Author: Pulse Assent

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BS ISO/IEC 20243-2:2018 Information technology. Open Trusted Technology Provider$uT$uM Standard (O-TTPS). Mitigating maliciously tainted and counterfeit products Assessment procedures for the O-TTPS and ISO/IEC 20243-1:2018

Computers
Data storage protection
Data security
Computer networks
Information exchange
Computer technology
Anti-burglar measures
Vocabulary
Management
Data processing

Link: BS ISO/IEC 20243-2:2018 Information technology. Open Trusted Technology Provider$uT$uM Standard (O-TTPS). Mitigating maliciously tainted and counterfeit products Assessment procedures for the O-TTPS and ISO/IEC 20243-1:2018
Source: BSI Standards

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BS ISO 18747-1:2018 Determination of particle density by sedimentation methods Isopycnic interpolation approach

Particle size measurement
Gravimetric analysis
Suspensions (chemical)
Dispersants
Sedimentation techniques
Diameter
Slurries
Photoelectric devices
Sedimentation
Particle size distribution
Dispersions (chemical)
Size
Liquids
Particulate materials

Link: BS ISO 18747-1:2018 Determination of particle density by sedimentation methods Isopycnic interpolation approach
Source: BSI Standards

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ISO/TR 17772-2:2018 Energy performance of buildings. Overall energy performance assessment procedures Guideline for using indoor environmental input parameters for the design and assessment of energy performance of buildings

Link: ISO/TR 17772-2:2018 Energy performance of buildings. Overall energy performance assessment procedures Guideline for using indoor environmental input parameters for the design and assessment of energy performance of buildings
Source: BSI Standards

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Press release: New building performance standards to save MOD up to 20%

Infrastructure is a vital defence capability delivering accommodation, training facilities and critical assets such as runways and workshops to enable our armed forces to live, work, train and deploy. Recent DIO projects include building a jetty at Portsmouth Naval Base so the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth can dock, and resurfacing runways at RAF Akrotiri, RAF Gibraltar, and RAF Valley.

The defence estate is large, diverse and widely dispersed across the UK and overseas. In the UK, it covers around 230,000 hectares comprising military training areas, naval bases, barracks, airfields, supply depots, and offices. Construction on these sites is sometimes subject to specific defence requirements but the majority is similar to other sectors, so the new standards have been developed in accordance with comparators from industry and other government departments. They are designed to be used by MOD staff and industry partners responsible for the planning, costing and delivery of the infrastructure assets and projects funded by MOD.

The new standards, Joint Services Publication (JSP) 315, are expected to save up to 20% on construction costs by creating efficient standards, enabling faster and more cost-effective project development and delivery. They also recognise the success and cost savings DIO has achieved in recent years from increasing the use of modular construction and standardisation of designs, as well as utilising 3D digital and interactive technology.

Graham Dalton, DIO’s Chief Executive, said:

The new standards mark a step forward in how DIO enables our military to provide the most effective and efficient solutions and how we work better with the construction industry. The revised standards make it absolutely clear what our requirements are and will contribute to a significant cost and time saving on our infrastructure projects.

The new standards and supporting guidance set a series of reference designs for specific defence infrastructure requirements and benchmark capital and operational costs for the planning and delivery of MOD infrastructure.

The revised JSP 315 can be found here

Link: Press release: New building performance standards to save MOD up to 20%
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Images offer glimpse of A45 Chowns Mill upgrade

As part of the government’s £15.2bn road investment strategy, Highways England is developing a scheme to improve the A45/A6 Chowns Mill junction, leading to more reliable and safer journeys for people and businesses by reducing congestion and increasing capacity on the road.

image showing A45/A6 Chowns Mill upgrade

Work will include widening the A45 and A6 approaches to provide additional traffic lanes, creating an additional roundabout section on the south side of the existing roundabout and introducing traffic signals to manage traffic safely and effectively.

The work will:

  • improve journey times by providing additional lanes
  • improve safety by changing the junction layout and introducing traffic signals – managing the flow of traffic through the junction more effectively and reducing the chance of collisions
  • support economic growth by encouraging continued investment in the regional economy and support new business and residential opportunities
  • improve access for cyclists and pedestrians thanks to new signalled crossings which will make it safer to cross the junction – all crossing points will be designed for users with disabilities

The A45 is a key link between the A14 and M1, serving the growing Northampton, Wellingborough and Rushden areas.

