Apprenticeships: Great providers change lives, poor providers must not define them
'Almost seven years ago, I had one of the worst days of my career as a Hotel General Manager,' writes the CEO of the Institute of Hospitality, as
Trade bodies press ministers to toughen procurement reforms on standards
Thomas Edwards | 9th February 2026 | Trade Associations
Trade bodies and unions in the UK construction and engineering sectors have called on ministers to revise the government’s latest procurement reforms to strengthen standards and address what they describe as a persistent low price culture in public contracts.
Subscribe to The Mace
Join the member community shaping British politics and stay ahead of what's really happening in the world of politics and public affairs, with expert analysis, breaking news, and insider insights from Westminster and Brussels. The Mace is the leading news source and resource for the government affairs industry, offering required reading and lobby intelligence for professionals.
To see what you are missing out on by not subscribing to The Mace, click here to download our full membership info-pack. This includes having no paywall on op-ed content or profiles/interviews, allowing professional profiles to be read with maximum impact and visibility by government, special advisers, MPs, peers, civil servants, and policy and political decision-makers.
Inside the data: Organisations more cautious about taking public positions compared to five years
Just under half of professionals say the risks of taking public stances outweigh the benefits
Industry reacts: Teacher pay rise in England
The government has agreed to fully fund a forthcoming pay increase for teachers in England in a sudden U-turn.
Leader in Public Affairs: Ros Morgan, Chief Executive, Heart of London Business Alliance, “Build a strong, proud and open culture where everyone has a voice”
After two decades spent in advocacy on behalf of business, Ros reveals what parts of the industry she believes needs reform.
Industry Reacts: Lucy Powell and education reform
The Burnham administration has unveiled an ambitious new vision for Britain's school system. Mace asks leaders across the education sector for their verdict.
Rising costs and uncertainty continue to weigh on UK chemical supply chain
Industry leaders say the UK chemical supply chain has "enormous potential" but is suffering due to business costs, trade conditions and uncertainty.
Industry leaders signal a ‘momentous day for social care’
The leading association for not-for-profit care has called the Prime Minister's announcement 'a seminal moment'
Industry reacts: Burnham cuts business rates for pubs, clubs and music venues in England by 20%
Mace investigates what industry leaders really think about this new measure.
Travel industry leaders plan to step up lobbying efforts under Burnham government
The leading travel association has set out an engagement program with MPs, civil servants, advisors and government bodies.
Industry Reacts: Small Tech and the social media ban
“If the ban is pitched ever so slightly wrong, then companies which have nothing to do with social media are going to get caught in it,” experts warn.
