Author Archive
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Diesel generator subsidies threaten decarbonisation
A new report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) claims that the proliferation of diesel generators within the UK energy system and the returns that investors have been able to secure are having a negative impact on decarbonisation and energy security. Last year the Government introduced a new energy policy which has awarded £109 million in subsidies, paid out of consumers’ energy bills, to new diesel generators, which are the dirtiest form of energy ...
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Small business create 1.6m jobs
Latest government figures show that employment by small businesses (less than 50 employees) has increased by 1,618,000 over the last five years. There are over five million small businesses in the UK, generating an estimated £1.2 trillion for the economy. Since 2010, private sector employment has grown by nearly 2.5 million and small businesses accounted for 65% of this.
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New trade agreement with Vietnam
The EU and Vietnam have approved a new free trade agreement that will ease trade of products and services between the UK and Europe with the Vietnamese market. In practice the deal means 99% of tariffs will be eliminated – worth £20 million a year for UK businesses exporting to Vietnam. Commenting on the deal Business Secretary, Sajid Javid, said: “Great news for British businesses enabling access to a fast-growing market of ...
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Sausage and bacon sales tumble
According to the latest retail data from IRI, sales of pre-packed sausages and bacon are down, following the recent publication of a report stating that processed meats can cause cancer. IRI’s Retail Advantage weekly figures, which measured sales across al the major grocery multiples, for the week of the announcement (w/e 31 October) and the following week (w/e 7 November) show a clear impact on sales, with total losses for sausages and ...
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Defra on Formaldehyde (Formalin)
From 1st January 2016 formaldehyde will be classified as a Category 1B carcinogen. It will only be available for professional use and must only be sold by a registered supplier. According to Defra, the key impacts of this on animal related agriculture are as follows: There is no UK legal definition of "professional". Therefore users in the UK are required to be competent ...
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Payments to dairy farmers ahead of schedule
EU support payments to help UK dairy farmers manage cash flow problems will start arriving in bank accounts from today – two weeks ahead of schedule, Farming Minister, George Eustice, has announced. The first payments have been made to over 10,000 farmers across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – three-quarters of all eligible farmers and amounting to almost £19.2 ...
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New tools and advice for bovine TB
New tools and advice to help farmers stamp out bovine TB have been unveiled. Defra, the Animal and Plant Health Agency, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, the National Farmers’ Union, the British Cattle Veterinary Association and Landex have come together to promote action and help famers and vets protect herds. All advice on bovine TB from government, farming experts, leading vets and agricultural colleges is now available from one single ...
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Technology key to unlocking farming potential
Technological innovation is the key to unlocking the potential of farming by improving productivity and tackling problems such as pests and disease, Farming Minister, George Eustice, said today. Illustrating the point, the minister drew attention to a group of 40 farmers in Sheffield who are trialling a self-driving “agribot” to help manage hilly moorland grazing for sheep and cattle. The device is based on a bomb disposal robot and uses on-board ...
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UK business outlook weakens
UK business confidence waned over the autumn, according to the latest Markit Business Outlook Survey. Expectations have moderated in the service and manufacturing sectors, although construction firms are optimistic regarding projected activity levels. A net balance of +50% of firms across the manufacturing, service and construction sectors expect activity levels to rise over the next 12 months - the lowest figure since +46% in February 2013. By sector, services has the weakest outlook (+48%, lowest since ...
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Great British Food unit unveiled
Britain’s food and drink pioneers are coming together to launch Great Food Nation, Environment Secretary, Elizabeth Truss, announced today. Top chefs Raymond Blanc and Ken Hom will join entrepreneurs including Leon’s Henry Dimbleby, Sam Bompas and Harry Parr to support a five-year Great British Food campaign. They will be championing UK produce by leading trade missions, food festivals and sharing their knowledge and ideas. In addition, the Government intends to promote British ...
