Category: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Government backs British talent with £2.4 million funding for music exports

  • UK artists receive £2.4 million funding boost for music exports
  • a total of 162 UK acts were supported through Government’s Music Exports Growth Scheme (MEGS)
  • DIT and the BPI award further £181,944 to help UK artists achieve success in international markets

The country’s up-and-coming music acts are being encouraged to set their sights on the world stage thanks to a government export scheme.

In the latest round of funding, 12 UK music acts have received grants including Public Service Broadcasting, twice-mercury nominated Ghostpoet, Folk Rock duo Zervas & Pepper and 5 piece pop punk band ROAM, who all hope to maximise their chances of going global or further increasing their international exposure.

In total so far, 162 acts have received more than £2.4 million of funding in their bid to become the next Adele or Ed Sheeran through the Music Export Growth scheme (MEGS). The scheme which is jointly run by the DIT and the UK record label association, the BPI, helps raise the international profile of developing British artists and their music companies.

To further promote UK music talents abroad, the Government is launching a trade mission to India at the start of February 2018 (1st to 7th). Based in Mumbai, it will help connect music talent with record labels and talent scouts and presents a significant export potential in the world’s seventh largest economy.

Minister for Trade and Export Promotion, Baroness Rona Fairhead said:

The UK is a world leader in music exports and recognised for its exceptional home-grown talent around the globe. Through the music exports scheme, we help to nurture the talent of the future to explore new global markets.

As an international economic department, we are launching a trade mission to India to connect music artists with investors in one of the world’s largest economies, ensuring the strengths of our creative industry sector reach audiences at home and abroad.

Chris Tams, BPI Director of International overseeing the MEGS programme, said:

The Music Exports Growth Scheme gives a diverse range of artists who have the talent, but not always the means to realise its full potential, the opportunity to grow their fanbase in key international markets.
In the process it helps to promote the profile of British music overseas and, crucially, helps to boost our exports – so far to the tune of a 10 -1 return on investment for each Pound put in by the UK Government.

Obaro Ejimiwe, the artist known as Ghostpoet, said:

It’s truly amazing to be selected for funding, this money will really help to make in-roads into mainland Europe. It’s been a while since I toured over there properly and this cash injection is not only timely but very much appreciated.

MEGS recipient Public Service Broadcasting said:

We’d like to thank MEGS once again for continuing to help us with what often prove to be very expensive overseas tours. On a limited budget such as ours (as is the case with almost every band in the independent sector, who need this kind of support), it really makes a difference. We’ll carry on working hard at our end to justify the investment and make the most of the opportunity

To date, UK music exports were worth £2.5 billion in 2016 and through the scheme, the country has seen a return of £10 for every £1 invested.

The Department for International Trade (DIT) , in partnership with AIM (The Association of Independent Music) and BPI (British Phonographic Industry), is launching the UK music trade mission to Mumbai, India, which will take place from 1st to 7th February 2018 and help connect music businesses and presents a significant export potential in the world’s seventh largest economy.

The grants, ranging from £5,000 to £50,000, are available to eligible UK based-music companies with a turnover of less than €50 million and fewer than 250 employees, providing them with an opportunity to enhance their profile in overseas markets, as well as develop their commercial potential.

Applications for the next round (12) of MEGS funding will be open for applications from the 8th January 2018 and will close on 5th Feb 2018. For details or to download an application form please visit the MEGS page on the BPI website.

Full list of MEGS recipients in the eleventh round of funding:

  • ALA.NI
  • Broken Witt Rebels
  • Bruno Major
  • Charlie Cunningham
  • Ghostpoet
  • Jane Weaver
  • Matthew Herbert
  • Public Service Broadcasting
  • ROAM
  • Shopping
  • The Wombats
  • Zervas & Pepper

Export revenue for the UK music industry was £2.5 billion in 2016 (source: Measuring Music, September 2017).

About the BPI (British Phonographic Industry)

BPI champions the UK’s recorded music industry, safeguarding the rights of its members and of the artists, performers and label members of collecting body PPL. BPI’s membership consists of over 400 independent labels and the UK’s 3‘majors’, which account for 85 per cent of legitimate domestic music consumption.

