The UK government unveiled its first post-Brexit Trade Strategy on Thursday, June 26, 2025, aiming to unlock £5 billion in new opportunities for British businesses and significantly expand UK Export Finance (UKEF) capacity to £80 billion. The ambitious plan marks a decisive shift toward faster, more targeted trade deals and a renewed emphasis on services and high-growth sectors, promising to reshape the landscape for exporters across the United Kingdom, including Wales.
At the heart of the strategy lies a commitment to agility and precision. Departing from broad and slower trade agreements of the past, the government intends to deliver quicker wins for exporters by focusing on sector-specific deals. This approach aims to help companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), tap into new markets with confidence and speed.
Welsh businesses stand to benefit substantially from the new framework. A flagship initiative, the Small Exports Builder scheme, will enhance access to export insurance and finance for SMEs, addressing long-standing barriers to international trade. Additionally, UKEF’s increased lending capacity offers up to £13 billion in direct support to key industries, a vital boost for Welsh firms with existing overseas clients. The strategy also streamlines repeat orders from international buyers, a critical improvement for companies in Wales that rely on steady export relationships.
Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, underscored the importance of these measures, stating, “We are focusing on sector-specific deals that will help Welsh businesses expand into new markets with confidence. This is a vital step in raising living standards across Wales and delivering on our Plan for Change.” Her remarks highlight the government’s intention to ensure that the benefits of expanded trade reach communities beyond London and the South East.
The strategy also capitalizes on the UK’s existing strength as the world’s second-largest exporter of services. It sets out plans to pursue mutual recognition of professional qualifications and implement digital trade reforms designed to ease cross-border transactions. This focus on services is complemented by a commitment to deepen green energy cooperation with countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Norway, while exploring emerging markets like Brazil and the Philippines.
Recognizing the challenges posed by unfair trade practices, the government pledges to make the UK’s trade remedies system more agile and accountable. A notable policy update includes replacing the current steel safeguard measure, set to expire in 2026, with a new framework developed in consultation with industry stakeholders and unions. Jonathan Reynolds, Business and Trade Secretary, emphasized the strategy’s practical orientation, saying, “We’re sharpening our trade defence and pursuing deals that focus on sectors driving the most growth. This is trade policy fit for the real world.”
Industry leaders have welcomed the new strategy. Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, described it as “a clear, evidence-based approach” capable of generating economic growth across every UK region. Mike Hawes, CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), added, “Balanced trading relationships that break down tariffs and barriers will help us get British vehicles into global markets, boosting jobs and prosperity.” Such endorsements reflect the broad support among businesses eager for a trade policy that delivers tangible benefits.
The Trade Strategy builds upon recent international agreements that have already set the stage for economic expansion. The deal with India, expected to add £4.8 billion to the UK economy, features significant tariff reductions that open new avenues for exporters. Meanwhile, the agreement with the United States—the only trade deal signed under the current US administration—safeguards jobs in critical manufacturing sectors such as automotive and aerospace. The accord with the European Union eases restrictions on food and pet travel, alleviating some of the trade disruptions caused by Brexit.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer framed the strategy as a cornerstone of the government’s broader Plan for Change, emphasizing its role in helping firms “sell more, grow faster, and compete globally.” The strategy’s publication coincides with the release of the Global Trade Outlook 2025, which provides insights into the trends shaping international commerce in the coming years.
While the Trade Strategy promises a bright horizon, some Welsh businesses are currently grappling with immediate challenges. On June 25, 2025, thousands of customers of Three UK, including many in Wales, experienced a widespread network outage affecting voice calls. The disruption, beginning around 7:45 a.m., impacted not only Three’s direct users but also customers of networks reliant on Three’s infrastructure, such as Smarty and ID Mobile.
The outage severely hindered communication for Welsh businesses, causing delays, missed appointments, and operational interruptions. Customer-facing enterprises, remote workers, and service providers reported difficulties reaching clients, suppliers, and colleagues. Social media buzzed with frustration, as many business owners questioned network reliability and contemplated switching providers to avoid future disruptions.
Three UK confirmed that data services like 4G and 5G remained operational, advising customers to use internet-based apps such as WhatsApp, Teams, or Zoom as temporary alternatives. Emergency calls (999) continued to function, but the outage rekindled concerns about the robustness of emergency communication networks, especially following a similar incident in January that had briefly disrupted such services. Three UK issued an apology and stated that engineers were working urgently to resolve the problem, though no specific timeline was given.
Meanwhile, looking ahead to regulatory changes, Companies House announced major reforms to the filing of annual accounts, effective April 1, 2027. From that date, all companies must submit their accounts digitally using commercial software, discontinuing paper and web-based filings. This change is part of reforms introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, aimed at enhancing data accuracy, reducing processing times, and improving fraud detection.
Companies House highlighted that small and micro-entity firms will be required to submit profit and loss accounts publicly, increasing transparency and confidence among trade credit lenders. Businesses are encouraged to prepare early for the transition, which includes changes to audit exemptions and accounting reference periods. Guidance is available on the GOV.UK website, and companies are advised to consult with accountants or software providers to ensure compliance.
In a parallel development, the Welsh Government is pushing to unlock a £4.8 billion opportunity for local businesses and ports through offshore wind energy. The Offshore Wind Task and Finish Group Action Plan, published on May 24, 2025, outlines how Wales could harness over 15GW of offshore wind power, focusing on floating wind farms in the Celtic Sea. This area, lying off the Pembrokeshire coast, is poised to become a hub of renewable energy activity.
Two companies have already secured rights to develop 3GW of floating wind farms, with a third site leased by the Crown Estate, bringing total capacity to 4.5GW. Local infrastructure, especially the port at Milford Haven, is expected to play a pivotal role in manufacturing, assembly, and servicing for the sector. The Welsh Ports Prospectus aims to attract large engineering contractors and anchor supply chain activity locally.
Ajai Ahluwalia, Head of Supply Chain for RenewableUK, emphasized the economic stakes: “Over the next decade alone, £32 billion in economic value is at stake, including a £4.8 billion opportunity for Welsh businesses and more than 3,000 skilled jobs.” The plan calls for stronger planning frameworks, long-term leasing visibility, and a dedicated Welsh Government team to oversee delivery. Local authorities, including Pembrokeshire Council, have expressed strong support for renewable energy expansion, advocating for investment in skills and infrastructure to ensure the region fully benefits from the green transition.
As the UK charts a new course in trade, technology, and energy, these developments signal a transformative period for Welsh businesses and communities. The government’s focus on practical, sector-specific deals and investment in green industries aligns with broader economic goals, while addressing immediate challenges like communication outages and regulatory changes remains crucial for sustaining growth and resilience.
