Tuesday 2 August 2016

Greg Clark: Strategy in BEIS department is vital

Greg Clark has said the aspect of strategy in his new business, energy and industrial department is vital.

The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) elaborated on what strategy really means - the importance of long term, predictable and sustained policies to foster an environment in which businesses can start, develop and prosper.

BEIS was formed as part of Prime Minister Theresa May's Cabinet reshuffle and major departmental shake-up last month.

Mr Clark said: "When I met the Prime Minister it was clear that this was her personal vision. It’s an important moment when we have explicit recognition that the government should deliberately take a strategic approach to business and the economy.

"I am thrilled to have been asked by the Prime Minister to lead a new department, combining the strengths of energy, climate, science, research, business and enterprise, with an explicit responsibility for industrial strategy."

He stressed the importance of the UK's climate change commitments, which he believes have "driven the growth of our renewables sector, including the hugely important £1 billion Siemens investment in Hull".

He also suggested a successful strategy will need the full participation of everyone involved in business, research, science and innovation.

Mr Clark added the importance of the government not interfering in expert judgements and instead "allowing institutions and the environment that allows [scientific] excellence to flourish".

He stated: "I and my ministers will be active and energetic in meeting you and helping you express what you need from the government, whether that is an active involvement or staying out of the way."

The new BEIS ministers were announced yesterday.