BPI promotes British music overseas through its trade missions and the Music Exports Growth Scheme. It provides insights, training and networking with its free masterclasses, Innovation Hub, Insight Sessions, and reports. The BPI administers the Certified Awards, co-owns the Official Charts, organises The BRIT Awards and is also home to the Mercury Prize.

Further information

Contact the DIT Media and Digital Team on 020 7008 3333

Follow us: @tradegovuk, gov.uk/dit

Contact the BPI at gennaro.castaldo@bpi.co.uk

Link: Press release: Government backs British talent with £2.4 million funding for music exports
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: PM reaffirms commitment to UK’s world-class tech sector

The Prime Minister will meet leading digital entrepreneurs and innovators from across the country on Wednesday 15 November, as she announces a series of measures to support the continued growth and success of the UK’s world-class tech sector.

In the run up to the Budget, the Prime Minister and Chancellor will co-host a tech roundtable and reception at Downing Street, and reaffirm the Government’s enduring commitment to this vital industry.

The PM and Chancellor will announce a new package of support to ensure Britain remains at the forefront of global innovation, which includes:

  • Doubling to 2,000 the number of visas available to the brightest and best talent from around the world, including in digital technology
  • An investment of £21 million to expand Tech City UK into a nationwide network – Tech Nation – to accelerate the growth of the digital tech sector across the country
  • A new £20 million fund to help public services take advantage of UK expertise in innovative technologies like Artificial Intelligence
  • The launch of a £20 million training programme which will challenge thousands of young people aged between 14 and 18 to test their skills against simulated online cyber threats

Prime Minister Theresa May said:

Our digital tech sector is one of the UK’s fastest-growing industries, and is supporting talent, boosting productivity, and creating hundreds of thousands of good, high-skilled jobs up and down the country.

It is absolutely right that this dynamic sector, which makes such an immense contribution to our economic life and to our society, has the full backing of Government.

Helping our world-class entrepreneurs and innovators to succeed is how we lay the foundations for our prosperity and build an economy fit for the future.

Technology is at the heart of our modern Industrial Strategy, and we will continue to invest in the best new innovations and ideas, in the brightest and best talent, and in revolutionary digital infrastructure.

And as we prepare to leave the European Union, I am clear that Britain will remain open for business. That means Government doing all it can to secure a strong future for our thriving tech sector and ensure people in all corners of our nation share in the benefits of its success.

The Home Office will look at how it can work with organisations across the UK to ensure wider take up of the additional visas outside London. Alongside this, the Home Secretary will meet with technology experts to seek their input on making sure our visa processes are as efficient as possible.

The new funding for Tech Nation will see the organisation expand its successful hub model to more cities around the country, including Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Birmingham. Building on the work of existing regional clusters, Tech Nation will support 40,000 entrepreneurs and up to 4,000 start-ups as they scale their businesses.

The new ‘GovTech’ challenge fund will encourage UK firms to use technology to solve challenges facing the public sector, while a dedicated new team will act as a front door into Whitehall to connect tech companies to the right parts of Government.

A new £2 million pilot voucher scheme is also being launched today by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), in Aberdeenshire, Bristol/Bath and North East Somerset, Coventry and Warwickshire, and West Yorkshire. This is part of Government’s pledge to help bring the UK’s fastest and most reliable broadband to homes and businesses across the country. Local companies will be among those offered vouchers by broadband suppliers to pay for gold-standard full-fibre gigabit connections, to help revolutionise our digital infrastructure and make it fit for the future.

The PM and Chancellor will also confirm that over two million people have now received free digital skills training from businesses such as Barclays, Cisco, Google and Lloyds Banking Group, under the Digital Skills Partnership launched by DCMS earlier this year.

And there are just days left for students to apply for a new apprenticeship and university bursary worth £4,000 a year, being offered by the National Cyber Security Centre as part of Government’s investment in the next generation of cyber security specialists, digital entrepreneurs and tech innovators.

