BHETA Lobbying

BHETA is campaigning for greater Government support for UK ceramics manufacturers facing exceptionally high industrial energy costs and global competition. Following BHETA's direct representations and wider industry campaigning led by Ceramics UK, Government announced a £120 million ceramics support package in May 2026, including household ceramics.

BHETA is campaigning for a simpler and more effective UK design rights system that enables suppliers to protect their investment in product development. Our response to the Government's major review calls for affordable enforcement for SMEs, protection against overseas and online copying, strong unregistered design rights and clear rules for AI-assisted design.

BHETA is working with Government to ensure knife-crime measures are effective, evidence-based and proportionate. It has secured important progress, including reassurance on pointed-tip kitchen knives, a review of ordinary cutlery, and exemptions from bulk-sale reporting. BHETA continues engaging on proposed knife-sales licensing, advocating practical regulation that protects legitimate businesses while targeting irresponsible sales.

BHETA is working with Export Partners UK to secure stronger, practical Government support for SMEs, including trade-show funding, overseas networks and reduced barriers. The campaign promotes closer Government-industry collaboration and will continue through a House of Lords reception in November 2026.

BHETA has actively supported Family Business UK's campaign against changes to Business Property Relief, mobilising members and adding our industries' voice to the national campaign. Following sustained pressure, Government increased the proposed 100% BPR threshold from £1m to £2.5m and made unused allowances transferable between spouses – potentially protecting up to £5m of qualifying family-business assets. BHETA continues to support FBUK's campaign for further reform.

BHETA is leading a campaign to address the inequity between heavily regulated UK producers and overseas sellers who often bypass controls by shipping products in small parcels directly to consumers. With a significant increase in small D2C imports that largely evade Border Force checks, the situation has led to consumer safety risks, substantial tax revenue losses, and unfair competition for UK producers.

BHETA is leading a campaign to secure exemptions from age verification requirements in the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 for non-dangerous items, as the Home Office prepares to update the Crime & Policing Bill in Spring 2025. Since 2021, the organization has actively lobbied on this issue, including a productive meeting with Home Office civil servants in 2022.