Chancellor Rachel Reeves has appointed Katie Martin as the Treasury’s business adviser, with the direct ministerial appointment taking effect today, 12 January 2026. According to HM Treasury, Martin will work with Reeves and Treasury ministers to deepen engagement with business leaders across the UK.

The role will be carried out four days a week on an unpaid basis for an initial 12‑month term. Officials say established processes for declaring and managing interests have been followed, and a one‑page Terms of Reference for the position has been published.

Martin previously served as the Chancellor’s Chief of Staff and has worked across the UK’s business and economic environment. The move signals an intent to make structured dialogue with companies a permanent feature of the growth programme rather than an ad‑hoc series of consultations.

In remarks accompanying the announcement, Reeves emphasised a genuine partnership with business to deliver the government’s plan for growth. The goal is clear: the Treasury wants quicker, clearer feedback on the obstacles that slow private investment and job creation.

Martin framed the brief around raising living standards through higher business investment and support for innovative firms in every region. She described the task as bridging the gap between government and the private sector so that practical problems can be resolved faster.

For corporates and SMEs, this points to more consistent access to officials and clearer follow‑through on issues such as planning timelines, grid connections, skills shortages, capital allowances and late payment. The test will be whether engagement leads to decisions, not just meetings.

For investors, the signal is that the Treasury wants a live view of investable projects and the specific changes that would bring spend forward ahead of spring fiscal decisions. If executed well, that could modestly improve the UK’s investment climate without waiting for major tax rewrites.

Governance will be in focus because the role sits inside the department. Publishing the Terms of Reference and managing conflicts transparently will be important to reassure businesses that access is broad‑based and merit‑driven rather than a closed shop.

Practical next step for finance leaders: arrive with numbers. Quantify pipeline projects on hold, the thresholds that would make them viable and the delivery timelines. Evidence‑rich cases travel faster through Whitehall, and this appointment is designed to make that route shorter.

Martin starts immediately. Over the coming months we will watch for signs that consultation converts into policy adjustments and delivery timetables. The measure of success is simple: more projects breaking ground and fewer investment decisions deferred.