Overview

The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy was a senior United Kingdom cabinet position responsible for directing national policy on business growth, industrial strategy and energy. The holder led a ministerial department charged with supporting companies, promoting innovation, securing energy supplies and coordinating long‑term economic strategy across government.

Responsibilities and functions

The role combined a range of policy areas that affect the economy and infrastructure. Typical responsibilities included:

  • Formulating and implementing industrial strategy and measures to boost productivity and investment.
  • Overseeing energy policy, including energy security, supply resilience and the transition to low‑carbon power.
  • Supporting research, development and innovation to strengthen competitiveness.
  • Regulating aspects of markets, company law, competition and consumer protection linked to business activity.
  • Providing support for small and medium enterprises, skills development and business finance.

History and development

The office was created in July 2016 when the government merged the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Department of Energy and Climate Change into a single department that combined responsibilities for commerce and energy policy. This consolidation aimed to align industrial policy with energy and innovation priorities. In early 2023 the government's departmental structure was reorganised and the combined responsibilities were redistributed to newly formed departments focused separately on business and on energy and net‑zero objectives.

Importance and context

As a cabinet post, the Secretary played a central role in shaping policies that affect investment, jobs and the national transition to low‑carbon energy. Decisions taken at this level influenced regulation, public support for strategic sectors, and collaboration between government and industry on skills and research. The office worked closely with other departments on trade, transport, environment and finance to coordinate cross‑cutting economic measures.

Notable facts

  • The Secretary was appointed as a member of the Cabinet and, formally, by the Crown on the advice of the Prime Minister.
  • The post brought together responsibilities previously held by distinct ministers for business and for energy, reflecting a policy emphasis on industrial strategy.
  • As of October 2022 the post was held by Grant Shapps.

For official information about the ministerial role and its associated department, see the government pages: UK government and the department.