Announcements and Calls for Evidence:

Government orders that public spending must back British jobs and skills in every postcode
Government backs industry to create new British jobs and support local communities with new weighting in public contracts.
First published.

Global Talent visa expanded to attract world's brightest researchers to power British innovation

More than 100 innovative research companies can now support the world’s brightest researchers to come and work in the UK through the Global Talent visa.

First published.

Major broadband boost for over 60,000 rural homes and businesses in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

Over 60,000 homes and businesses across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire now have access to faster broadband through Project Gigabit, improving connectivity for work, study and everyday life.

First published.

Venture capital access expanded for early-stage companies in UK

Intention to invest £100 million through British Business Bank’s Investor Pathways Capital Initiative to boost growth in every postcode.

First published.

 

Designated standards

 

Designated standards: PPE

Notices of publication and a consolidated list for designated standards for personal protective equipment (PPE).

Notice of publication amended and consolidated list updated.

 

Regulations, Compliance, Supply Chains, Procurement, and reporting requirements

 

UK-Norway Lunna House Agreement on Defence

A joint statement on the objectives of the Defence partnership between Norway and the United Kingdom.

First published

 

Goods Movement

 

HMRC email updates, videos and webinars about importing and exporting

Page summary:
Learn about about importing and exporting goods.

Change made:
A video about the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has been added.

Update on Holyhead and Sevington Inland Border Facilities (IBFs)

Please find attached an update on future customs infrastructure arrangements at Sevington and Holyhead.  

HMRC colleagues are interested in hearing from businesses with Authorised Consignor and/or Authorised Consignee status and those that rely on port or inland facilities to start or end transit movements.

We are keen to engage directly with affected businesses on a one-to-one basis. If you are interested in taking part please contact transitpolicymailbox@hmrc.gov.uk.

 

Trade, export, and UK investment

 

Trade remedies notices: anti-dumping duty on cold-rolled iron and steel products from China and Russia (expired)

Trade remedies notices published by the Secretary of State for International Trade relating to the anti-dumping duty on cold-rolled iron and steel products from China and Russia. (expired)

On 5 August 2026, the anti-dumping cold rolled flat steel products expired. Trade remedies notice 2022/04 has been updated to reflect this.

 

TRA initiates new S-PVC dumping investigation

The TRA has initiated a new dumping investigation into imports of S-PVC from China, Mexico, and South Korea.

First published.

 

TRA opens new safeguard investigation into PET

The TRA has initiated a new safeguard investigation into imports of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

First published.

 

e-Commerce/Digital

 

Delegations and Events

Great British Pitch Event 8th September
 

The Great British Pitch USA is an upcoming live-streamed export event on 8 September 2026 in central London, connecting UK small businesses with American buyers. Organised by Small Business Britain and DBIST the programme gives about 50 small firms a platform to expand internationally.

 

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, 8 September 2026
Location: Central London
Target Sectors: Food & Drink, Consumer Goods, and Retail
Capacity: Approximately 50 UK small businesses
What to Expect

Live Pitches: Direct virtual pitching to industry-aligned US buyers via livestream.
Support & Training: Preparation guidance, mentorship, and workshops from international trade experts.
Networking: Access to a dedicated reception event and peer connections with other growing brands.
Registration: Business owners can sign up and find further details through the Great British Pitch Official Site.
 

EVENT: British Beauty Week: 12th – 25th October
 

British Beauty Week returns this October 2026, shining a spotlight on The Impact of Beauty. Taking place over two weeks, this nationwide celebration brings together industry leaders, innovators, policymakers, brands and consumers to explore and champion beauty's social, economic and cultural influence.

At the heart of the programme is the Industry Day, taking place on Monday 12 October 2026 at the iconic 60 Great Queen Street, Covent Garden, London. Designed to inspire collaboration, spark new ideas and showcase innovation, the event offers a unique opportunity to connect with the people shaping the future of the beauty industry.

The day will feature an engaging programme of Panel Talk Sessions, Live Demonstrations, a Business Impact Zone and immersive Brand Activations. 

