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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Security Minister welcomes new support for fraud victims [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Security Minister welcomes new support for fraud victims [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 21 November 2022.

    The first meeting today welcomed news that the member organisations of the taskforce have developed and adopted a new victim’s checklist, setting a benchmark for other industries to follow by ensuring consistent support is given to victims of fraud. Security Minister Tom Tugendhat and industry leaders discussed how this important work can be expanded further.

    Paul Scully, Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy, and Treasury Lords Minister Baroness Penn were also in attendance.

    The checklist builds on the work the organisations had previously undertaken and ensures that consistent guidance and support is provided to victims, whoever they bank with, when they report a fraud.

    Mr Tugendhat, who chairs the taskforce, said:

    I was delighted to lead a discussion of the renewed Joint Fraud Taskforce today, meeting with industry leaders to discuss how we can work together to fight fraud and provide better support for victims.

    Fraud is a hidden tax on people across our country and is a national security problem too.  It funds criminal states and drug dealers and many more. I’m determined to fight it.

    The banking industry has risen to that challenge and set a clear benchmark, which I am keen to see rolled out across other industries. Many phone companies have done the same, we need the tech firms to follow.

    The Joint Fraud Taskforce is a partnership between the government, law enforcement and the private sector which was relaunched in October 2021. At its relaunch, a series of voluntary charters were created for the private sector to follow, including a charter for retail banking.

    The rollout of the victim checklist means a key victim support pledge from the Retail Banking Charter has been fulfilled. In practice, it means bank and building society staff will provide victims with the same guidance on how to report a crime, how they may be able to get their money back, and where they can access additional support and advice.

    The government will continue to explore how the positive interventions of the banking sector can be adopted by other industries represented at the taskforce.

    David Postings, Chief Executive of UK Finance, said:

    Fraud has a devastating impact on victims, and the money stolen funds serious organised crime. The industry’s primary focus is on stopping these scams happening in the first place and banks have invested heavily in advanced technology to protect customers.

    UK Finance supports the commitment from the Joint Fraud Taskforce to deliver consistent fraud advice to consumers, meaning that all victims of fraud have the same information. The industry is also delivering consistent and concerted fraud messaging through the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign.

    We urge everybody to follow the Take Five advice and to always contact their bank immediately if they think they have fallen victim to a fraud.

    James O’Sullivan, Policy Manager at the Building Societies Association said:

    This checklist will ensure that consumers receive the same guidance when they report a fraud on their bank or building society account, irrespective of who their provider is.

    It’s a helpful step which is part of the bigger and ever evolving fight against fraud and the criminals that perpetrate it.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Bill Introduced in Parliament [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Bill Introduced in Parliament [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Office of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 21 November 2022.

    – The Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Bill provides a short extension to the period for Executive formation.
    – The Bill also enables the Secretary of State to amend MLA salaries while the Assembly is unable to conduct business.
    – The legislation will also take limited but necessary steps to maintain the delivery of Northern Ireland’s public services.

    Following the Secretary of State’s recent announcement in Parliament describing his intention to legislate to extend the period for Executive formation and cut MLA pay, the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Bill will be introduced in Parliament today (Monday 21 November).

    The legislation will extend the period for Executive formation by six weeks to 8 December with the possibility of a further six week extension to 19 January, to allow the Northern Ireland Parties to come together and deliver for the people of Northern Ireland.

    Further, the Bill will clarify the limited decision-making powers to be provided to NI Civil Servants in the absence of Ministers, enable the Secretary of State to amend MLA salaries while the Assembly is unable to conduct business, and maintain public service delivery. The Bill will also enable a small number of vital public service appointments to be made and enable the regional rate for 2023/24 to be set should an Executive not be in place to do so.

    Following discussions with the party leaders, community and business representatives across NI, the Secretary of State made the decision to introduce this legislation to allow for more time and space for Executive formation, avoiding an unwanted election.

