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The partnership is part of the UK government’s plans to reduce the cost and complexity of doing business, while helping companies start, grow and invest more easily.

Businesses currently have to use a wide range of government websites and services to manage different aspects of running a company. Information can be spread across multiple pages and organisations, meaning people often have to search for guidance several times and use more than one account.

For someone starting a business, this could involve finding advice on setting up a company, registering as a sole trader or limited company, arranging financial accounts, understanding employment rules and meeting ongoing regulatory requirements.

Research carried out by GDS and BIST has identified at least 160 services connected to business.

The aim is to create a more consistent and personalised experience for businesses through GOV.UK.

Instead of having to work out which government department or service they need, businesses should eventually have a clearer starting point and better guidance on what to do next.

The improved experience could also help businesses find funding opportunities, access specialist expertise and connect with professional networks. A more consistent approach could reduce duplication and make government services easier and safer to use.

The work also supports wider efforts to cut administrative burdens on businesses. The government has committed to reducing these burdens by 25%, equivalent to £5.6 billion, by the end of the current Parliament.

A new GDS team has been established to lead work on improving online interactions between businesses and government.

Rather than introducing a single large-scale change, the programme will be delivered in stages. The team plans to carry out extensive research with businesses and use those findings to develop and test new products and services.

Early improvements could include changes to GOV.UK content that make existing information easier to find and understand.

The team will also work closely with organisations including HMRC and Companies House, drawing on BIST’s relationships with businesses and GDS’s digital transformation expertise.

The programme will continue to develop through testing, research and collaboration with businesses and government stakeholders.

Future areas of work could include links with the government’s Smart Data agenda, stronger fraud prevention measures and learning from how other countries provide digital services to businesses.

Further details on the programme’s roadmap and opportunities for businesses to get involved are expected in the coming months.