Day: June 11, 2018

• Up to 50 Hawking Fellowships will support the research of our most talented mathematicians, physicists and computer scientists for up to 3 years
• prestigious award from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will honour the memory of the world leading British physicist who died in March this year

Science Minister Sam Gyimah today (Monday 11 June) announced that new fellowships are to be created in mathematics and physics in tribute to Stephen Hawking, the world-leading British scientist whose work changed our understanding of the universe.

The fellowships, which will build on the government’s modern Industrial Strategy and its record investment in science, research and innovation, will be awarded to exceptional candidates completing their doctoral studies in the fields of maths, physics and the computer sciences. Financial support will be offered to allow them to continue their work in any UK institution for up to 3 years.

UK Research and Innovation will award up to 10 “Stephen Hawking” fellowships a year for the next 5 years.

Professor Stephen Hawking was instrumental in providing greater insights into how the universe was created and is widely regarded as one of the most brilliant minds in science. His work included ground-breaking analysis of the laws that govern the universe, including his revelation that black holes produce radiation.

Science Minister Sam Gyimah said:

Few have contributed as much to humanity’s understanding of the universe as Professor Hawking. His ground-breaking work inspired people of all ages and nations to think about the cosmos and their place in it, and to appreciate the beauty and elegance of mathematics and physics.

I am delighted to announce that, following discussions with the Hawking family, we are creating the Hawking Fellowships in his memory. The Fellowships will allow exceptional graduate students in maths, physics and computer science in institutions across the UK to take their work even further. I can think of no more fitting tribute to this great man than to support the next generation to push the boundaries of knowledge of the laws that govern our universe.

Stephen’s children, Robert, Lucy and Tim Hawking said:

Our father knew the value that fellowships could provide to advancing research. As a scientist who made extraordinary discoveries throughout his career but particularly in his early years, he was very interested in the development of new talent and devoted much of his career to his teaching roles. We are thrilled that these fellowships will be named after him and see this as a great tribute to his life in science.

UKRI Chief Executive Professor Sir Mark Walport said:

Professor Hawking’s life and work provided inspiration far beyond the world of scientific research. His discoveries opened a new window on our universe and through his books and personality he opened a unique window on science to millions. It is an honour to be launching fellowships in his memory and fitting that they will support a new generation of exceptional talent.

The fellowships will build on the work outlined in the government’s modern Industrial Strategy, building on our strengths in science, research and innovation to build a Britain fit for the future and using this vital knowledge to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Notes to editors:

• Further details of the fellowship and how to apply will be publicised later this year.

The Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain are today (11 June 2018) launching a consultation to look at whether the financial resources test for restricted operator licence holders needs to be changed.

All operator licence holders must demonstrate a certain level of financial resources based on the type of licence they hold and the number of vehicles they’re operating.

The level of financial resources available is checked when operators first apply for a licence but is a continuing requirement and can be checked at any stage during the life of the licence.

The test is designed to show they’ve got enough money to cover the cost of keeping large, commercial vehicles safe whilst they’re being used on public roads.

For restricted operators (those who just carry their own goods or run no more than two passenger transport vehicles), the financial levels are set by the Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain.

The current rates – £3,100 for the first vehicle and £1,700 for each additional vehicle – haven’t been reviewed since 2004.

The rates for standard licence holders (those who carry other people’s goods or run passenger transport vehicles full time) are higher and set by European legislation.

Richard Turfitt, the Senior Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain, said:

The cost of maintaining vehicles properly has increased since we last reviewed the rates for restricted operators.

Although we’ve taken a conscious decision not place any additional burdens on restricted operators, especially
following the period of economic downturn in 2008, it’s right to review the financial security test now and get the
thoughts of industry and stakeholders on where the levels should be set.

Restricted operators work in a number of diverse sectors so I encourage them all to engage with this consultation so we can understand the impact of any changes.

The consultation will run from 11 June to 31 August 2018.

Since 2016, the Insolvency Service has wound up nine health supplement companies in the public interest after they scammed people, often the elderly and vulnerable, into unnecessarily buying their products.

The Insolvency Service estimates that there have been close to 36,000 victims who have been duped by these nine health supplement businesses, cheating them out of around £10.6 million, and during Scams Awareness Month is warning members of the public there could many more examples of these schemes in operation.

Consumer Minister Andrew Griffiths MP said:

These shocking supplement scams are targeting thousands of the most vulnerable people in our society. The Insolvency Service is playing a vital role in protecting consumers and cracking down on these cowboy firms.

During Scams Awareness Month I am encouraging anyone who has fallen foul of these scams to speak up and report it, so we can stamp them out for good.

In one case, Newbury-based Healthspring Wellness Product Limited contracted a call centre based in Mumbai to sale health supplements on their behalf. Specifically targeting people 55 and over, who were either housebound or had difficulty in getting to the shops, the call centre deployed aggressive sales tactics, as well as giving out false medical advice.