    Recognising public frustration that MLAs continue to draw a full salary while not performing the duties they were elected to do, this legislation will also enable the Secretary of State to amend the salaries and expenses payable to MLAs while the Assembly is not sitting. This measure is one of several in the Bill that will address the realities of the governance gap in NI during the present impasse.

    Speaking ahead of the Bill’s introduction, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris said:

    I urge the Northern Ireland Parties to use this extended time to come together and deliver for the interests of all people in Northern Ireland, particularly in this time of rising costs.

    At present, MLAs are not in a position to fulfil the full range of their duties, so it is right that we take steps to reduce their salaries, especially in the current economic climate and in view of the £660 million black hole in the public finances created by poor decisions made by outgoing Ministers.

    Furthermore, Northern Ireland’s people are being denied full democratic representation. The government’s priority is to see politicians elected to return to fulfil their roles in a strong, devolved and locally accountable government, as laid out by the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.

    Notes to editors:

    The 28 October deadline for Executive formation introduced through the Northern Ireland (Ministers, Elections and Petitions of Concern) Act 2022 has passed. This legislation allowed 24 weeks for parties to form an Executive following the last Assembly election in May 2022. The new legislation introduced in today’s Bill will extend this time period for Executive formation.

    Independent analysis provided during a previous political impasse recommended a 27.5% reduction in MLA salaries.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Welsh Secretary responds to Chancellor’s Autumn Statement [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Welsh Secretary responds to Chancellor’s Autumn Statement [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Office of the Secretary of State of Wales on 21 November 2022.

    • Welsh Government to receive £1.2 billion in additional funding over two years.
    • Up to £10m funding for the Advance Technology Research Centre – a defence-focussed Centre of Excellence Site in Wales.

    Welsh Secretary David TC Davies has responded to the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement which sets out an economic plan to restore stability, protect public services and build long-term prosperity.

    Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies said:

    The difficult and necessary decisions taken today aim to tackle inflation and restore confidence and stability in the UK economy.

    The UK Government has already committed to protecting Welsh households and businesses from rising energy prices, but balancing the books and getting debt falling is the best long-term solution to inflation and to limit interest rate rises.

    As the Chancellor made clear, there is a tough road ahead but the economy remains strong with UK unemployment at historically low levels. Difficult choices are being made, but it is only through sound management of the public finances that we can provide the long-term economic stability that is so vital for families and businesses up and down Wales.

    The Chancellor announced his Autumn Statement on Thursday (17 November) aiming to restore stability to the economy, protect high-quality public services and build long-term prosperity for the United Kingdom.

    Jeremy Hunt outlined a targeted package of support for the most vulnerable, alongside measures to get debt and government borrowing down. The plan he set out is designed to fight against inflation in the face of unprecedented global pressures brought about by the pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

    As a result of today’s tax and spending decisions, the Welsh Government will receive around an additional £1.2 billion over 2023-24 and 2024-25.

    Delivering for the people of Wales, the Chancellor has announced the UK Government will provide up to £10 million of support for the Advanced Technology Research Centre (ATRC), subject to a business case, to deliver a defence-focused Centre of Excellence site in Wales collaboratively with the Welsh Government.

    He also confirmed £1.6bn in funding for the UK’s 9 Catapult innovation centres, an increase of 35% compared to the last funding cycle, which includes the Compound Semiconductor Catapult in Wales.

    The Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said:

    In the face of rising prices and soaring inflation, this Autumn Statement will help deliver economic stability and sustainable public services across the UK.

    Difficult decisions have been made, but we are taking decisive action to support the people of Wales, including increasing pensions and benefits in line with inflation next year and providing the Welsh Government with £1.2 billion in additional funding over the next two years.

    This money will protect the most vulnerable in our society and support households, businesses and public services through the challenging times ahead.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government commits nearly half a billion pounds for UK research to cover EU shortfall [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government commits nearly half a billion pounds for UK research to cover EU shortfall [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 21 November 2022.