Tickets for the Industry Day are now available, here.

 

TRADE MISSION: BIST China Digital Commerce Trade Mission: November 2026
 

This November, BIST is leading a unique trade mission to China designed to help ambitious UK brands unlock opportunities in the world's largest ecommerce market. Combining a series of expert-led digital masterclasses with a five-day in-market programme across Shanghai, Hangzhou and Beijing, the mission will provide participants with practical insights into China's fast-moving digital retail ecosystem, from social commerce and livestreaming to the country's dominant ecommerce platforms. Delegates will gain first-hand knowledge of how to successfully enter and grow in one of the world's most dynamic consumer markets.

Participants will meet leading platforms including Tmall Global, JD.com, Douyin and Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), visit a live-streaming studio and cross-border fulfilment centre, and build valuable relationships with commercial partners, agencies and key opinion leaders (KOLs). 

Aimed at experienced exporters in the lifestyle, beauty and wellness, fashion accessories, and premium food and drink sectors, the programme is designed to equip senior decision-makers with the knowledge, connections and market-entry strategy needed to accelerate growth in China. 

Register now to apply for this opportunity.

 

TRADE MISSION: BIST Exhibit at Cosmoprof Miami: January 2027
 

 BIST are delighted to invite EOI’s from British Beauty Companies to exhibit at Cosmoprof Miami. We will be taking a 20 strong delegation of companies from across the sector to exhibit on a DBT stand.

The show provides unprecedented opportunity to engage with buyers across the Americas. Miami is the gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean and a hub for travel retail and BIST is engaging with post teams and stakeholders from across this network to ensure we create as much opportunity as possible for the delegation with exciting wraparound activity and workshops on market entry. We will also host a networking reception.

Register now to apply for this opportunity. Registration closes 14th August.

 

Marketplace updates

 

Ulta Beauty Marketplace
 We recently launched a partnership with Ulta Beauty Markeplace.Ulta Beauty is the largest specialty beauty retailer in the USA, with 46M+ loyalty members, ~$2B annual ecommerce revenue, 1500+ stores, and 20 million mobile app users. 

Ulta Beauty Marketplace is a curated, invitation-only platform that enables selected third party brands to reach Ulta customers with brand-led listings and potential progression into broader omnichannel opportunities over time - making

this a standout route for UK beauty and wellness brands looking to enter or scale in our biggest export market.

 Seller requirements
- US-based warehouse
- US bank account and entity
- GS1 certified UPCs

We have partners that can help companies achieve the above requirements. If you are interested - even if you do not have all the above in place - please email digital-exporting@businessandtrade.gov.uk.

 

Other

 

UpperClash Networking event on International expansion – 9th September
Upperclash London run helpful sessions on  international expansion, they have a VC joining them on September 9th, presenting, and sharing how they've seen brands in their portfolio fare with international expansion.
Details here: https://upperclash.com/events/global-prudence

 

Sanctions

 

The UK Sanctions List
Find out which people, entities and ships are designated or specified under regulations made under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018, and why.
Added 13 new designations and 6 new specifications under the Russia sanctions regime.

 

 

CMA updates

 

Aldi and Lidl should be subject to the same rules as major supermarkets
CMA proposes that Aldi and Lidl should be covered by the same land agreement rules as the UK’s largest supermarkets to ensure customers get the best choice of where to shop.

First published.

 

Innovation

 

BIC Innovation Grant Sunderland

Offers grants of 40% contribution towards innovative projects valued between £5,000 and £25,000.

First published.

 

Skills, employment, and training

 

Apprenticeships: off-the-job training

How employers and training providers should meet the off-the-job training requirements for an apprenticeship

Updated the off-the-job training documents to align with the 2026 to 2027 apprenticeship funding rules.

 

Implementing the Plan to Make Work Pay and Employment Rights Act

The updated implementation timeline for the government’s Plan to Make Work Pay and the Employment Rights Act 2025.

‘Plan to Make Work Pay and Employment Rights Act: timeline update’ updated to confirm that electronic and workplace balloting for statutory trade union ballots will take effect on 25 August 2026