Author Archive
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Onshore wind “fully cost competitive”
This year has seen a significant shift in the generating cost comparison between renewable energy and fossil fuels, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance. The research company’s Levelised Cost of Electricity Update for the second half of 2015 shows that onshore wind and crystalline silicon photovoltaics – the two most widespread renewable technologies – have both reduced costs in 2015, while costs have gone up for gas-fired and coal-fired generation. Among the country-level findings of the study ...
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Business still failing to take cyber risk seriously
Nearly 10% of UK companies don’t know how many cyber security attacks they have had this year and 14% don’t know how they happened, according to the latest Global State of Information Security Survey, released by PwC in conjunction with CIO magazine and CSO. PwC interviewed 10,040 executives from more than 127 countries including 637 in the UK, across all industries. The report warns that Big Data and the Internet of Things ...
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Innovate UK launches £10m healthier food competition
Innovate UK is launching a competition to fund up to £10 million in collaborative R&D projects aimed at reducing sugar, salt and fat and increasing dietary fibre in food and drink. The move is aimed at increasing the availability of healthier food and drink choices for consumers while opening up new markets for the British food industry. Lead technologist agriculture and food team at Innovate UK, Helen Munday, comments: "The market ...
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Euro exchange rate set for 2015 Basic Payment Scheme
The rate for the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) has now been set. BPS payments for England are set in euros and then converted into sterling and the rate, an average of the European Central Bank exchange rates, will be €1 = £0.73129. The Rural Payments Agency says it will make full payments on BPS claims from December, as early as possible in the payment window.
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Environment Agency gains diplomat chief
Sir James Bevan has been appointed chief executive of the Environment Agency, taking up the role on 30th November. Sir James has had a long career in the diplomatic service, having joined the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in 1982 and progressed to hold posts including Head of Africa Department, Director for the Balkans and most recently British High Commissioner to India.
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Fifth of firms stuck in “survivor mode”
More than a fifth (21%) of firms are stuck in “survivor mode” according to research from CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development. The study also found that a further 29% of employers are failing to strike the right balance between investing in their workforce and investing in technology and equipment, having become accustomed to cutting costs to the bare minimum during the recession. Mark Beatson, chief economist at ...
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New food labels needed for local produce
The Government is calling on food producers and shops to give more information on labels about where in Britain their food comes from, as new research shows that almost 80% of people see buying local food as a top priority. According to the study, vegetables (51%) and meat (40%) topped the list of products that people would buy if a local option was available. Speaking ahead of the launch of British Food ...
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Reforms to insolvency processes
The Government intends to improve public confidence in the insolvency profession and modernise the insolvency process by introducing a package of measures that come into force on 1st October 2015. In summary these will: reform the way insolvency practitioners gain authorisation to practice simplify when to report to creditors about appointing and releasing administrators strengthen the regulation of insolvency practitioners and the Government’s role as oversight regulator in the sector introduce a requirement to get an ...
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National Grid goes underground
Plans to reduce the visual impact of electricity infrastructure in protected landscapes across England and Wales have been launched by National Grid. Last year, twelve sections of high voltage lines in eight Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks were shortlisted. Working with independent landscape consultants, National Grid has now prioritised four projects as follows: Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Winterbourne Abbas New Forest National Park near Hale Peak District National Park near Dunford Bridge Snowdonia National Park near ...
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Business activity growth slows
Economic growth in England and Wales lost further momentum in August, as most regions recorded smaller increases in business activity and new work, according to the latest Lloyds Bank Regional Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI). The business activity index for England registered a 27-month low of 55.7 in August, down from 56.7 in July, even after accounting for a seasonal slowdown in activity. Growth has now weakened in four of the past five months; however the index ...