    • The Business Secretary has announced £484 million in targeted investment to support UK research due to the EU’s refusal to finalise UK access to EU programmes Horizon Europe, Euratom and Fusion for Energy
    • the package will provide much needed immediate investment to researchers, universities and research organisations
    • the funds will be delivered across the UK, boosting research and innovation across the breadth of the country

    The Business Secretary has today (Monday 21 November) announced up to £484 million in research funding to support the R&D sector, in response to the EU’s refusal to finalise the UK’s association to Horizon Europe and other related EU science programmes as agreed under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) in 2020.

    These investments will provide targeted support for staff retention and local talent strategies at eligible universities and research organisations, as well as making sure the UK labs remain world class and at the cutting edge of R&D.

    The funds will also provide a catalyst for the growth in the UK’s burgeoning fusion industry, ensuring the UK can retain and build on its position as a global leader in fusion science.

    Today’s support builds on the Horizon Europe guarantee scheme, extended in September, which continues to provide funding for eligible, successful UK winners of Horizon Europe calls to ensure UK researchers and businesses can continue to collaborate internationally.

    Business Secretary Grant Shapps said:

    This immediate investment will help our excellent research sector to shore up their talent pools, invest confidently in infrastructure and protect the UK’s reputation as a science superpower.

    The UK cannot wait indefinitely for the EU to meet its commitments which is why this funding is so important to boost research and innovation across the breadth of our country.

    The government is disappointed that the EU is still linking UK association with wider issues, and the UK remains open to association, but cannot wait indefinitely.

    The package includes:

    • £30 million Talent and Research Stabilisation Fund. This will provide targeted support to eligible universities and research organisations who have a track record in attracting direct talent-based funding from the EU, to help them retain talent and address vulnerabilities at a local level
    • £100 million Quality-Related (QR) funding for English universities with additional funding for the Devolved Administrations. This will complement the Talent and Research Stabilisation Fund to deliver a one-off boost to enable universities to strengthen research capabilities – for example employing research staff, technicians or sustaining new areas of research – which are vital to the UK’s reputation for excellent research
    • £200 million for UK Research Infrastructures including additional funding for the Devolved Administrations. A one-off boost to the UK’s research infrastructure base. This includes the UKRI World Class Labs fund, enabling institutes and universities across the United Kingdom to invest in essential research equipment and sustain their excellent research base, as well as making funding available to the UK’s Public Sector Research Establishments (such as the National Physical Laboratory and the Met Office) to maintain their status as international centres of excellence
    • £42.1 million for the Fusion Industry Programme. This will galvanise the UK fusion sector through a challenge fund, designed to engage and support UK businesses in important technical challenges of fusion, helping to build capabilities and spur commercial innovation
    • £84 million for JET Operations. This will support JET (Joint European Torus), as the world’s largest and most powerful fusion experimentation, to continue operations which will provide valuable new insights and support other UK fusion programmes such as STEP (Spherical Tokomak for Energy Production)
  • PRESS RELEASE : Government drive to help over 50s re-join the jobs market [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government drive to help over 50s re-join the jobs market [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 21 November 2022.

    • Network of dedicated 50PLUS: Champions now in place across England, Scotland and Wales
    • Builds on £22 million funding boost secured to support older workers

    Dozens of 50 PLUS Champions tasked with helping older workers into work are now in place across England, Scotland and Wales, the Minister for Employment confirmed today.

    Each area has specialised, local staff dedicated to this helping over 50’s into work. They are working directly with Jobcentres and employers to remove any barriers that are keeping older workers out of the jobs market. Results of this partnership work are already being seen with leading employers like McDonald’s working with the Jobcentre in Scunthorpe to fill vacancies.

    50 PLUS Champions assist Work Coaches to change employer attitudes about hiring over 50s as well as matching jobseekers with opportunities that suit their skills.

    Minister for Employment, Guy Opperman MP, said:

    Older workers are a huge asset to our country and our economy. I want to support them to get into work.

    An age-inclusive workforce makes business sense too. Our 50 PLUS Champions will work with leading employers across the country to connect job-ready people with the vast number of opportunities out there.

    DWP is also supporting older jobseekers, with the introduction of the Jobcentre Mid-Life MOT service which supports people to take stock and make plans for their work, wealth and well-being into the future.

