Defence Innovation Loans updates: join the upcoming webinar to see what we have in store

On 13 December 2022, DASA and Innovate UK will host a webinar to share exciting changes for the future of Defence Innovation Loans
Defence Innovations Loans are delivered via a unique partnership between DASA and Innovate UK
Defence Innovation Loans is an alternative funding method to help Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) who often struggle to bring their ideas to market

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) introduced Defence Innovation Loans in the summer of 2021, as an alternative funding method to help convert mature defence innovations into viable business propositions that can compete for defence procurement. Aimed at Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), and with a below market interest rate of 7.4% per annum, Defence Innovation Loans provide affordable funds to help innovators commercialise defence innovations.

Following success of the Defence Innovation Loans funding model, DASA and Innovate UK are pleased to hold an upcoming webinar to announce exciting changes to improve the service. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask the hosts questions they have about the service.

What will the webinar cover?

What is DASA?
How do Defence Innovation Loans work?
What is new with Defence Innovation Loans?
Who can apply – is your business and innovation eligible?
What you can borrow – amounts and eligible costs.
What project and loan periods are available and what the repayment terms are.
How to apply for a Defence Innovation Loan; information about submitting applications to DASA and Innovate UK.
Q&A.

Defence Innovation Loans: what’s new?

DASA always seeks to improve its services, so aspects of the Defence Innovation Loans model will change in mid-December 2022. Here is how we are improving the service and making it easier for you to apply:

Defence Innovation Loans are expanding to offer loans from £100K to £2m (previously £250K to £1.6M)
the loan availability period will be up to 3 years (previously 2)
Defence Innovation Loans will return to cycles, but will remain open at all times throughout the year
the initial outcome of loan eligibility will still be carried out by DASA and Innovate UK, within 7 weeks from the closing date of the cycle

Attend the upcoming webinar to learn more and keep an eye on the DASA homepage for updates.

Who can apply for a Defence Innovation Loan?

To apply for a Defence Innovation Loan, you must:

be a UK registered SME
intend to exploit the results in the UK or overseas to make a significant and positive impact on the UK economy and / or productivity
give evidence that your business is suitable to take on a loan

Please note, individuals, academic institutions, research organisations and large companies are not eligible for Defence Innovation Loans.

What innovations are considered for a loan?

Defence Innovation Loans are open to innovative ideas to improve the defence of the UK. Your innovation must be mature, at TRL 6 or above, to ensure the solution can be commercialised within the time scale of the loan. There must also be clear evidence of a Defence need for the innovative solution.

Register now

Defence Innovation Loans: meet the Access to Mentoring & Finance (A2MF) Team

The A2MF team works closely with innovators to understand their business needs and aspirations. Their goal is to help companies become investment, market and supply chain ready. Engrained in the extensive business incubation and support community, the A2MF team use a smart brokerage model to help companies identify and access the expertise and funding required to overcome challenges to business growth and realise their ambitions.

Meet the team and learn more

Public urged to stay safe during busy seal pupping season

Thousands of grey seals descend on the beaches of Donna Nook and the nearby coastline during November and December to give birth. This spectacle attracts wildlife enthusiasts from across the UK who scramble across the dunes to witness this natural wonder.

However, areas of Donna Nook and land in close proximity is owned by the MOD. As well as being home to historical military activity, the site, including inland and beach locations is still used for live firing and tactical training activities.

These activities pose a safety risk to the general public. Safety remains the MOD’s top priority and one risk that the MOD is specifically keen to highlight is the very real danger of disturbing military debris, including unexploded ordnance. Items that are fired, dropped, discarded or buried can be inadvertently disturbed by walkers, ramblers and dogs, sometimes with unintended consequences.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialists from the Royal Engineers check a detonated 3kg payload at RAF Donna Nook, after it was dropped by an RAF Hawk during Exercise TERMINAL STRIKE last year. Crown Copyright / MOD 2021.

As custodians of large parts of the land, the MOD is keen to educate the public about these dangers and the simple actions they can take to reduce the risk of injury or worse.

Lt Col Andy Hough, DIO’s Regional Commander for the East of England, said:

The pupping season presents a wonderful opportunity for members of the public to explore unique areas of the Defence Estate at Donna Nook and the surrounding region. We recognise the huge benefit to mental and physical well-being that outdoor recreation can have when safe to do so.

Due to its location and historical and active engagement with military activity, debris does often wash up with the tide, or remain in situ after air delivered training. Many of these items can be extremely dangerous. If members of the public spot anything we ask them to report it, never touch it. This includes keeping dogs on a lead and paying special attention to what they might pick up off the floor.

