Minimum Wage

A consultation is open on minimum wage rates for April 2027, particularly seeking evidence on the impacts of recent minimum wage increases on employers and workers, and for views on the economic and labour market conditions that workers and businesses are facing, as well as the specific impacts of the rates themselves.

This consultation closes on 26th June 2026.

Respond to the consultation here >

New Trade Measures

The Department for Business and Trade is running a consultation on whether the UK government should develop new powers to protect the UK from acts of adverse economic pressure. This is in light of, in recent years, increased or threatened use of restrictions on trade and investment, as well as the weaponisation of trade and economic dependencies for political leverage.

The call for input will close on Thursday 18th June 2026.

Respond to the consultation here >

Inquiry into tourism

The Culture, Media and Sport Committee has opened an inquiry into tourism, which will cover both domestic and international tourism, exploring how the UK promotes itself overseas, the role of culture and heritage in attracting visitors, and how the UK competes with other destinations.

The deadline to submit evidence is 18th May 2026.

Submit evidence to the inquiry here >

Construction Sector

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has launched a consultation on the Construction Products Regime as part of its wider response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

The consultation closes on 20th May 2026.

Respond to the consultation here >

Industry Impact on Environment

Defra has launched a consultation on the ‘Best Available Techniques’ for preventing or minimising impacts on the environment from industry. The consultation will be particularly relevant to manufacturers, plant operators and industry representative groups within the following sectors: ferrous metals processing (forming); ferrous metals processing (galvanizing); textiles; and common waste gas management and treatment in the chemicals industry.

The consultation closes on 14th May 2026.

Respond to the consultation here >

Business Industrial Competitiveness Scheme

The Department for Business and Trade has opened a consultation seeking views on proposed regulatory changes and delivery of the new Business Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS), which aims to reduce electricity costs for manufacturing ‘frontier industries’ within the Industrial Strategy’s growth sectors (the IS-8), and foundational manufacturing industries which provide key inputs to the frontier industries.

This consultation closes on 14th May 2026.

Respond to the consultation here >

Looking for research and analysis on Buckinghamshire's economy?

Visit our dedicated Reports and Analysis webpages for the latest insights on the Buckinghamshire economy and workforce, and the effect of policy decisions on our local business community.

Buckinghamshire Business First is the primary source of insights from the business coalface. This intelligence is used to ensure strategies and policies are based on robust evidence and to ensure government at all levels is aware of the economic issues facing Buckinghamshire’s communities.