    Jobcentres deliver a specialised offer for those 50 and over, identifying and overcoming obstacles holding them back from the labour market. Support includes modernising CVs or developing new skills through specialist programmes with new employers and a new approach.

    There are also individual businesses which partner up with Jobcentres to create sector-based work academies. These SWAPs last up to six weeks and offer pre-employment training, work experience with an employer in the industry and, at the end of the programme, an opportunity to apply for a job interview in the sector or seek help with the application process.

    To mark National Older Workers Week, DWP is organising a number of events and jobs fairs across the country, including job fairs at Hackney Jobcentre Plus and in Birmingham & Solihull at Kings Norton Jobcentre Plus on 22 November, as well as the ‘Let’s Go Retro’ jobs fair in South Manchester on 25 Novembers, all specifically targeted at jobseekers over 50.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Nuclear test veterans to receive medal as event remembers their service 70 years on [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Nuclear test veterans to receive medal as event remembers their service 70 years on [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 21 November 2022.

    • Prime Minister announces new medal to honour the service of veterans of Britain’s nuclear tests on ‘plutonium anniversary’
    • 22,000 veterans are expected to be eligible for the new honour, marking their service and contribution to the United Kingdom’s nuclear test programme.
    • Comes as veterans and their families gather at the National Memorial Arboretum today to pay tribute to nuclear heroes, who have kept the country safe for 70 years

    A new medal is to honour the significant contribution of veterans and civilian staff from across the Commonwealth, who participated in Britain’s nuclear testing programme, the Prime Minister will announce today.

    The award comes as the country pays tribute to the veterans of the United Kingdom’s nuclear test programme at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire this morning.

    The event, which takes place 70 years after the first British test of a nuclear weapon, will be attended by the Prime Minister, the Defence Secretary and Veterans’ Affairs Minister Johnny Mercer.

    Service personnel, veterans and their families, and representatives from military charities will also attend.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

    I am incredibly proud that we are able to mark the service and dedication of our nuclear test veterans with this new medal. Their commitment and service has preserved peace for the past 70 years, and it is only right their contribution to our safety, freedom and way of life is appropriately recognised with this honour.

    This medal is an enduring symbol of our country’s gratitude to each and every person who played a part in this effort and their loved ones who supported them.

    The veterans and civilians who participated in the United Kingdom’s nuclear test programme, the first of which was known as Op Hurricane, made the UK the third nuclear power. This work contributed to achieving the nuclear deterrent – the ultimate guarantee of UK sovereignty which continues to keep us safe today, and helps guarantee international security.

    Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Johnny Mercer said:

    This medal honours those who served far from home, at a crucial time in our nation’s history.

    To this day the nuclear deterrent remains the cornerstone of our defence, and that is only because of the service and contribution of the brilliant veterans and civilian personnel.

    It’s right that we mark this contribution today, 70 years on from Britain’s first nuclear test.

    Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

    I am delighted that a commemorative medal can be given to our Nuclear Test Veterans, who have made an invaluable contribution to the safety and security of the UK, and who we recognise and value for their enduring service to our nation.

    The Nuclear Test Medal will be a commemorative medal that can be worn by recipients.

    The medal also recognises the contribution made by veterans and civilians from across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Kiribati. All service personnel and civilians under UK command, including close partners from the Commonwealth and Pacific region, who participated in, or were present at, the British or American nuclear tests at the Montebello Islands, Christmas Island, Malden Island and Maralinga & Emu Field, South Australia between 1952 and 1967 will be eligible for the medal. This also includes scientists and local employees..

    It is estimated that around 22,000 veterans will be eligible for medallic recognition.

    The medal can be awarded posthumously. Veterans, their families and next of kin will need to apply for the medal, which will be free of charge. It is expected that the first awards of the medals will be made in 2023.

    To further recognise the contribution of veterans of Britain’s nuclear tests, the government is investing £450,000 into projects which will commemorate and build further understanding of the experiences of veterans who were deployed to Australia and the Pacific.

