New Appointment to Foster Entrepreneurial Growth
In a strategic move to enhance economic development leading up to the Autumn Budget, the government has announced the appointment of Alex Depledge MBE as Entrepreneurship Adviser to the Chancellor. This initiative complements previous efforts made to bolster entrepreneurs, which include increased funding for research and development as well as the extension of the Enterprise Investment Scheme and Venture Capital Trust schemes, aligning with the government’s overarching Plan for Change.
With this new role, entrepreneurs will have a direct line of communication with the government, allowing them to access additional expertise within the Treasury. Depledge will focus on identifying and addressing the significant barriers that businesses encounter when launching and scaling operations in the UK.
Focus on Business Barriers and Economic Growth
The reduction of obstacles for entrepreneurs, businesses, and investors is a crucial element in stimulating economic growth and fulfilling the government’s objectives as outlined in the Plan for Change. Alex Depledge comes with a wealth of experience in entrepreneurship, having successfully established multiple businesses, including Resi and Helpling, previously known as Hassle.com. Her firsthand knowledge of the challenges involved in building successful enterprises will enable her to provide invaluable insights aimed at fostering future business growth.
The government has already undertaken significant measures to support start-ups since assuming office. Notably, the Enterprise Investment Scheme and Venture Capital Trust schemes have been extended until 2035, and research and development funding has been raised to £22.6 billion annually by 2029/30. Such initiatives are designed to assist innovative businesses in expanding, thus allowing them to invest in new staff and ultimately increasing the disposable income of working individuals.
Chancellor’s Commitment to Innovation
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, emphasised the importance of start-ups and small businesses in driving innovation across the UK. She stated, “These enterprises are vital for sustaining Britain’s growth and delivering upon our Plan for Change.” With a notable density of scale-ups within the UK compared to other G7 nations, the Chancellor expressed optimism about the contributions that Alex’s experience in building successful businesses will bring to the government’s efforts.
Alex Depledge’s Vision for the Future
Expressing her enthusiasm for her new appointment, Alex Depledge remarked, “I’m honoured to be appointed as the Chancellor’s first-ever Entrepreneurship Advisor. This groundbreaking role places high-growth businesses at the forefront of economic strategy.” She highlighted the unprecedented nature of her position, asserting that it reflects a strong governmental commitment to support the scale-ups and innovators propelling the UK’s economy forward.
With over 34,000 scale-ups in the UK, representing a mere 0.6% of SMEs yet contributing an impressive £1.4 trillion in turnover, these businesses are responsible for 55% of all SME revenues. Depledge sees this as an opportunity to redefine how support is provided to entrepreneurs, ensuring that the full potential of these enterprises is realised.
Future Directions and Terms of Reference
The Terms of Reference for this appointment detail the scope of Depledge’s responsibilities and can be accessed via a provided link. Additionally, it is noteworthy that on 24 August 2026, Alex Depledge MBE was re-appointed by the Chancellor as Entrepreneurship Advisor to the Treasury, with updated Terms of Reference available for review.