Just a few months ago a member of the public carried a piece of munitions debris from the beach to hand over to my colleagues. What they considered an act of diligence, put their life at risk. Had an item exploded it would have undoubtedly led to a fatality.

In addition to accidentally disturbing UXO, a small minority deliberately search out and remove ordnance as a hobby, with some even selling what they find to collectors.

Two spent 3kg bombs near one of the targets at RAF Donna Nook. Crown Copyright / MOD 2022.

Lt Col Hough added:

Deliberate removal of UXO is not only dangerous, it’s also against the law. We encourage anybody considering removing and selling UXO to stop and think about the danger they are putting themselves in.

We’re really keen to see people out enjoying the pupping season. However, our message is simple. Only access military land when and where it is safe to do so, and with caution at all times.

Donna Nook is part of a public safety campaign targeting popular tourist sites in the UK. Respect the Range reinforces a key safety message about safe access to military land and training estates. More information on the campaign can be found at gov.uk/guidance/safe-access.

UK services industry welcomes extension of Swiss visa agreement

UK and Switzerland agree three-year extension to the Services Mobility Agreement (SMA), enabling UK professionals to work in Switzerland for up to 90 days a year permit free
Extension welcomed by UK services industry, which accounts for around 80% of the UK’s GDP and workforce
News comes ahead of negotiations on an ambitious new trade deal between the two services superpowers in 2023

Following intensive discussions, the UK and Switzerland have today agreed to extend the Services Mobility Agreement. The deal, which has been in operation since the start of 2021, has had a transformative effect on companies’ ability to provide services in each other’s countries by allowing employees to easily work in both states.

The extension of the agreement means UK professionals – from accountants and lawyers to advertising creatives – can continue to travel and operate freely in Switzerland for up to 90 days a year without needing a permit.

Switzerland is the UK’s sixth largest export market for services, worth over £12 billion in exports last year. ‘Other business services’, including accountancy, architectural, and legal services made up the majority of these, worth £6.5 billion, while financial services accounted for £1.9 billion.

The SMA will be rolled over for a further three years, providing UK and Swiss companies with welcome certainty. Moving skilled people between countries is vital to services exports, facilitating the delivery of projects and face to face conversations that help to win new clients and get deals done.

The two countries have also agreed to launch negotiations next year on a new free trade agreement, which will establish long-term arrangements for services mobility and boost trade between the UK and Switzerland even further, in 2023.

Trade Secretary, Kemi Badenoch, said:

The UK and Swiss economies are both services powerhouses and closely aligned. Today’s agreement is a win-win for both sides. From financial services in Edinburgh to cyber security in Wales, the deal ensures UK businesses capitalise on the huge opportunities on offer.

This is just the beginning. I am excited to launch negotiations on an ambitious, future-facing trade deal with Switzerland that will boost our already incredibly strong trading relationship, worth £39 billion last year.

Switzerland is a world leader in innovation and has placed top of the Global Innovation Index for twelve consecutive years. It offers huge opportunities for companies across the UK, who already export billions in services there every year. Scotland, home to Edinburgh’s thriving financial services scene, exported over £700 million in services to Switzerland in 2020 while Wales, with its cyber security hub, exported £175 million.

Rain Newton-Smith, Chief Economist at the Confederation of British Industry said:

Businesses across the UK will welcome today’s extension of the Services Mobility Agreement, as called for by the Trade in Services Council. With four in five UK jobs located in the services sector, the ability to work in Switzerland is hugely beneficial for firms trading with the UK’s 7th largest export market. Business will hope this injects crucial momentum as the UK and Switzerland prepare to negotiate an enhanced FTA.

The CBI’s co-chairing of the UK-Switzerland Bilateral Trade and Investment Council will provide an important forum for firms to discuss ways to further unlock new and exciting trade opportunities with Switzerland.

Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, Chris Hayward, said:

The extension of the Service Mobility Agreement is hugely welcome. Access to the world’s best talent, and a capacity to move highly skilled labour between the UK and Switzerland is of paramount importance to the financial and professional service sector.

The UK and Switzerland are the two largest financial centres in Europe which means strengthening our services trade relationship is a top priority for the sector. Looking ahead, we hope to see the mobility agreement expanded, incorporated and future proofed within a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement.

Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week 2022

News story

Statement from our Chief Inspector, Captain Andrew Moll OBE, at the start of this year’s Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week.

Graphic illustration showing critical safety considerations against the hazards of carbon monoxide

Captain Andrew Moll OBE shares some safety critical advice with boat users to mark the start of carbon monoxide awareness week 2022, reminding them of the hazards posed by this poisonous gas.

