CLOSED: Digital Skills for the Unemployed – IP 1.1 call in the D2N2 LEP area (OC08S19P1389)

Call to run a project to address the current skills mismatch in D2N2 and plan for the skills required in the digital age and in a high-value economy.




CLOSED: Access to Employment: Community Grants project call in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP area (OC05S19P1387)

Call to run a project to help people move closer to the labour market in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP area.




Derbyshire eco-furniture business heads to Beijing

Derbyshire-based sustainable furniture company, Full Grown, will be exhibiting some of its furniture at the Beijing Expo 2019 as a permanent pop-up.

The UK Garden has received almost 450,000 visitors, including business and government leaders from across China. This presents a great opportunity for Full Grown’s founders Gavin and Alice Munro to seek out buyers in this blossoming luxury furniture market.

Full Grown shape and graft bespoke, sustainable furniture from trees to sell to individuals, galleries and museums. Officially founded in 2012, the company soon realised its product range, which now encompasses chairs, lamps, tables and sculptures, had strong appeal outside of the UK.

The business started working with the Department for International Trade in 2016 and now exports to 10 countries including France, Germany and Norway, as well as locations further afield such as Hong Kong and the US.

Gavin Munro, founder at Full Grown said:

We were introduced to the Beijing Expo 2019 through a DIT reception with Liam Fox at Lancaster House in December. We have since been discussing exhibiting our products at the expo for some time and DIT are kindly supporting our appearance at the expo.

The expo will provide us valuable opportunities to show our products to a new audience in China – and allow us to publicise our company and products at the UK Garden and Pavilion that shares the same cause that we do: innovating for a greener future.

Richard Burn, DIT’s HM Trade Commissioner for China said:

China is the perfect market for Full Grown to explore. Chinese consumers currently purchase a third of global luxury products and have an increased awareness of eco-friendly goods.

The UK’s Garden and Pavilion will provide the perfect setting to showcase these organically grown lamps and chairs. Not only do they represent the creativity and innovation found in UK companies that make us a world leader in low carbon development, but they also resonate with our core theme of ‘Innovating for a Greener Future’. I hope visitors to the Expo can come and enjoy these innovative products amidst the tranquil surroundings of the UK Garden.

Further information

DIT Press Office

newsdesk@trade.gov.uk +44 (0)20 7008 2000 Follow us: @tradegovuk | gov.uk/dit

Notes to editors

The Beijing Expo 2019

The Beijing Expo is the largest event taking place globally this year, running from 29 April to 7 October 2019. The theme for the UK Garden and Pavilion is ‘Live Green, Live Better’.

Over 100 countries and international organisations are participating in this horticultural expo, alongside Chinese provinces, municipalities, commercial organisations and scientific and academic institutions. It will be hosted by the Chinese government and the Beijing Municipality.

It will be the biggest Horticultural Expo the world has seen with over 16 million visitors expected, of which 20% will be international, to the 500-hectare site.

The Department for International Trade

The Department for International Trade (DIT) secures UK and global prosperity by promoting and financing international trade and investment, and championing free trade. We are an international economic department, responsible for:

  • Bringing together policy, promotion and financial expertise to break down barriers to trade and investment, and help businesses succeed
  • Delivering a new trade policy framework for the UK as we leave the EU
  • Promoting British trade and investment across the world
  • Building the global appetite for British goods and services
  • Between 1st April 2016 and 31st March 2019, more than 230,000 jobs were created and safeguarded as a result of foreign direct investment projects supported by DIT and its predecessor. Source: DIT Inward Investment Results 2018 to 2019
  • Between 1st April 2016 and 31st March 2019, DIT and its predecessor has helped UK businesses export goods and services worth around £99 billion. Source: DIT Annual Report 2018-19
  • Using analysis by the Institute for Economic Affairs, it is estimated that this could potentially generate around £32 billion for the Exchequer *To date, the UK has signed or agreed in principle agreements with countries that account for 63% of the UK’s trade with all the countries with which the UK is seeking continuity for a potential No Deal.



Crime news: changes to crime contract because of new parole rules

Amendments to the 2017 crime contract are now live on GOV.UK to take account of the new right to challenge parole decisions outside the courts.

This new right is exercised through a ‘reconsideration mechanism’ which came into force on 22 July 2019.

In addition to amended contract documentation we have published guidance which details the new arrangements which have now taken effect.

What are the contract changes?

The amendments we have made confirm that work carried out:

  • on behalf of a prisoner during the ‘reconsideration’ process will be covered by criminal legal aid

  • connected to applications for ‘reconsideration’ will be a continuation of the existing Parole Board matter

Advocacy assistance fee

A separate advocacy assistance fee will be claimable if the Parole Board directs the matter for a reconsideration hearing.

There may be circumstances where clients have not received advice and assistance or advocacy assistance connected to their Parole Board case.

Advice and assistance can be provided when making applications for reconsideration for such individuals.

Further information

Standard Crime Contract 2017 – amendments to chapter 12 of the Contract Specification now available covering the new rules from 22 July 2019

Parole Board Rules 2019 – to view details of the new rules effective from 22 July 2019

Criminal Bills Assessment Manual – amendments to reflect the changes in the contract.

Guidance for Reporting Crime Lower Work – amendments to introduce a new reporting code for Parole Board Reconsideration Hearings.




CLOSED: Skills for Growth: Business Clusters project call in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP area (OC05S19P1388)

Call to run a project to improve skills and business growth in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP area.