Measurement
Sound insulation
Impact sound insulation
Threading machines
Acoustic measurement
Buildings
Sound intensity
Acoustics
Acoustic testing
Link: BS EN ISO 16283-2:2018 Acoustics. Field measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements Impact sound insulation
Source: BSI Standards
Magnetic cards
Machine-readable materials
Recording media
Identity cards
Graphic characters
Digits
Cards
Information exchange
Data media
Credit cards
Embossed
Data recording
Dimensions
Character sets
Link: BS ISO/IEC 7811-1:2018 Identification cards. Recording technique Embossing
Source: BSI Standards
Link: ISO 1419:2018 Rubber or plastics-coated fabrics. Accelerated-ageing tests
Source: BSI Standards
Link: ISO 11640:2018 Leather. Tests for colour fastness. Colour fastness to cycles of to-and-fro rubbing
Source: BSI Standards
UK food and drink exports are continuing to smash records, with new figures revealing exports reached £10.6 billion in the first six months of 2018.
Demonstrating a clear global desire for British taste, quality and high standards, UK food and drink businesses are now selling their products to over 200 global markets.
UK seasonal favourites are also in demand abroad – in the first half of the year 64 million litres of ice cream and over 500 tonnes of strawberries were shipped to foreign shores.
Traditional barbeque produce, such as sausages and cuts of beef have risen by 48% and 17% respectively. This is due in part to new meat export markets opening in recent years – and will be bolstered further in the future by the recent announcement that China will lift their BSE ban on British beef, which is estimated to generate £250 million in the first five years alone. Taiwan will also soon be importing UK pork for the first time – worth an estimated £50 million over five years to the UK’s industry.
Iconic British produce such as whisky, worth £2 billion, beer worth £235 million, and smoked salmon worth £308 million are also being snapped up from international supermarket shelves.
Food Minister George Eustice said:
Consumers across the globe know British produce is delicious. They also know it is high in quality and backed by high standards of animal welfare. This is why we are continuing to see a huge growth in the worldwide demand for the best of what British farmers and food producers have to offer.
This world-leading industry already boosts our economy by over £110 billion each year, and leaving the EU will give our food and drink producers an unparalleled opportunity to tap into more markets and take advantage of the UK’s position as a truly global nation.
A team of the Government’s leading trade experts are on hand to provide guidance to UK businesses as they enter into overseas markets for the first time or consider expanding their current global customer base.
This is complemented by the government’s Food is GREAT campaign, which highlights the success of current exporters and showcases the UK’s top quality food and drink.
One ice cream company who has benefitted from this government guidance is Somerset-based firm Granny Gothards, whose range of over 125 flavours includes British inspired tastes such as clotted cream, blackberry and apple, and whisky and marmalade. Established in 2012, the business now exports to Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai and has recently branched out into China.
Founder of the firm Amanda Stansfield said:
After the success of our ice creams in Dubai it seems an ideal time to now establish our brand in China. Seeking expert advice is key for any business looking to export produce to China.
The support from government trade advisers has been vital in navigating this process.
Sheffield-based ice cream makers Yee Kwan have also been successful at branching out into exporting. Inspired by the tastes of East Asia – with current flavours including black sesame seed, matcha green tea and chocolate miso – the company exports to 10 European countries via their supply with Wagamama, as well as Kuwait. They will soon be working with a Chinese distributor, with orders expected next year.
Founder Yee Kwan said:
After we’d realised the potential to sell our products overseas, we began working with government advisers, who supported us in exhibiting at the International Food & Drink Event in London.
We’ve found that there’s loads of support to help us navigate exporting challenges – if we can do it, so can you!
Link: Press release: Export success as global sales of UK food and drink reach record high
Source: Gov Press Releases
The review, authored by Professor Rosie Meek, was commissioned to identify best practice across the estate and highlights the vital role that sport can play in rehabilitation and reducing reoffending.
In addition to Professor Meek’s review, the Ministry of Justice has also published its response which highlights the steps that will be taken to boost sporting provision in prison.
Many of the sporting programmes currently delivered across the youth estate help offenders to get vocational qualifications and provide them with tangible employment prospects on release.
There are already some positive examples of community projects working with young people:
The review highlights how engaging in structured programmes can help to teach offenders self-discipline, team work and leadership – crucial skills for a successful and crime-free life in the community.
Team sport was shown to improve mental and physical health, helping young people with often complex behavioural issues to change their attitudes and lifestyles.
Justice Minister Edward Argar said:
I’m grateful to Professor Rosie Meek for her important work on this review, and to my predecessor for commissioning it.
This review rightly highlights that sport can help to reduce violence, improve wellbeing and have a positive impact on rehabilitation. I want sport and physical activity to be a key part of life custody and I welcome the findings of this review.
During my visits across the youth estate, I have been inspired by the passion and dedication of staff, and of the external organisations we partner with, already delivering sports programmes and helping to change the lives of young people.
We know that sport on its own does not provide all the answers, but it is a central pillar for helping young offenders to build skills which will ultimately reducing reoffending and help them to turn their backs on crime for good.
Professor Rosie Meek, Royal Holloway University of London, said:
I am delighted to have carried out this review and am pleased to have the backing of the Ministry of Justice for this important work.