Chancellor Phillip Hammond said:

Britain is a world leader in digital innovation with some of the brightest and best tech firms operating in this country. Working with us, they can provide technological fixes to public sector problems, boost productivity, and get the nation working smarter as we create an economy fit for the future.

Brent Hoberman, Co-Founder and Chairman of Founders Forum, said:

I welcome the UK Government’s recognition of the importance and positive impact of the tech sector. These measures announced today will help reinforce the UK’s European leadership in technology and entrepreneurship.

Sherry Coutu CBE, Chair of Founders4Schools and the Scaleup Institute said:

The digital tech sector is a key component of the UK’s competitive advantage and these new measures are welcome news for innovative small and medium-sized businesses and third sector organisations by helping to create the conditions in which they can scale up.

Eileen Burbidge, Chair of Tech City UK, said:

We are delighted to hear that the Government wants to increase Tech City UK’s funding for the next four years. Under the Tech Nation banner, this country that has brought so much innovation to the world and leads in sub-sectors such as fintech, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, robotics and life sciences, will build a national network of digital excellence so that the UK will continue to be recognised as one of the best places in the world to start or grow a digital tech business.

Link: Press release: PM reaffirms commitment to UK’s world-class tech sector
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Broadband boost for businesses

Suppliers will be offering vouchers worth between £500 and £3000 each to local businesses which can then be used to pay for the installation of gigabit speed connections. The aim of the pilots is to encourage the market to extend full fibre infrastructure in the UK by increasing demand and reducing the cost to customers.

The many benefits of a full fibre gigabit connection include:

  • allowing businesses to upload and download massive files in a matter of seconds
  • enabling widespread use of videoconferencing throughout an organisation
  • providing an unprecedented level of reliability whilst greatly enhancing resilience
  • future proofing – making sure that businesses have the technology in place to deal with the ever increasing demands for internet speed and connectivity
  • allowing businesses in remote communities to compete on a technologically level playing field with those companies based in major cities who may already have full fibre connectivity

Minister for Digital Matt Hancock said:

A world-class digital communications network is essential to ensure the UK’s future competitiveness in the global market and its ability to attract investment. Faster and more reliable connections are transforming the way we live and work, and better broadband supports businesses to grow and become more productive.

These voucher pilots, alongside a range of other actions, are testament to Government’s ambition for full fibre infrastructure across the UK to underpin our digital economy.

Four areas across the UK have been carefully selected to test the market conditions and infrastructure conditions we aim to help to create through the wider Local Full Fibre Network programme. The areas are:

  • Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
  • Bristol, with Bath and North East Somerset
  • Coventry and Warwickshire
  • West Yorkshire Combined Authority (Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, Wakefield and York)

This programme comes as part of the government’s £23 billion National Productivity Investment Fund aimed at improving productivity, which is key to raising living standards. This fund has already earmarked £740 million specifically for improving Britain’s digital infrastructure, ensuring the UK is match-fit for the future.

The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Andrew Jones MP, said:

We are determined to provide the infrastructure needed for British businesses to thrive and prosper. The rollout of next generation, full-fibre broadband will help do that.

Lightning internet speeds and unprecedented reliability will boost trade and ensure our firms can connect effortlessly to their customers and suppliers.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

  • For more information on the scheme, please go to https://gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk/
  • The trial voucher Scheme will only allow vouchers to be used to help pay for new connections that are “gigabit capable”. Generally, this will mean that the connection is physically delivered using a fibre optic cable directly into the premises (FTTP).
  • Connections delivered this way are future-proof and have the capability to provide incredibly fast and reliable broadband connections. Other technologies are supported by the Scheme – for example, wireless – but these too must provide gigabit capable connectivity.
  • The trials comes hot on the heels of the Digital Infrastructure Investment Fund announced earlier in the year, as well as new legislation to enable business rates relief for new fibre. Unlocking more than £1 billion for full fibre broadband, the fund has ignited interest from private finance to invest in the sector.
  • £2m has been made available for vouchers for the test phase. Across the four areas this fund will operate as a single challenge fund. The market test phase will end when the money has gone or by the end of March 2019, whichever comes first.
  • In order to take part in the Scheme, suppliers must be registered and must be able to demonstrate that they are genuinely able to provide the high quality connectivity the Scheme aims to support. If you think you meet these criteria in the areas where the test is taking place, contact us at: https://www.gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk

Link: Press release: Broadband boost for businesses
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Minister for London welcomes £1.4 billion Croydon redevelopment

The redevelopment of Croydon town centre passed a major hurdle today (14 November) as Croydon Council’s planning committee approved the £1.4 billion scheme, backed by global investment.