Following an Insolvency Service investigation, Healthspring Wellness was wound up in the public interest in the high court in November 2017. The activities of the registered director, Vidjan Wasta, were also investigated and as of 18 April 2018, he has been disqualified from running companies for 11 years.

And in another example, Nitesh Prakash Dhawan and Virendra Singh Thakur were the bosses of two linked companies – Greenlife Wellness Limited and Naturecare Wellness Limited. The two companies would purchase data lists containing details of people over the age of 65 with health concerns for arthritis and joint pain before using offshore call centres to make unsolicited calls to sell their target victims a range of health supplements.

Investigators found that call centre staff deployed a range of unscrupulous tactics, such as claiming to be ringing on behalf of doctors or other qualified health professionals while offering unregulated health advice, as well as phoning people registered with the Telephone Preference Service.

The two companies were put into compulsory liquidation in October 2017 following a petition presented by the Secretary of State and the two bosses have since been banned from acting as directors in the UK for 14 years each – effective from 19 March 2018.

Since 2016, the Insolvency Service has secured directorship bans totalling 53 years for rogue health supplement bosses and to prevent you or a loved one from being targeted by a similar scam, the Insolvency Service recommends:

• Don’t stop taking prescribed medicine in favour of health supplements without speaking to your GP or pharmacist first
• If you or a loved one think they have been a victim of a health supplements scam report it immediately to Action Fraud UK or get advice from Citizens Advice Consumer Service
• Don’t rush into buying health supplements just because the seller is offering a good deal and if you’ve already made a payment, contact your credit card company and/or bank and tell them that you may have fallen victim to a fraud

ENDS

Notes to editors

Statistics date from 2016 onwards and figures based on information gathered during investigations

Further examples of companies being shut down and victims’ testimonies can be found on the Health Supplements Scam microsite.

The Insolvency Service administers the insolvency regime, investigating all compulsory liquidations and individual insolvencies (bankruptcies) through the Official Receiver to establish why they became insolvent. It may also use powers under the Companies Act 1985 to conduct confidential fact-finding investigations into the activities of live limited companies in the UK. In addition, the agency authorises and regulates the insolvency profession, deals with disqualification of directors in corporate failures, assesses and pays statutory entitlement to redundancy payments when an employer cannot or will not pay employees, provides banking and investment services for bankruptcy and liquidation estate funds and advises ministers and other government departments on insolvency law and practice.

Further information about the work of the Insolvency Service, and how to complain about financial misconduct, is available.

Contact Press Office

Media enquiries for this press release – 020 7637 6498

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Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns will celebrate the enormous international contribution of Wales’ independent TV producers and creative industries in a joint reception with TAC (Teledwyr Annibynnol Cymru) at Gwydyr House later today (Monday 11 June).

In his address to the trade association for Welsh television producers, Mr Cairns will acknowledge the importance of the creative industries to the Welsh economy, an industry which employs around 50,000 people across the country.

He will also speak about the UK Government’s continued support for S4C and the acceptance of an independent review of the Welsh-language broadcaster which suggested a package of reforms to better serve Welsh speaking audiences in the future.

The Welsh Secretary will be joined by Margot James, Minister for Digital and the Creative Industries and Gareth Williams, Chair of TAC, in recognising the achievements of some of Wales’ most decorated producers including Boom Cymru, Rondo and Avanti Media.

The reception comes hot on the heels of the announcement that Cardiff will host next year’s Creative Cities Convention, beating off stiff competition from Bristol and Glasgow because of its international reputation as the home of Doctor Who and popularity amongst the 20 million people who visit every year.

Cardiff’s broadcasting and cultural excellence has also been recognised by Channel 4, who have shortlisted the city as a potential site for its new headquarters alongside Bristol, Glasgow, Greater Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and the West Midlands.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said:

In Wales we have some of the most talented TV producers and independent broadcasters in the world, creating jobs and opportunities for thousands of people across the country.

Our cities are increasingly becoming the destinations of choice for major investors who recognise the enormous impact our content creators have on the international scene.
I encourage them to continue producing such exceptional work which is growing the sector here in Wales and boosting our economy, and the UK Government is ready to support them in achieving that.

Margot James, Minister for Digital and the Creative Industries, said:

Our creative industries are an economic and cultural powerhouse enjoyed by millions around the world and it is great to see independent Welsh producers getting the international recognition they deserve for their incredible work.

We want every nation to contribute in these vibrant sectors and are working closely with the creative industries and broadcasters across the country to make sure this upward trajectory continues in the future.

Gareth Williams, Chair of TAC, said:

TAC is working hard to show what our sector has to offer, and we greatly welcome the Wales Office’s support in that work.

Dozens of active production companies in Wales make high-quality programmes in a wide range of genres, from drama like Un Bore Mercher/Keeping Faith and Bang to international factual co-productions; from children’s content to sport and live events coverage.

Wales’ stories, locations, perspectives and diverse voices can enrich any broadcaster’s output. With Cardiff hosting the Creative Cities Convention 2019 and shortlisted as a potential location for a Channel 4 hub, plenty of opportunities lie ahead.

ENDS