Active trade policy must not only support the economy, but also other key objectives such as the transition to a net-zero economy, skills development, and supporting small businesses. Achieving this requires a coordinated and integrated government approach, as no single department can address all of these objectives alone.
Stakeholders have highlighted that government departments often fail to communicate and collaborate effectively, a problem that has become more acute during recent times of economic uncertainty. To successfully support UK policy objectives through trade, the government must ensure that all departments work together in a cohesive and efficient manner.