The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is the department for economic growth. We support businesses to invest, grow and export, creating jobs and opportunities across the country.
The Business Growth Directorate supports SMEs to start, grow and prosper. We lead the Government’s strategic thinking on small business policy to support growth and productivity. The Directorate is also responsible for SME finance, sponsoring both the British Business Bank and the Office of the Small Business Commissioner (which focuses on prompt payments); programmes that support firm level productivity such as our flagship Help to Grow Management scheme; and we look after small firms’ international interests through SME chapters in trade agreements and collaborations with other countries and institutions such as the OECD. We do this through co-ordination, engagement and policy development with relevant teams across Government. We also have a strong embedded analytical function which works right across these areas.
This role will lead a small team to deliver the Small Business Strategy due for publication in 2025. This will set out the government’s strategy for small business, including future direction of travel. Delivering the Strategy is one of the Secretary of State’s four priorities – alongside the Industrial and Trade Strategies, and the Make Work Pay agenda.
The Small Business Strategy will be an integral part of the government’s mission to deliver economic growth. The key objectives of the strategy are to increase UK small business growth and productivity with a view to building thriving communities, high streets and the growth of high quality jobs.
The Head of Small Business Strategy will play a pivotal role in shaping the UK government’s approach to supporting small businesses. You will be responsible for developing and delivering the government’s Small Business Strategy, a flagship policy document that outlines the vision, priorities, and actions for enabling small businesses to thrive and drive economic growth.
The role requires strong leadership, policy development, and strategic thinking skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively across government, engage effectively with external stakeholders, and provide advice to ministers.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Develop the Small Business Strategy
* Lead the drafting of the government’s Small Business Strategy, ensuring it is evidence-based, forward-looking, and aligned with ministerial priorities.
* Work closely with ministers to refine and agree on key priorities and policy objectives.
* Ensure the strategy reflects the diverse needs of small businesses across the UK, including startups, scale-ups, and microbusinesses.
2. Policy Development :
* Provide expert policy advice on small business issues, including access to finance, skills, innovation, and regulatory reform.
* Identify opportunities to address challenges faced by small businesses and propose innovative solutions.
3. Stakeholder Engagement and Cross-Government Collaboration :
* Build strong relationships with stakeholders across government, devolved administrations, and key external partners such as business representative organisations.
* Act as the central point of contact on small business strategy, ensuring effective coordination of policy initiatives across government departments.
4. Team Leadership :
* Lead and manage a small, high-performing team, providing direction, support, and professional development opportunities.
* Foster an inclusive and collaborative working environment.
5. Ministerial Support and Briefing :
* Prepare high-quality briefing materials, submissions, and presentations for ministers and senior officials.
* Provide timely and informed advice, ensuring alignment with wider government priorities.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation :
* Establish mechanisms to track the impact of the strategy and adapt policy interventions as required.
* Ensure the strategy is underpinned by robust data and evidence.
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