Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)

Overview

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) was a UK government department that played a crucial role in shaping and managing various aspects of business and innovation policy within the United Kingdom. It was responsible for areas including consumer and competition policy, company legislation, employment law, science and research, higher education, and adult learning.

History

The department was established in 2009 through the merger of two earlier entities:

The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR)
The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS)

The intention behind this merger was to consolidate the UK’s efforts in fostering business growth and innovation into one single, more efficient entity.

Main Responsibilities

Consumer and Competition Policy: BIS developed policies aimed at protecting consumers and ensuring fair competition within the marketplace.
Company Legislation: The department was responsible for the legislative framework that governs companies in the UK.
Employment Law: BIS put forth and maintained laws related to employment, including workers’ rights and employer responsibilities.
Science and Research: The department supported scientific research and innovation, providing funding and creating policies to encourage advancements.
Higher Education and Adult Learning: BIS guided policies related to universities and adult education, ensuring the provision and quality of higher education.

Key Initiatives

Several notable initiatives were introduced and managed by BIS, including programs to back small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), funding for research and innovation projects, and policies to improve the UK’s higher education landscape.

Examples

Enterprise Finance Scheme: A program designed to help SMEs obtain financing when they had difficulty accessing conventional lending.
Research Councils UK (RCUK): BIS oversaw the research councils that coordinated efforts to fund and support essential research and development across various scientific fields.
“Skills for Growth” Program: A strategy focused on improving workforce skills through adult learning and vocational training courses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What was BIS? BIS stood for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, a UK government department responsible for areas such as business regulation, higher education, and employment law.

Q2. When was BIS formed? BIS was formed in 2009 from the merger of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS).

Q3. What were the main responsibilities of BIS? The department oversaw consumer and competition policy, company legislation, employment law, science and research, higher education, and adult learning.

Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR): One of the predecessor departments to BIS, focusing on business and regulatory policies.
Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS): The other department merged to form BIS, responsible for higher education and scientific research.
Consumer Policy: Guidelines and regulations aimed at protecting consumers’ rights.
Competition Policy: Policies designed to promote fair competition in the economy.
Employment Law: Regulations that govern the relationship between employers and employees.

Online References

Government Overview of BIS

Suggested Books for Further Studies

“The Business Environment” by Ian Worthington and Chris Britton: Explores the different elements that shape the business environment including policy and innovation.
“Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Practice and Principles” by Peter F. Drucker: Discusses the fundamentals of innovation within businesses.
“UK Employment Law Handbook” by Daniel Barnett: Provides an extensive overview of employment laws within the UK.

Accounting Basics: “Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)” Fundamentals Quiz

### What was the primary role of BIS? - [ ] Overseeing all revenues of the UK government. - [x] Managing consumer and competition policy, company legislation, employment law, science and research, higher education, and adult learning. - [ ] Handling public health-related services. - [ ] Regulating international trade exclusively. > **Explanation:** BIS (Department for Business, Innovation and Skills) managed a broad portfolio including consumer policy, business legislation, employment laws, and educational aspects like universities and adult learning. ### When was BIS established? - [ ] 2005 - [ ] 2007 - [x] 2009 - [ ] 2011 > **Explanation:** BIS was established in 2009 from a merger of two existing departments, BERR and DIUS. ### What was BERR concerned with before merging into BIS? - [ ] Public healthcare. - [ ] Foreign policies. - [x] Business, enterprise, and regulatory reform. - [ ] Military services. > **Explanation:** BERR stood for the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, which focused on business-related policies. ### What area did DIUS focus on before the merger? - [ ] Agriculture. - [ ] Transportation. - [ ] Primary Education. - [x] Higher education and scientific research. > **Explanation:** The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) focused primarily on higher education and research. ### Which entity does BIS fall under? - [ ] The Scottish Parliament. - [ ] The European Union Parliament. - [x] The UK Government. - [ ] The Commonwealth Secretariat. > **Explanation:** BIS is part of the UK Government, responsible for policies within its scope of duties. ### Which area was not directly under BIS’s responsibility? - [ ] Company legislation. - [x] Public healthcare. - [ ] Employment law. - [ ] Consumer policy. > **Explanation:** Public healthcare is managed by other departments such as the Department of Health and Social Care. ### The Enterprise Finance Scheme was a BIS program aimed at? - [ ] Large enterprises exclusively. - [ ] Public hospitals. - [x] Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). - [ ] Primary schools. > **Explanation:** The Enterprise Finance Scheme was designed to support SMEs in obtaining financing. ### Which department provides oversight for educational research councils that BIS managed? - [ ] Department for Work and Pensions. - [ ] Home Office. - [x] Research Councils UK (RCUK). - [ ] HM Treasury. > **Explanation:** BIS managed the councils registered under Research Councils UK, which coordinate research funding. ### What was a primary focus of the “Skills for Growth” program overseen by BIS? - [ ] Building luxury accommodations. - [ ] Military training. - [ ] Media and arts awards. - [x] Adult education and vocational training. > **Explanation:** "Skills for Growth" aimed to enhance adult education and vocational training, improving workforce skills. ### What is one key book suggested for further studies on BIS's topics? - [ ] *"Heart Surgery Basics"* - [x] *"The Business Environment"* by Ian Worthington and Chris Britton - [ ] *"Farming Techniques for Beginners"* - [ ] *"Top 10 Recipes"* > **Explanation:** *"The Business Environment"* by Ian Worthington and Chris Britton is recommended for comprehensive understanding.

Thank you for diving into the intricacies of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). We hope these resources and quizzes help you gain valuable insights into its significance and responsibilities!