I strongly believe that sport can be a powerful tool in reducing reoffending and improving the lives of people in custody, which is why I was so pleased be asked to carry out this review.
There is already evidence that sport can have a positive impact on people in custody and I hope that the recommendations outlined in the review will help to improve the lives of people in our justice system.
The sports review was carried out by leading academic Professor Meek, in partnership with the National Alliance of Sport and Clinks, who support voluntary organisations that work with offenders and their families.
Professor Rosie Meek is a chartered psychologist, founding Head of the Law School and Director of the Prisons Research Group at Royal Holloway University of London, UK. She is a Fulbright Distinguished Scholar and was author of the 2014 book Sport in Prison: Exploring the Role of Physical Activity in Correctional Settings (Routledge).
Link: Press release: Sport a pillar of youth rehabilitation: Minister publishes independent review
Source: Gov Press Releases
In data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) today (Friday 10 August), UK exports to the world rose by £26 billion – an increase of 4.4% compared to the same time last year.
The country’s renowned service sector continues to thrive with exports up 2.2% to a record high of £278 billion, increasing the service surplus to £112 billion.
Goods exports also rose strongly by 6.3% to £343 billion.
On an annual basis, exports continue to grow faster than imports for the 11th consecutive month with the overall trade deficit narrowing by £6 billion from £31 billion to £25 billion in the year to June 2018.
International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox MP said:
Today’s trade figures show demand for UK goods and services is continuing to grow, as overall exports rose to £621 billion – up 4.4% on this time last year – and the trade deficit continued to narrow by £6 billion over the last 12 months.
As we open consultations for future trade relationships with key global markets around the world, we’re seeing a shift in the UK where we’re moving towards selling more than we buy, with exports increasing faster than imports.
My international economic department will continue work with companies across the country to ensure they’re making the most of global opportunities.
Separate figures released by the ONS last month showed UK exports of goods and services to non-EU countries amounted to around £342 billion in 2017, showing the worldwide demand for British goods and services remains.
Exports to EU countries were around £274 billion in 2017.
The fastest growing export market for the UK since 2010 was Oman, with exports increasing by 354% to £3 billion. This was followed by Macedonia (FYROM) with UK trade growing by 318% to £1 billion and then Kazakhstan which was up by 210% to £2 billion.
Link: Press release: UK exports remain at record high in the year to June 2018
Source: Gov Press Releases
I would like to warmly congratulate Michelle Bachelet on her appointment as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The UK strongly supports the Office of the High Commissioner in its efforts to promote and protect human rights throughout the world, and to strengthen the ability of the UN system as a whole to respond to human rights situations of concern.
Michelle Bachelet has extensive experience of the UN, and a long history of working to promote human rights, including as the founding Executive Director of UN Women. We wish her every success and look forward to working with her.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Zeid Ra’ad Al-Hussein for the invaluable contributions he has made in his role as High Commissioner, speaking up tirelessly for the victims of human rights abuses, and holding nations that commit serious and systematic violations against their citizens to account.
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Link: Press release: Foreign Secretary welcomes new UN Commissioner for Human Rights
Source: Gov Press Releases
Britain’s world-leading researchers and entrepreneurs in Wales will benefit from an additional £51 million to create the technologies of tomorrow, the Chancellor announced today.
Philip Hammond will expand successful ‘catapult centres’ which are fuelling innovation across the country, including in Wales, as part of the UK’s ambitious, modern Industrial Strategy. This new funding backs Britain’s brightest talent – supporting work in high-tech labs, cutting-edge factories and advanced training centres.
So far this has helped create hundreds of new products, services and inventions, including a portable pollution sensor that parents can attach to a child’s buggy, cellular therapies to fight cancer and improve recovery of stroke victims, LED treatment for blindness, and more-efficient wings for aeroplanes.
The Chancellor made the announcement on the day GDP figures showed the UK economy has grown by 0.4%.
The funding will go to the Compound Semiconductor Catapult in Cardiff, which will open its Innovation Centre in early 2019.
We are backing innovative British companies to grow and create jobs, as we build an economy fit for the future.
Today’s £51 million investment for Wales will support innovators across the country to create the technologies of the future and the better, highly-paid jobs we all want to see.
This investment in the Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult cements Wales’ reputation as a leader in advanced electronics. Bringing together academics and businesses to develop new technologies will support areas of our daily lives from the next generation 5G mobile network to improving scanning at airport security.
Our investment in this technology will help Welsh businesses exploit a hugely lucrative global market and ensure that Wales continues to lead the world in science and innovation, creating vital new jobs along the way.
The UK has a reputation for innovation and is building on this strength with the largest investment in research and development in 40 years. This is part of our balanced approach, getting debt falling while investing to create more opportunities for the high-skilled, well-paid jobs of the future.
The catapult network supports sectors and technologies that are going to be in high demand in the years ahead. It brings together the best of UK business, science and engineering to work side by side in research and development to ‘catapult’ products from ideas to market. It helps remove barriers to growth, which often can include access to finance, inadequate facilities or skills shortages.
Link: Press release: £51m UK Government backing for Welsh innovation
Source: Gov Press Releases
