On 8 September 2026 the Cabinet Secretary, with the approval of the Prime Minister, appointed Cat Little as the new Permanent Secretary of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST), ending the interim leadership of Amanda Brooks.
Appointment details
The official GOV.UK announcement confirms that Little is currently the Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Office and the Civil Service Chief Operating Officer. Her move follows an internal recruitment exercise chaired by the independent First Civil Service Commissioner and approved at the highest level of government.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Appointment date | 8 September 2026 |
| Current role of Cat Little | Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office and Civil Service Chief Operating Officer |
| Interim leader replaced | Amanda Brooks |
| Source: GOV.UK – Cat Little appointed as new Permanent Secretary, Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade | |
Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Jonathan Reynolds thanked Amanda Brooks for her leadership during the interim period, underscoring the department’s continuity.
Implications for UK trade policy
BIST is the government department that shapes the UK’s trade agenda, supports export‑focused businesses and drives innovation policy. A permanent secretary with extensive civil‑service experience, especially as the Cabinet Office COO, brings a managerial perspective that could reinforce the department’s strategic priorities.
Little’s background includes senior roles at HM Treasury, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Defence. While the announcement does not spell out her policy agenda, her experience suggests a focus on cross‑departmental coordination and operational efficiency – factors that can affect how trade negotiations are prepared and how export‑promotion programmes are delivered.
For UK exporters, the change may mean a steadier implementation of existing trade initiatives, as the department avoids the disruption that can accompany a prolonged interim leadership. The continuity signalled by the Prime Minister’s approval and the First Civil Service Commissioner’s oversight reduces the risk of abrupt policy shifts during a period when the UK is finalising trade agreements with the EU and pursuing new deals globally.
Industry observers will watch how Little works with the Secretary of State and the trade negotiators. Her civil‑service chief operating role implies she will be involved in streamlining internal processes, potentially accelerating the rollout of support schemes for small‑ and medium‑sized enterprises seeking to expand overseas.
What remains unknown
- The specific policy priorities Little will champion in her first months are not detailed in the announcement.
- How quickly any organisational reforms she may propose will be implemented remains unclear.
- There is no public comment on whether the appointment will affect ongoing trade talks with the EU or other partners.
These gaps mean businesses should continue to monitor BIST communications for any guidance on export assistance, regulatory changes or funding programmes that could affect their operations.
In summary, Cat Little’s appointment provides a clear line of succession for BIST, preserving the department’s strategic direction at a time when the UK’s trade policy is under intense scrutiny. While the exact impact on policy will unfold over the coming months, the appointment signals continuity and a managerial focus that could benefit firms looking to navigate the post‑Brexit trade landscape.