Members of new government Small Business Council to be published ‘in due course'

The government is to form a new Small Business Council next month to support SMEs across the UK.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) said the Council would provide a "bespoke forum" for small businesses seeking representation in government.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak launched a separate business council to hear the thoughts of sector leaders in July 2023, but did not include any representatives from the hospitality industry.

The only members from the food and drink sector were Diageo, which is behind brands including Guinness and Smirnoff, and Sainsbury's.

A spokesperson for the DBT told The Caterer the full list of participating members in the new Small Business Council would be released "in due course".

As well as forming the Council, the government has launched itss Help to Grow campaign and website, as announced in the Autumn Statement. SMEs "from all sectors" will be able to access the resources, which include 12-week programmes to improve leadership and management skills.

UKHospitality has been contacted for comment.