    As part of that funding, the Office for Veterans’ Affairs is launching an oral history project to chronicle the voices and experiences of those who supported the UK’s effort to develop a nuclear deterrent.

    Due to start in April 2023 the project will run for two years, giving nuclear test veterans the opportunity to be interviewed, and contribute to an accessible digital archive of testimonies about their time working on the tests.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Hebburn engineering boss Michael Hansen banned for Bounce Back Loan abuse [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Hebburn engineering boss Michael Hansen banned for Bounce Back Loan abuse [November 2022]

    The press release issued by The Treasury on 21 November 2022.

    Michael Hansen, 42, from Hebburn has been disqualified as a director for 10 years after overstating the turnover of his engineering firm to claim a £40,000 Bounce Back Loan to which his business was not entitled.

    Hansen was the sole director of MH Property & Engineering Services Limited, which was incorporated in 2019 and traded as a property and engineering firm from Monkton Lane in Hebburn until it went into liquidation in November 2021.

    When the company’s turnover decreased during the pandemic, Hansen applied for a Bounce Back Loan to help support his business, stating the company’s turnover to be £160,000.

    Bounce Back Loans were a government scheme to help businesses to stay afloat during the Covid pandemic. Companies could apply for a loan of between £2,000 and £50,000, up to a maximum of 25% of their turnover. The money was to be used for the economic benefit of the company, under the rules of the scheme.

    MH Property and Engineering Limited struggled to recover the custom it lost during the pandemic and went into liquidation, owing more than £42,000 and triggering an investigation by the Insolvency Service.

    Investigators discovered that during the company’s first year of trading, up to June 2020, MH Property and Engineering Limited’s turnover was £8,294 and the company had therefore received nearly £38,000 more than it had been entitled to through the Bounce Back Loan scheme.

    They also found that around £14,000 had later been withdrawn or paid out of the company’s bank account, followed by a transfer of around £24,600 to Hansen himself between November 2020 and August 2021.

    Hansen was unable to show investigators that the money had been used for the economic benefit of the company.

    The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy accepted a disqualification undertaking from Michael Hansen after he did not dispute that he had overstated the turnover of MH Property and Engineering Services Limited to gain more than £37,900 to which it was not entitled, and had failed to make sure the money was used for the economic benefit of the company.

    His disqualification started on 11 November 2022 and lasts for 10 years. The ban prevents Hansen from directly or indirectly becoming involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court.

    Mike Smith, Chief Investigator of the Insolvency Service said,

    Covid Support Schemes were a lifeline to businesses across the UK protecting jobs and preserving businesses.

    We will not hesitate to take action against directors who have abused Covid-19 financial support like this, and Hansen’s lengthy ban should serve as a warning to others.

    Notes To Editors

    Michael Hansen is of Hebburn and his date of birth is November 1980.

    MH Property and Engineering Limited company number 12061331.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Romania – Giles Portman [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Romania – Giles Portman [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 November 2022.

    Mr Giles Portman has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Romania in succession to Mr Andrew Noble LVO. Mr Portman will take up his appointment during October 2023.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Giles Matthew Portman

    Married to: Lucie Portman

    Children: 2

    Dates Role
    2021 to 2022 FCDO, Director Europe, Europe Directorate
    2020 to 2021 FCDO, Director EU Exit, Europe Directorate
    2019 to 2020 FCO, Deputy Director EU Foreign and Security Policy, Europe Directorate
    2015 to 2019  European External Action Service, Brussels, Head of East Stratcom Task Force
    2011 to 2015 European External Action Service, Brussels, Adviser to the High Representative/Vice President
    2007 to 2011 Ankara, Deputy Head of Mission
    2003 to 2006 United Kingdom Permanent Representation to the European Union, Brussels, First Secretary
    2002 to 2003 FCO, Head, EU Public Diplomacy, Europe Directorate
    1998 to 2001 Prague, Second Secretary
    1996 to 1997 United Kingdom Permanent Representation to the United Nations, New York, Adviser
    1995 to 1996 FCO, New Entrant, European Union Department (Fast Stream)
    1994 to 1995 Depart of Transport, New Entrant, British Rail Privatisation (Fast Stream)
  • PRESS RELEASE : Retailers David Okot and Jason Meads disqualified after abusing covid loans [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Retailers David Okot and Jason Meads disqualified after abusing covid loans [November 2022]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 21 November 2022.

