News Category
-
Avian flu confirmed in Lincolnshire
Avian flu of the H5N8 strain has been confirmed in turkeys at a farm near Louth in Lincolnshire. Most birds at the premises have died - any remaining birds there will be culled. A 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone has been put in place around the infected farm to limit the ...
-
TB strategy ahead of schedule
England is set to apply for Officially TB-Free (OTF) status for more than half of the country next year - two years ahead of schedule. Gaining OTF status for the low risk area, which covers the north and east of England, should boost trade opportunities and mean some herds require less regular TB testing, reducing costs for farmers. Achieving this status is a key step in the Government’s 25-year plan for the whole of the UK to be ...
-
CMA demands greater transparency from legal service providers
Having undertaken a year-long study into the legal services sector, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has concluded that competition in legal services for both small businesses and individual consumers is not working well. In particular, there is not enough information available on price, quality and service to help choose the best option. The CMA has set out a package of measures which challenges providers and regulators to help customers better navigate the market and get ...
-
Business conditions show further improvement
Businesses across England and Wales reported another month of solid growth in November, with output levels and employment both rising at faster rates, according to the latest Lloyds Bank Regional Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI). The PMI for England rose to a ten-month high of 55.8 up from 54.9 in October. A reading greater than 50 signifies growth in business activity, and the greater the divergence ...
-
Countryside Stewardship 2017 update
Almost £20 million will soon be made available for agri-environment agreements to help farmers and land managers protect wildlife, create new habitats and reduce flood risk. Farming Minister, George Eustice, has confirmed details of Countryside Stewardship elements opening shortly, which includes woodland creation and woodland planning grants, and a new flood action facilitation fund to help land owners create natural flood management solutions. Around £17 million will be made available for the Woodland Creation Grant and the ...
-
New portal to combat plant health threats
A new website to improve access to data on plant pests and diseases has been launched by Defra, making it easier for plant health professionals to share and use vital information on plant pests and diseases. The portal, which was first proposed in 2014’s Plant Biosecurity Strategy for Great Britain,
-
Rural land prices remain positive
The UK’s rural land market has remained positive in 2016, according to Carter Jonas. Since 2010, average land values have been rising at a steady rate but saw a modest decline in 2016, which the estate agent attributes to an organic market correction rather than being a direct result of the decision to leave the EU. Apparently, deals that were under negotiation prior to the vote remained unaffected. Cater Jonas comments: “A shift in the commodity market ...
-
Expansion of UK Registered Traveller Service
Business travellers and frequent visitors from a host of countries will be able to benefit from faster entry to the UK as the Government’s Registered Traveller Service is expanded. From 21st November, frequent travellers to the UK from 16 new countries will be eligible to apply for membership of the scheme, which provides the ...
-
Drop in use of antibiotics in animals
Sales of antibiotics for use in animals in the UK are at a four-year low, according to a Defra report. Overall sales by weight dropped by 9% from 2014 to 2015, while sales for use in food-producing animals dropped 10%, continuing a ten-year downward trend. As well as the overall reduction, the report shows a drop in sales of the highest priority antibiotics that are critically important for humans. Sales of ...
-
New digital service for would-be exporters
The Government has launched GREAT.gov.uk a trade hub aimed at helping firms access potential overseas orders by giving practical advice and signposting support for businesses looking to win contracts. The new site acts as a single digital destination for trade and investment, bringing together and connecting UK businesses, international buyers and international investors. Whether businesses are new, occasional or frequent exporters, they will be able to take make use of a new suite of tools and exclusive deals ...
