Nathan Holt

Head of Competition Strategy (HM Treasury) | Government & Public Affairs | UK–EU Trade, Competition & International Economic Policy

Gravesend, England, United Kingdom

About

Senior Policy Adviser at HM Treasury specialising in UK–EU economic and regulatory policy, with experience operating at across complex international negotiations / domestic decision making. I work at the intersection of government, regulation and business—leading cross-government coordination, advising ministers, and translating political and regulatory developments into clear strategic decisions and narratives. My experience includes leading HM Treasury’s role in the UK–EU Gibraltar negotiations (covering customs, VAT and excise), shaping strategy and briefing for the Chancellor’s international engagements, and leading alignment across UK departments, devolved governments and industry stakeholders. I have also led stakeholder engagement and communications approaches to support delivery of sensitive policy objectives.

Experience

  • HM Treasury (5 yrs 9 mos)
    • Head of Competition Strategy
      Jul 2026 - Present · 1 mo

    • Senior Policy Advisor
      Aug 2024 - Present · 2 yrs

      -Led briefing and drafted speaking material for the Chancellor ahead of Europe Cabinet Committee meetings and the UK–EU Summit (May 2025), shaping the UK’s narrative on economic growth and regulatory cooperation -Led development of HMT’s strategic approach to EU goods regulation, aligning cross-government views to inform the UK’s position on regulatory alignment and trade frictions -Covered as Press Secretary to the Economic Secretary to the Treasury ahead of Mansion House 2025, managing media engagement, handling press queries and shaping proactive communications with external outlets -Led cross-government alignment across departments, devolved governments and industry stakeholders, ensuring a coherent UK position in a politically sensitive environment -Established and led a junior staff forum to improve internal engagement and feedback into senior leadership, alongside line management of a junior official

    • Policy Advisor
      Oct 2022 - Jul 2024 · 1 yr 10 mos

      -Led HMT’s customs policy input into the UK–EU Gibraltar negotiations, shaping proposals on goods movements, VAT and excise to support a deliverable agreement balancing economic and political considerations -Advised Ministers on options to resolve a €2.6bn customs infraction case, analysing trade-offs and value for money to inform decision-making -Co-led the UK secretariat for the Trade Specialised Committee on Rules of Origin and Customs, engaging across HMT, DEFRA, DBT, FCDO and UKMis, as well as external stakeholders, to support effective UK–EU engagement -Covered as Assistant Private Secretary to the Financial Secretary to the Treasury ahead of Autumn Statement 2023, supporting ministerial priorities at pace -Designed and delivered directorate engagement sessions, strengthening internal communication and supporting alignment on strategic priorities

  • Online Shopping Assisstant at Sainsbury's
    Jul 2020 - Nov 2020 · 5 mos

    -Delivered high-volume online order fulfilment in a fast-paced environment, consistently meeting performance targets during peak COVID-19 demand

  • Operations Partner at John Lewis & Partners
    Oct 2019 - Jan 2020 · 4 mos

    -Delivered customer-focused retail operations, supporting stock management, returns and shop floor efficiency in a high-demand environment