Three years after it was first proposed, the redevelopment of the Whitgift Shopping Centre will now progress with government support following meetings hosted by Minister for London Greg Hands at the Department for International Trade.

Croydon will join Stratford and Shepherd’s Bush as London’s third Westfield shopping centre and one of the company’s 17 flagship centres across the world, from China to the USA. Westfield’s investment of £700 million represents a huge commitment from the Australian firm to Croydon, and London, as a global retail destination.

Construction is now set to begin next year, creating 7,000 new jobs and 1,000 new homes for the borough.
The final proposals were put to the planning committee after a series of meetings chaired by the Minister for London, where Croydon Council, Westfield and the Greater London Authority (GLA), along with all three of Croydon’s MPs, agreed the funding needed to move the project forwards.

The redevelopment follows a record year for overseas-backed projects in the UK and London, with 891 projects in London made possible through foreign direct investment in the last year.

Minister for London Greg Hands said:

I am delighted that after convening two meetings of all concerned parties, here at the Department for International Trade, we will now see construction taking place. This major redevelopment of the Whitgift site will bring huge benefits to Croydon and London with thousands of new homes and jobs.

This is a great example of local and central government working together with private investors, and as Minister for London I’m delighted to be supporting the project, and seeing it secure planning approval.

As Minister for Trade it is also yet another example of London and the UK’s appeal to international investors, bringing much-needed regeneration projects to life. Croydon will join locations across the world, from San Francisco to Sydney, with a flagship Westfield site, once again proving London’s enduring strength as a leading global retail destination.

Link: Press release: Minister for London welcomes £1.4 billion Croydon redevelopment
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: PM meeting with Nicola Sturgeon: 14 November 2017

A No 10 spokesperson said:

The Prime Minister met the First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon in Downing Street today.

Both discussed domestic issues, including the recent allegations of improper behaviour and sexual assault in politics and agreed this behaviour was completely unacceptable. They agreed to work collaboratively to ensure that the right systems are in place to protect and support those working across the UK’s parliamentary institutions.

They spoke about the UK’s EU exit – the Prime Minister said that it remains her priority to provide certainty to businesses and people both in Scotland and across the country, as well as protecting our UK internal market.

They spoke about progress in agreeing principles on common frameworks at the recent Joint Ministerial Committee and the Prime Minister reiterated that as powers are repatriated from Brussels back to Britain there will be a significant increase in the decision-making powers for the Scottish Government and other devolved administrations.

The Prime Minister encouraged the Scottish Government to continue to work with counterparts to secure the best outcome for the people of Scotland and the whole of the UK.

The First Minister spoke about BiFab who has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators with the Scottish Courts. The Prime Minister said this is a worrying time for the workers of BiFab and their families and the UK Government is ready to provide whatever support we can.

Link: Press release: PM meeting with Nicola Sturgeon: 14 November 2017
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Incoming UK Ambassadors visit Wales

In Cardiff and Swansea, the 10 Ambassadors designate met with Welsh business leaders and entrepreneurs to learn more about the priorities of Welsh businesses operating overseas, and to discuss how the UK Government can further support and promote UK businesses across the globe, as well as attract future investment to Wales.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said:

The UK Government has hundreds of embassies all around the globe, each representing Welsh citizens travelling abroad, helping to promote Wales as an inward investment destination and actively seeking export opportunities for Welsh businesses in international markets.

I’m delighted that the UK Government’s ambassadors have spent time in Wales before being posted overseas to understand the specific needs of our businesses and to gather the information required to put them in the strongest possible position to help champion Wales to countries round the world.

