Sajid Javid appointed secretary of state for business

Sajid Javid has been announced as the new secretary of state for business, innovation and skills.

Following the Conservatives’ majority win in last week’s General Election, Prime Minister David Cameron has been busy formalising his cabinet for the next Government.

The Bromsgrove-based MP is taking over the role from newly-appointed minister for cabinet office, Matthew Hancock.

Mr Javid recently served as the secretary of state for culture in 2014-15, as well as minister for equalities (2014), financial secretary to the Treasury (2013-14) and economic secretary (2012-13).

The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed (IPSE) has welcomed the appointment due to his “appreciation” of the importance of the UK’s SMEs to the national economy.

“Mr Javid has consistently shown an understanding and appreciation of the value of small businesses to the UK economy and we look forward to engaging with him on behalf of the UK’s four-and-a-half million self-employed,” said an IPSE spokesperson.

“We know Mr Javid cares passionately about improving the UK’s poor payment culture and we will actively engage with the new business secretary on the establishment of a small business conciliation service promised by the Conservative party in its manifesto.”

John Cridland, director general, Confederation of British Industry (CBI), believes Javid had been “an excellent treasury minister” and would be “a strong voice for business”.

“As an immediate step, we want the government to set out a clear business plan for its first 100 days, including getting the deficit down, finding new ways to deliver public services and committing to the Airports Commission’s final decision this summer,” added Cridland.

Former defence minister, Anna Soubry has also taken on a new cabinet role as the new minister for small business; a new role created as part of Mr Cameron’s cabinet reshuffle.

The Brixtowe-based Conservative MP and former journalist has formerly served as the minister of state for defence personnel, welfare and veterans and parliament under-secretary of state for public health.



Image: British High Commission, New Delhi

Date published 12 May 2015 | Last updated 12 May 2015