Treasury Welcomes Its First-Ever Entrepreneurship Advisor to Boost Business Growth

New Role to Enhance Entrepreneurial Support Ahead of Autumn Budget

A significant addition to the government’s efforts to bolster economic growth has been made with the appointment of Alex Depledge MBE as the Chancellor’s Entrepreneurship Adviser. This initiative complements previous measures aimed at supporting entrepreneurs, including an increase in research and development funding and the extension of the Enterprise Investment Scheme and Venture Capital Trust schemes, all part of the government’s Plan for Change.

In her new role, Depledge will provide direct insight to the Chancellor regarding the entrepreneurial landscape in the UK. Her focus will be on identifying and addressing the primary challenges that businesses encounter as they seek to establish and expand their operations.

Streamlining Business Growth for a Thriving Economy

The government’s commitment to reducing obstacles for businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors is essential for fostering economic growth and fulfilling the objectives outlined in the Plan for Change. Depledge’s extensive experience in entrepreneurship will be invaluable as she advises on strategies to enhance support for emerging businesses.

Having successfully launched and developed multiple enterprises, including Resi and Helpling, Depledge is well-equipped to guide the government in its efforts to stimulate the growth of innovative businesses. Her insights will be crucial in enabling these companies to invest further and create new job opportunities, ultimately benefiting the workforce and the economy as a whole.

Chancellor Highlights the Importance of Start-ups

Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, emphasised the vital role of start-ups, scale-ups, and small businesses in driving innovation and sustaining economic growth. She noted that the UK boasts a remarkable concentration of successful start-ups and scale-ups, leading the G7 in terms of density.

Reeves expressed enthusiasm about Depledge’s appointment, stating that her experience in building successful enterprises from scratch will provide essential expertise to the government. The Chancellor anticipates a collaborative effort to further enhance the UK’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

A Historic Appointment for Entrepreneurs

Depledge expressed her gratitude for being appointed as the first-ever Entrepreneurship Adviser to the Chancellor, marking a significant milestone in prioritising high-growth businesses within economic policy. This unprecedented move underscores the government’s commitment to supporting scale-ups and innovators who drive the UK economy forward.

With over 34,000 scale-ups in the UK, which represent just 0.6% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) yet account for an impressive £1.4 trillion in turnover, Depledge sees an opportunity to reshape the support framework for entrepreneurs. She aims to ensure that the government capitalises on this potential to drive future growth.

Updated Terms of Reference for the Role

The Terms of Reference for Depledge’s appointment, which detail her responsibilities and objectives, are available for public access. Following her reappointment on 24 August 2026, the Terms of Reference were updated and can also be reviewed online.