Whilst in Cardiff, the group visited the Senedd, and sampled the best of Welsh produce at a dinner showcasing top quality Welsh food and drink brands. The programme also included discussion with a wide range of leaders from Welsh tourism, trade and academia; at Swansea University the Ambassadors heard from the team working on the inspiring ‘Bloodhound project’ aiming to set a new World Land Speed Record of 1,000 mph, and also from expert researchers developing innovative energy solutions that will see buildings created both in the UK and in India which will generate, store and release their own power.

Kate Harrisson, due to be UK Ambassador to Lima, said:

British Embassies overseas represent the whole of the UK. This week’s visit was a great opportunity to speak face to face with a diverse range of stakeholders in Wales. I look forward to helping more Welsh businesses take advantage of the growing opportunities in emerging economies like Peru.

The Ambassadors will take up their posts early next year in countries ranging from Algeria to New Zealand, where they will play a vital role in encouraging tourism and trade opportunities, helping increase exports and growth, and providing support to UK nationals abroad.

Link: Press release: Incoming UK Ambassadors visit Wales
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Dr Ruth McKernan announces she will leave her post at Innovate UK

During her three years in post, Dr McKernan has led Innovate UK through an extensive programme of work transforming the organisation and positioning it for a successful transition to UK Research and Innovation on 1 April 2018.

Ruth has been instrumental in establishing a clear plan for the organisation, particularly accelerating the growth of small to medium sized enterprises, with the introduction of both the investor accelerator and the innovation loans pilot programmes, and the development of the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund to help more UK businesses take advantage of emerging technologies.

She has also been a champion for diversity within innovation and during her tenure the ‘Women in Innovation’ campaign has seen applications from women rise from 14% to 20% in one year.

Dr Ruth McKernan said:

It has been a pleasure to work for Innovate UK since early 2015 and I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished during this time. The introduction of UK Research and Innovation is the natural transition point and an opportunity for a new leader to refine the organisation, and continue to drive business innovation in the UK.

Minister for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation, Jo Johnson said:

I would like to thank Ruth on behalf of the department for her dedicated service to Innovate UK. Ruth has implemented a substantial change programme, improving the structures and processes of the organisation while continuing to drive the benefits of innovation across the UK.

The focus on supporting and growing UK businesses will be continued as we move towards the launch of UK Research and Innovation next year to ensure the UK remains the destination of choice for research and innovation.

Sir Mark Walport, Chief Executive of UK Research and Innovation said:

It has been a tremendous pleasure to work with Ruth, who has been an excellent leader of Innovate UK. Ruth has been an excellent supporter of UK Research and Innovation and has worked closely on its design and delivery. She is leaving Innovate UK well prepared for its future as a key part of UKRI. I would like to thank Ruth particularly for her contribution to the development of the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy will be launching a recruitment campaign for a successor to Dr McKernan, and the first Executive Chair of Innovate UK, shortly.

Link: Press release: Dr Ruth McKernan announces she will leave her post at Innovate UK
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Sexual violence abuses against the Rohingya in Burma

The PM’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon said:

The harrowing reports of mass rape and sexual violence against the Rohingya community people in Burma are deeply disturbing.

As well as rape, gang rape, invasive body searches, and murder, the reports suggest that evidence of these crimes is being deliberately destroyed to stop those responsible being brought to justice. These abuses are a clear human rights violation and must cease immediately.

The Head of Team for the FCO’s Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI) visited the region alongside the UN to meet with survivors, support workers, and government officials. We will also shortly be sending two experts to Bangladesh to provide further support on responding to sexual violence, including on investigating and documenting these abhorrent crimes.

The international community have united come together to deliver a global response to the dire humanitarian situation and human rights abuses. We also acknowledge the Bangladeshi government have been instrumental in helping those most in need.

Background

The Head of Team for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s (FCO’s) Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative visited Bangladesh alongside the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten. They visited Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar and met survivors, service providers and government officials.

