Jun192017

Economy Secretary at Paris Airshow to promote Wales’ aerospace sector

Welsh Government
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The Paris Airshow, which is held every other year in the French capital, is one of the world’s largest events of its kind. This year it expects to attract record numbers of exhibiters and  more than 250,000 trade visitors. 

The Economy Secretary will join the six Wales based companies exhibiting on the Welsh Government stand who are looking to maximise business opportunities and secure new orders.

They include Wrexham based engineering company Tritech Group who last year secured around £10m worth of new business at the Farnborough International Airshow. 

Speaking ahead of the event, Ken Skates said: 

“I am very excited to attend this year’s Paris  Airshow and join our Aerospace team and the excellent Wales based companies on our stand. Tritech, Faun Trackway, Spectrum Technologies, Denis Ferranti, Haydale and LMg Solutions will be  working hard throughout the event to make new contacts and  secure new business. 

“The aerospace industry is already a priority sector for Wales. We are a centre of excellence for aerospace manufacturing and Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) related activities and  play home to over 160 companies who are  active in the sector. 

“Indeed some of the biggest names in aerospace and defence, including GE Aviation and Airbus  are  located in Wales and collectively the sector employs in excess of 20,000 people.”

“Wales is punching above its weight but we want to keep building on our success, and  the  presence of  the Welsh Government and  Wales based companies  at high profile events like the Paris Airshow is  crucial in helping us to generate new business and trade opportunities, and stimulate growth in the sector . I wish all six  exhibiting companies every success at this year’s show.”

Jun192017

BCC comments on the start of Brexit negotiations

British Chambers of Commerce
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On the day negotiations begin on the UK’s departure from the European Union, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“As Brexit talks commence, UK firms want practical economic issues to be at the heart of the negotiations. Business wants an atmosphere of pragmatism, civility and mutual respect to characterise this complex process. 

“Over the coming weeks and months, the UK government must demonstrate how it is working to address the everyday considerations of British companies in the talks – who can they hire, whether their goods will be stopped at borders, and whether they will have to cope with extra costs.

“Parties on both sides should begin the negotiations by seeking to guarantee the rights of EU citizens already in the UK, and UK citizens in the EU-27.  Swift agreement on citizens’ rights would remove a highly emotive and politicised issue from the complex road ahead, while at the same time ending a year-long source of uncertainty for individuals, communities and employers alike. 

“It’s important to remember that negotiations on some of the most crucial business issues, such as the nature of the future UK-EU trading relationship, won’t begin straight away. We will continue to campaign for the priorities and concerns of business communities across the UK as negotiations continue – and ensure that their practical priorities are front and centre.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) sits at the heart of a powerful network of 52 Accredited Chambers of Commerce across the UK, representing thousands of businesses of all sizes and within all sectors. Our Global Business Network connects exporters with nearly 40 markets around the world. For more information, visit: www.britishchambers.org.uk

Media contacts:

Allan Williams – Senior Press Manager

020 7654 5812 / 07920583381

Orla Hennessy – Press and Communications Officer

020 7654 5813 / 07825746812

Jun192017

Speed camera income hits 3-year peak

Scottish Conservatives
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19 Jun 2017

IN PIC................. (c) Wullie Marr/DEADLINE NEWS For pic details, contact Wullie Marr........... 07989359845

Speed cameras across Scotland raked in more than £5 million last year, the highest since 2014.

The devices across the country – which issue motorists who break the speed limit with automatic fines – resulted in £5,095,100 being paid to courts.

That’s £200,000 more than the previous year, and compares to just £4.6 million two years ago.

The statistics were revealed following a Freedom of Information request by the Scottish Conservatives.
Cameras in Tayside, Central and Fife produced the most money – raking in £1.3 million – followed by Grampian and the Highlands and Islands, which generated £1.2 million.

Across Scotland there are more than 200 fixed speed cameras.

Today’s statistics show they bring in £14,000 a day.

The Scottish Conservatives said while speed cameras had a role to play in improving safety, it was important they weren’t merely seen as cash cows.

Scottish Conservative transport spokesman Liam Kerr said:

“Motorists completely accept speed cameras have a place on Scotland’s roads to ensure safe driving.

“But there is a widespread suspicion that these are set up not to reduce speed, but to generate money from those edging over the various speed limits they police.

“The fact that an ever-increasing amount of money is being generated from motorists for whom driving is becoming ever more expensive, will only reinforce this view that they are first and foremost simply being used as revenue-generators.

“Speed cameras should be situated where their presence has a demonstrable positive impact on road safety and accident prevention.

“Too many seem to be placed in areas such as the first clear straight on an A-road, ensuring that those carrying out an appropriate, safety conscious, overtaking manoeuvre but exceeding the speed limit are caught out.”

To see the table revealing speed camera income, visit:
http://www.scottishconservatives.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Speedcams.pdf

Jun192017

News story: The UKTI Minister,Mark Garnier visited Mongolia

HM Government
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The UKTI Minister,Mark Garnier visited Mongolia from 31 March to 1 April.

The UK’s International Trade Minister Mark Garnier was the first UK Department for International Trade Minister to visit Mongolia. His visit emphasized the strong bilateral trading relationship. Mongolia has huge potential for economic growth and the UK stands ready to help companies in Mongolia fulfil their ambition ensuring our partnership can go from strength to strength. Throughout the visit, the Minister highlighted the UK is a significant economic and export partner for Mongolia. And the UK is one of the largest investors in Mongolia in sectors ranging from mining and building infrastructure to financial services. Exports from the UK to Mongolia include a diverse variety of products.

During his visit, the Minister met the Foreign Minister, H.E. Munkh-Orgil Tsend, Vice Minister of Road and Transport Development, H.E. Tsogtgerel Batchuluun. Discussions were held on many matters, including ways to further strengthen the bilateral trading relationship and exploring areas to maximise future opportunities for UK and Mongolian businesses. He also opened the securities trading session at the Mongolian Stock Exchange.

Jun192017

News story: David Davis’ opening remarks at the start of EU exit negotiations in Brussels

HM Government
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I’m here in Brussels today, to begin the next phase of our work to build a new, deep and special partnership with the European Union.

But our thoughts this morning are rightly with the victims and families of the awful attack in London early this morning and with those who have lost loved ones in Portugal too in that terrible tragedy there.

It is at testing times like these that we are reminded of the values and the resolve we share with our closest allies in Europe.

For there is more that unites us than divides us.

So while there will undoubtedly be challenging times ahead of us in the negotiations we will do all that we can to ensure we deliver a deal that works in the best interests of all of our citizens.

To that end we are starting this negotiation in a positive and constructive tone, determined to build a strong and special partnership between ourselves, our European allies and friends.