    David Okot from Deptford, South-East London, received an 11-year disqualification, while Southsea’s Jason Meads has been banned for 10 years.

    The retailers are now prevented from directly, or indirectly, becoming involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court.

    David Ocaya Okot (40) was sole director of B&S News Ltd, which traded as a newsagent and convenience shop, B&S Newsagents, on Manor Lane in Lewisham, London.

    David Okot purchased the shop in 2014 and ran it successfully until 2020 when increased competition in the area and rising costs meant that the business was no longer viable. The shop closed in January 2020 after failing to find a buyer.

    Investigators, however, uncovered that David Okot successfully applied for a £50,000 Bounce Back Loan for B&S News Ltd in July 2020, despite being ineligible as the government-backed loan was only available for businesses trading during pandemic. This was after the company had stopped trading.

    Further enquiries found that David Okot caused B&S News Ltd to transfer close to £50,000 from the company bank account into his personal account. The former convenience store owner said he was looking to relocate the business with the money but investigators found no evidence to support this claim.

    And Jason Meads, from Southsea, Portsmouth, was the sole director of Hodl Clothing Limited. The company was incorporated in April 2018 and operated as an online clothing retailer.

    The company, however, went into liquidation in October 2021 before the Insolvency Service uncovered Jason Meads had received government loans Hodl Clothing Limited wasn’t entitled to.

    Investigators discovered that Hodl Clothing Limited applied for 2 Bounce Back Loans and received £37,500 after Jason Meads falsely claimed turnover was £150,000 when turnover was £0.

    Further enquiries uncovered that Jason Meads transferred more than £36,000 from the Bounce Back Loan to a personal account but could not provide any evidence that the funds were used for the economic benefit of Hodl Clothing Limited.

    Tom Phillips, Assistant Director at the Insolvency Service, said:

    Bounce Back Loans were offered to financially support viable businesses through the pandemic. The directors of these two retail companies have abused the Bounce Back Loans support scheme. David Okot applied for a loan despite having closed down his business before the pandemic, while Jason Meads used vastly exaggerated turnover figures to obtain more funding than his company would otherwise have been entitled to.

    Thanks to the work of our diligent investigators, we have removed these rogue directors from the corporate arena. Both David Okot and Jason Meads have received top-bracket disqualifications, which should serve as a stark warning to other directors that there are serious consequences to those who have abused Bounce Back Loans.

    Notes to editors

    David Okot

    David Ocaya Okot is from Deptford and his date of birth is May 1972.

    B&S News Ltd (Company number 09141191).

    On 31 October 2022, the Secretary of State accepted a disqualification undertaking from David Ocaya Okot for 11 years, after he did not dispute that B&S News Ltd obtained a Bounce Back Loan and failed to used it in its entirety for the economic benefit of the company. Nor did B&S News Ltd did not meet the criteria to apply for the loan.

    Jason Meads

    Jason Richard Meads is from Southsea and his date of birth is March 1989

    Hodl Clothing Limited (Company number 11314684)

    On 10 October 2022, the Secretary of State accepted a disqualification undertaking from Jason Richard Meads, after he did not dispute that he caused the Company to apply for 2 BBLs totalling £37,500 using overstated turnover figures in the application form and consequently Hodl received £37,500 more monies that it was entitled to from the BBL scheme. Furthermore, he did not dispute that he failed to ensure that the BBL funds were used for the economic benefit of the Company. Mr Mead’s ban is effective from 31 October 2022 and lasts for 10 years.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK services industry welcomes extension of Swiss visa agreement [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK services industry welcomes extension of Swiss visa agreement [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for International Trade on 21 November 2022.

    • 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.