Business secretary Peter Mandelson has outlined the responsibilities of his ministerial team at the new Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).
BIS was created last week, merging the Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, as prime minister Gordon Brown pushed through his cabinet reshuffle.
Lord Mandelson said: “The government needs to provide active and urgent help to business and employees. Bringing together the strengths and capabilities of the two former departments will enable us to do that more effectively, ensuring British business can compete successfully in the future world economy.”
Some of the ministers share their responsibilities with other government departments.
Meanwhile, employment experts and business groups are concerned the introduction of a new department just two years after the creation of DIUS will lead to more confusion and bureaucracy in an already complex skills system.
BIS Ministerial Team – an overview
Peter Mandelson, first secretary of state, secretary of state for business, innovation and skills.
Overall responsibility for BIS.
Pat McFadden, cabinet minister for business, innovation and skills
Deputises for Mandelson on departmental business, with particular focus on Industrial Activism – New Industry, New Jobs.
Kevin Brennan, minister for further education, skills, apprenticeships and consumer affairs
Responsible for further education, apprenticeships, Adult Skills Agenda, engaging employers in skills including Train to Gain, National Skills Academies, Sector Skills Councils, UK Commission for Employment and Skills, LSC sponsorship, Skills Funding Agency set-up, competition policy, consumer affairs.
Lord Drayson, cabinet minister for science and innovation
Responsible for innovation, Technology Strategy Board, science policy and wealth creation from science.
Lord Davies, minister for trade, investment and business
Responsible for UK Trade & Investment and advising on business policy.
Baroness Vadera, minister for economic competitiveness, small business and enterprise
Responsible for competitiveness, enterprise, growth and business investment.
David Lammy, minister for higher education and intellectual property
Responsible for building strong relationships across the higher education sector and intellectual property issues.
Rosie Winterton, minister for regional economic development and co-ordination (attends cabinet when ministerial responsibilities are on the agenda)
Responsible for strengthening regional economies and Regional Development Agencies.
Ian Lucas, minister for business and regulatory reform
Responsible for business sectors (aerospace; marine and defence, automotive; chemicals; construction; manufacturing, materials and engineering; retail; services), and better regulation within BIS.
Lord Young, minister for postal affairs and employment relations
Responsible for postal affairs, employment relations, ACAS.
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Lord Carter, minister for communications, technology and broadcasting
Responsible for communications and content industries.
