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Investment by Newham Council to provide hundreds of temporary homes

A Stratford building has been purchased by Newham Council from a housing association to provide temporary accommodation for homeless people. Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham, approved the purchase of Brimstone House at Mayoral Proceedings last month. Over the next decade, the building will provide hundreds of temporary homes to residents who need them. The […]

Overseas mission: UK firms take ideas to Malaysia and Singapore

Ten UK firms with an expertise in connected cities visited South East Asia to pitch their ideas to businesses, investors and government. The delegation was warmly welcomed by both the Malaysian and Singaporean hosts, reinforcing the close government to government ties with the UK. Some of the most exciting British businesses developing technologies to improve […]

Government pledges to act on employment rules that could be stifling British innovation

Business Secretary Sajid Javid has announced plans to look into employment rules that could be stifling British entrepreneurship by preventing employees from starting up their own business after leaving a job. In a move designed to back even more small businesses and entrepreneurs across the country, the government is launching a call for evidence asking […]

New CCS agreement will help public sector process payments more efficiently

The Crown Commercial Service is delighted to announce the award of their new merchant acquiring services agreement. The agreement (RM3702) has been designed to help government and public sector organisations access the equipment and services they need to accept payments by debit and credit cards and other payment methods. Merchant acquiring services and equipment can […]

Forces Help to Buy loans £100m for new homes in first 2 years

The Government’s Forces Help to Buy scheme has celebrated its two year anniversary, as loans to service personnel have reached the £100m mark. The scheme allows military personnel to borrow up to half of their salary towards buying their first home or moving up the property ladder. Since its launch, more than 6,642 personnel have […]

Plans for more digital screens to be installed

More digital advertising screens are set to be installed on roads across Liverpool to generate significant income to support vital council services. A report to the Cabinet on Friday 22 April is recommending up to 19 screens are built on 16 routes around the city, in addition to the two which have already been installed […]

Digital divide among UK business is holding back the economy

A digital divide is opening up across the British economy, with just over half (55%) of “pioneer” firms adopting digital technologies and processes, while the other half (45%) are falling behind. This is according to new research by the CBI and IBM. Despite the UK taking top place globally for e-commerce and fifth place for […]

Grid-connected tidal energy centre approved

The MMO has approved an application for a grid-connected tidal energy development off the Isle of Wight coast. The application, from Perpetuus Tidal Energy Centre Ltd, includes activities relating to the construction and operation of a tidal energy centre approximately 2km offshore from St Catherine’s Point, Isle of Wight. Upon construction the development may export […]

UK-Pakistan Enhanced Strategic Dialogue statement

Mr Sartaj Aziz, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, visited London on 18-20 April to take forward the UK-Pakistan Enhanced Strategic Dialogue (ESD). The dialogue is a valuable mechanism for Pakistan and the UK to reaffirm their commitment to a strong partnership to increase prosperity, development and security in both countries. This collaboration […]

RPA to fast-track bridging payments

Bridging payments will be made to the 10% of farmers yet to receive their 2015 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) money in recognition of the cash flow pressures they are facing, the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) announced on Tuesday, 19 April. Speaking at the NFU Council in Kenilworth, RPA chief executive Mark Grimshaw said these final […]