Department for Business and Trade
The Department for Business and Trade offers various services through their contact number, including general enquiries about services, policies, and business support. They also provide export support for UK-based businesses and handle Freedom of Information requests. Media enquiries can be directed to their press office. The phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 18:00, and on Saturdays from 09:00 to 13:00. Callers may experience long wait times during peak hours, particularly for export support. It is advisable to call during off-peak times or use online contact forms for quicker responses.
Updated 15 Dec 2025
Expected outcomes
- Answer policy questions
- Provide export advice
- Submit FOI requests
- Handle media enquiries
- Offer business support
Call preparation
Assemble everything before you dial. These requirements are verified by our call analysts and updated as organizations change their scripts.
- Business name
- Export query details
- FOI request details
- Media credentials
- Nature of enquiry
- Department name
Known issues
Callers to the Department for Business and Trade may occasionally face long wait times, especially during peak hours. To avoid this, it is recommended to call during off-peak times or use online contact forms. Additionally, the phone menu can be complex, leading to difficulties in reaching the correct department. To mitigate this, listen carefully to the menu prompts and have the department name ready. These issues are reported occasionally and can be managed with proper preparation and timing.