As part of the scheme the junction will be redesigned as a half hamburger layout with a new link road connecting the A6 North and A5028 with the existing roundabout. This will improve the existing junction to allow better flow of traffic reducing congestion through the junction. All approaches will be widened to provide extra lanes and increase capacity.

Highways England project manager, Rachael Langfield, said:

Chowns Mill roundabout currently suffers from severe congestion at peak travel times, leading to long queues on all approaches. This congestion will increase as traffic levels grow.

The scheme we have developed will improve journey times and safety along the A45 and A6 corridors as well as boost capacity to support planned growth in the local area, which is great news for the local and regional economy.

There will be no need to purchase any additional land with improvements to the junction carried out within the existing roundabout boundary.

Construction is due to begin in late 2019 and is expected to be completed within two years.

Public information exhibitions take place tomorrow and Saturday where people can find out more.

The exhibition times and locations are as follows:

  • Friday 6 April 2018 – 2pm to 8pm Park Road Baptist Church, Park Road, Rushden, Northamptonshire, NN10 0RG
  • Saturday 7 April 2018 – 10am to 4pm Park Road Baptist Church, Park Road, Rushden, Northamptonshire, NN10 0RG

People can also ask questions about the scheme by:

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.


Link: Press release: Images offer glimpse of A45 Chowns Mill upgrade
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Trade rises on one year to go until Brexit milestone

  • exports rise faster than imports
  • trade deficit significantly narrows by £12.1 billion
  • overall, UK exports of goods and services have increased by 12.1% to £622.1 billion.

With one year to go until the UK’s departure from the European Union, new trade figures released (Thursday, 29 March) reveal exports of UK goods and services is at a record high.

UK exporters received a significant boost as the latest figures confirm global demand for UK goods and services is growing.

Data released from the Office for National Statistics shows in 2017, UK goods and services exports increased faster than imports – up 12.1% and 9.3%.

A drive in goods exports – up 13.4% – was due largely to demand for manufactured goods, and a rise in services exports – up 10.7% – was mainly driven for demand in UK business services. As a result the trade deficit narrowed significantly by £12.1 billion to £28.6 billion from £40.7 billion.

Non-EU countries continue to be the main destination for services exports (£171.4 billion), making up 61.3% of all services exports.

Overall, UK exports of goods and services have increased by 12.1% to £622.1 billion.

Annually, the UK’s current account deficit was £82.9 billion (4.1% of GDP) in 2017, a narrowing of £30.7 billion from a deficit of £113.6 billion in 2016; this is the narrowest deficit as a percentage of GDP since 2011 when it was 2.4%.

International Trade Secretary, Dr Liam Fox said:

More than one year on since the EU referendum, there are strong reasons for the UK to be optimistic. UK exports of goods and services have increased over the year and the UK deficit on trade in goods and services narrowed significantly.

It’s clear evidence that UK companies are succeeding on the world stage, and as an international economic department we are banging the drum for the growing demand for our goods and services.

The Department for International Trade

Statistics from the Department for International Trade (DIT) show that the UK attracted more foreign direct investment projects than ever before (year 2016 to 2017). With more than 2,200 projects recorded, the post-referendum figures show an increase of 2% on the previous year. This means more than 75,000 new jobs were created, and 32,600 safeguarded, amounting to over 2,000 jobs per week across the country.

Through great.gov.uk, the department gives UK businesses access to millions of pounds’ worth of potential overseas business. It also puts firms in touch with global buyers and since its launch it has promoted 11,400 export opportunities, and helped around 2.7 million users either begin or grow their exporting journeys.

Working to promote the UK to great trading nation, DIT has set up 14 working groups across 21 countries to strike trade deals and strengthen commercial ties with key trading partners.

Background

Read figures from the ONS Balance of Payments 29 March 2018.

Link: Press release: Trade rises on one year to go until Brexit milestone
Source: Gov Press Releases