Sep182017

Economy Secretary hails success of company helping to turn black cabs green

Welsh Government

Economy Secretary Ken Skates is attending the reopening of Norwegian owned, Sapa’s Bedwas site today which will be producing aluminium components for the TX-5 – the all new zero emissions capable London cab.

This will replace the diesel powered black cab with a model that utilises a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The investment is backed by £550,000 from the Welsh Government, which helped bring the project to Wales, despite competition from another European facility.

First Minister Carwyn Jones met senior officials from the Sapa group during his visit to Norway in January and pressed the business case for bringing the investment to Wales.

The Bedwas site was mothballed in 2014 following significant changes in market conditions but was retained by Sapa. The opportunity to re-open the facility occurred when Sapa Components UK, which supplies all the major vehicle manufacturers with aluminium based sub-assemblies and components, secured contracts to supply the new London cab.

Sapa has been working with the London Electrical Vehicle Company (LEVC) since 2015 and invested significantly in researching and developing lightweight aluminium prototypes and components for the new vehicle.

Economy and Infrastructure Secretary Ken Skates said:

“The Welsh Government is proud to have supported Sapa’s extensive investment in the refurbishment of its site in Bedwas which will create at least 130 jobs over the next five years.

“Wales has a growing reputation for supporting innovative new technologies and opportunities,  and the Low Carbon Vehicle sector is a particular growth area and a key sub sector for our advanced materials and manufacturing industry.

“I am delighted that SAPA is reopening its operation in Bedwas and proud that Wales will be playing a key role in the production of a new generation of environmentally friendly black cabs.”

Calvin Carpenter, MD Sapa Component UK, adds:

“This is a proud day as it is a culmination of nearly 3 years working with London Taxi throughout its development phases to enable us to supply major body components to the ‘new state of the art’ facility in Ansty, Coventry.”

Sep172017

Press release: Low Pay Commission report on non-compliance with the minimum wage

HM Government

The Low Pay Commission has always had a strong interest in compliance with the minimum wage rates it recommends. There is, after all, little point in having a minimum wage if workers do not receive the correct rate.

With more workers than ever paid the minimum wage or close to it, more people are at risk of being underpaid. Our analysis finds that up to 1 in 5 people who should be paid at least the minimum wage may in fact receive less. This equates to between 305,000 and 580,000 workers at its highest point, though it is a difficult thing to measure.

The LPC welcomes the recent increases in funding for HMRC’s enforcement of the minimum wage, and recognises the progress it has made. However, we also think there is more the Government could do to identify non-compliance and stop it happening in the first place. In our report we lay out recommendations for ways the Government could go further.

Sep172017

Press release: Exporting in Style: UK fashion exports top £10.7 billion

HM Government

As major fashion buyers from the across the world descend on the capital for London Fashion Week, latest trade figures show exports of fashion goods rose to £10.7 billion in 2016.

The figure is the highest on record and represents an 8 per cent increase on exports of footwear, clothing and textiles since 2015.**

There is clear global demand for British goods, with the USA, Hong Kong and Australia snapping up more than £1 billion worth of exports in 2016. The countries account for the top three buyers of home grown brands including Burberry, Mulberry and Temperley London, outside of the EU.

To build on this export success, the Department for International Trade (DIT) has collaborated with the British Fashion Council (BFC) to give British designers access to high profile buyers from developed markets. Through the BFC’s ‘International Guest Programme’, up and coming designers will be linked to key markets including the USA, China and South Korea.

International Trade Minister Mark Garnier said:

From street style to haute couture, it’s no surprise that our prestigious fashion industry is in vogue with more than £10 billion worth of goods heading overseas last year.

Our best brands will display their talent this London Fashion Week and as an international economic department, we are committed to supporting them make the most of their exporting potential.

That’s why we’re connecting home grown designers to international fashion buyers through bespoke fashion programmes and events.

Supporting the best of British style

Working with DIT, the BFC are also promoting leading British fashion designers on the world stage by taking 15-20 designers on a trade mission to Paris Fashion Week. Emerging new UK fashion designers will be able to showcase to international press and buyers at a dedicated pop-up showroom as part of Paris Fashion Week.

One company showcasing at London Fashion Week this year with help from DIT is Baia Bags. Susy Brown began the company from her bedroom five years ago in Yorkshire. Since then, she has slowly built the business with every item designed and handmade herself – using only British sourced products and materials.

Baia Bags was picked up by Fortnum and Mason and has exhibited at LFW four times. Ms Brown is now exploring other international markets including Italy, and already exports to the USA. DIT has helped to secure her a place at London Fashion Week this year and show in Paris next season.

London Fashion Week runs from Friday 15th to Tuesday 19th September and will welcome guests including press and buyers from over 59 countries.

Notes to editors

  • **The latest figures from HMRC: Fashion includes textiles (SITC 65), apparel (SITC 84) and footwear (SITC 85). £10.7bn is the highest value in the HMRC data, which is available from 1996.
  • DIT partner with BFC on eight of their fashion events.
  • Priority markets for the ‘International Guest Programme’ include: USA, China, South Korea, Italy and Germany
  • The programme involves targeting international buyers and understanding their budgets and styles and matching them with appropriate British designers.
  • The International Guest Programme is hosted by the British Fashion Council’s International team and provides a tailored and targeted schedule for that ensures that they meet the most relevant brands with the highest international potential.

Further information

  • Contact the DIT Media and Digital Team on 020 7008 3333