The FCO is working with the Stabilisation Unit to deploy 2 Deployable Civilian Experts (DCE) to Bangladesh to conduct a needs assessment of the extent of reported sexual violence and service provision. The DCEs are experts in gender issues and criminal law, including sexual violence in conflict, they will look at the extent of reported incidents of sexual violence, services being provided to survivors and their families, identify gaps in service provision and make recommendations for the UK government. Part of the assessment will be a deep dive on investigation and documentation of sexual violence.

The PSVI Team of Experts (ToE) was established in 2012 to strengthen the specialist capabilities that the UK is able to bring to bear on these issues. The ToE is owned by the FCO and housed in the Stabilisation Unit, forming part of their wider Civilian Stabilisation Group, which is a roster of Deployable Civilian Experts. The ToE currently consists of criminal lawyers, policing advisers, gender based violence experts, international investigating officers, training experts, psychosocial experts, social workers, and sexual offences examiners. Each deployment is tailored to local needs and circumstances.

The ToE does not collect evidence or investigate sexual violence. Instead the deployments are designed to complement and reinforce the work of others, including governments UN and NGOs. Since November 2012 we have deployed 74 experts to 13 countries in support of 22 projects. Read further information about the ToE.

Burma is a priority country for PSVI and Women, Peace and Security including in the UK’s National Action Plan and Implementation Plan which runs from 2014 to 2017. The National Action Plan enables the government to articulate our priorities on Women, Peace and Security and co-ordinate implementation of our work at the national level.

Link: Press release: Sexual violence abuses against the Rohingya in Burma
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: M5 Oldbury viaduct team gives gardeners a helping hand

A team working on the M5 Oldbury viaduct repair scheme is helping to transform a former derelict site into a community garden so it can be used by local charity, Ideal for all.

The derelict land, near junctions 1 and 2 of the M5 at Oldbury, is part of a programme of projects to give something back to local communities where work is currently being carried out by contractors BMV on behalf of Highways England to repair the viaduct.

Highways England is working with Ideal for All, a registered charity run by disabled people for disabled people in the Black Country, to create a fully functioning therapeutic garden and community learning space at Barlow Road in Wednesbury.

Ideal for All, through its award winning Growing Opportunities project, has already successfully developed two existing gardens; Salop Drive Market Garden (Oldbury) and therapeutic unit Malthouse Gardens (Smethwick). They are now working alongside the local community, M5 Oldbury viaduct team and Power to Change Community Business Fund to expand the project into Wednesbury (Barlow Road).

The site has already undergone phase one and one of development, being initially overgrown and unused for many years. Since the start of the Oldbury viaduct scheme, the team are carrying out further phase three development works and clearance across the Barlow road site.

In July, workers from contractors BMV attended the Ideal for All ‘volunteer day’. This involved working alongside local volunteers and project participants, weeding and hedge trimming around the existing orchard. More recently the team has been back on site carrying out some rotovating and larger scale orchard clearance work.

Highways England senior project manager, Zbigniew Twarowski, said:

We appreciate the impact that M5 Oldbury viaduct project currently has on the local community.

We are always looking to minimise the disruption, but we know that there is a limit to what we can do. We are therefore looking to create a lasting legacy for the project. We will return a refurbished viaduct but we also want to support communities and improve lives.

Ideal for All’s CEO, Khatija Patel, said:

We are excited to be working with local people, businesses and Power to Change. Together we’re working hard towards the final transformation into a full functioning local asset, complete with community gardens, accessible buildings and community spaces.

The project will provide health, mental health and wellbeing opportunities alongside employment and skills training; benefiting local people, protecting the natural environment and creating opportunities to support and sustain economic regeneration of the area.

Seeing the project develop through the generous support from the Oldbury viaduct scheme has been fantastic and we cannot thank you all enough!

Ideal for All provides a range of social and health care services for disabled people, carers and disadvantaged groups.

The aim is to help people to learn new skills and live as independently as possible, regardless of background or additional needs. The charity offers a range of services to promote independent living, health and wellbeing and employment and skills and brings people together through peer support and social events.

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: M5 Oldbury viaduct team gives gardeners a helping hand
Source: Gov Press Releases