Many of us take steps in our homes to stay safe from carbon monoxide by installing CO alarms and having an annual boiler service, but are the same precautions being taken when out on the water?

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has investigated six incidents in the past 12 years with the needless loss of 10 lives due to carbon monoxide poisoning. All of these happened on board recreational motor cruisers or small fishing vessels.

Today, to mark the start of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week (21 to 27 November), the MAIB is reminding boat users of the three simple steps that they can take to stay safe from this silent killer.

Servicing – install and maintain on board equipment properly

Engines and equipment used on board, such as cookers, grills and cabin heaters, can give off carbon monoxide if not properly maintained. Regular servicing should be undertaken by someone competent to carry out the task, for example a marine engineer or a qualified heating installer. All installations and modifications to equipment should be fit for purpose and carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.

The MAIB investigation into the tragic incident on board Arniston highlights the importance of ensuring equipment or modifications to boats are conducted in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Similarly, the investigation into carbon monoxide poisoning on the motor cruiser Vasquez found that the engine had not been regularly serviced and that the exhaust system had been modified during the boat’s life.

Ventilation – ensure there is adequate ventilation in the cabin

With winter upon us and fuel prices still high, boat users may be tempted to keep doors and windows closed to stay warm and reduce drafts. However, carbon monoxide can build up when engines idle in enclosed areas, such as against quay walls, next to other boats or inside locks. Adequate ventilation is an important way of protecting against the potential accumulation of poisonous fumes in cabins.

CO alarms – fit a marine approved carbon monoxide alarm and test it frequently

Carbon monoxide alarms are readily available, inexpensive and easy to install. This potentially lifesaving equipment will alert the boat user to the presence of this odourless, colourless poisonous gas so that action can be taken.

Our investigations into the fatal accidents on board Love for Lydia and Diversion both emphasise the importance of fitting a carbon monoxide alarm.

The Boat Safety Scheme has more information about the best place to install a detector and what to do if the alarm sounds.

Closing thoughts

At this time of year, as weather begins to get cooler, there is a temptation for those on the water to keep doors, hatches and windows closed to reduce drafts, use cookers and grills more to prepare hot food, and turn on cabin heaters. Understanding the potential risks of carbon monoxide and taking these three important steps – servicing equipment, fitting a CO alarm and ventilating the cabin – will help protect against this odourless, colourless poisonous gas.

Published 21 November 2022

G7 Foreign Ministers statement on missile launch by DPRK

Press release

The UK and G7 partners have issued a statement on an Intercontinental Ballistics Missile launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on 18th November.

On the launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK):

We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, condemn in the strongest terms the brazen launch of another Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) conducted on 18 November 2022 by the DPRK. This missile launch is another blatant violation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) by the DPRK. This reckless act, together with the evidence of ongoing nuclear activities, underscores the DPRK’s determination to advance and diversify its nuclear weapons and missile capabilities. It further destabilizes the region, despite calls from the international community for peace and stability.

The unprecedented series of unlawful ballistic missile launches conducted by the DPRK in 2022, including numerous intercontinental ballistic missiles, and the intermediate-range ballistic missile which recklessly overflew Japan, pose a serious threat to regional and international peace and security and undermine the global non-proliferation regime. They also pose a danger and unpredictable risk to international civil aviation and maritime navigation in the region.

We reiterate our demand that the DPRK abandon its nuclear weapons, existing nuclear programs, and any other weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner and cease immediately all related activities. The DPRK cannot and will never have the status of a nuclear-weapon State in accordance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) or any other special status in this regard. We urge the DPRK to return at an early date to, and fully comply with the Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards and to fully abide by all legal obligations under relevant UNSCRs.

The DPRK’s actions demand a united and robust response by the international community, including the need for further significant measures to be taken by the UN Security Council (UNSC). We call on all states to fully and effectively implement all UNSC measures and sanctions against the DPRK and address the risk of weapons of mass destruction proliferation from the DPRK as an urgent priority.

The G7 expresses its full solidarity with Japan and the Republic of Korea and urges the DPRK to cease its destabilizing actions. We urge the DPRK to resume meaningful dialogue toward denuclearization and accept the repeated offers of dialogue put forward by the United States, Japan and the Republic of Korea. By diverting its resources from providing for the needs of its people into its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs the DPRK further aggravates the already dire humanitarian situation in the DPRK. We are committed to working with all relevant partners toward the goal of peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and to upholding the rules-based international order.

Published 20 November 2022