are creating a framework that promotes a responsible and sustainable financial services industry, tackling the issues of competition and risk in the banking sector. 

Further education and skills
The government aims to make sure that further education provides the skilled workforce employers need and helps individuals reach their full potential. 

Higher education
The government is working with universities and colleges so they can continue to provide high quality teaching and research and produce highly skilled graduates and post graduates. 

Regulation reform
Excessive bureaucracy stifles businesses, voluntary organisations and individuals. We will remove unnecessary red tape to encourage economic growth and increase personal freedom and fairness. 

Science and innovation
The government funds and supports innovation in science, technology and engineering to help the UK's high-tech industries to thrive. 

Trade and investment
Overseas trade and inward investment are vital for the UK's prosperity. Through its trade and investment policies, the government aims to help UK businesses succeed internationally and encourage overseas companies to work with the UK.