The research institute, RAND Europe, formed the consortium, the Global Strategic Partnership, to respond to DCDC’s need for the provision of research and analysis support to the Strategic Analysis Team.

The consortium includes the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) and the University of Exeter, spearheaded by the Strategy and Security Institute.

It also has access to organisations and individuals providing specific subject matter and analytical expertise. These include: QinetiQ, Newman and Spurr Consultancy (NSC), Aleph Insights, Simplexity Analysis and Professor Sir Huw Strachan.

The visit gave DCDC personnel a chance to engage with the different members of the partnership and hear first-hand how their capabilities could inform and support future work.

Applications are now open for UK businesses to join Innovate UK’s Future Cities delegation to China.

The mission – taking place from 26 to 30 November 2018 – is a valuable opportunity to build new smart city business collaborations overseas.

Why China?

China’s Greater Bay Area offers a wealth of opportunity for UK businesses working in smart cities infrastructure and design.

This cluster of 11 cities across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau province is Asia’s most dynamic region. It is currently developing into a global hub for technology and innovation and has aspirations to become an economic centre that will rival Tokyo, San Francisco and New York.

Benefits of taking part

By attending, you’ll learn about market opportunities and business culture. You’ll develop a tailored pitch and then travel to China to meet prospective partners, investors and customers.

You’ll also have the chance to visit pioneering future cities projects in China’s Greater Bay Area, centred around Shenzen. The city is a centre of technology for internet start-ups, including Tencent and Huawei.

Depending on the make-up of the businesses on the trip, there may also be visits to other cities such as Zhuhai, Zhongshan, Guangzhou, Dongguan, Wuhan and Hefei.

What to expect from Future Cities

Future Cities missions are designed to offer UK urban innovators a unique opportunity to enter overseas markets.

Preparation and planning is critical to success. Chosen mission participants will all receive expert advice and support before travelling to ensure that they are prepared to explore new markets, including 1-2-1 coaching.

The mission week will include pitching to local stakeholders, networking and the chance to meet other Chinese and UK-registered companies operating in China. You will also be able to get advice from the Department for International Trade (DIT) on exporting globally.

Previous missions have taken delegations to Australia, India, Malaysia and Singapore.

Who should attend

The mission is open to established UK-registered micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and urban innovators looking for Chinese customers, partners or investment.

Businesses should focus on the following areas:

• smart mobility, including CO2 emissions, efficiency in transport systems, multi-modal transport and connectivity, and the user experience
• affordable healthcare for an ageing population, using big data to offer patient-centred solutions, integrate healthcare platforms, and deliver high-performance computing services and cloud platforms for health management
• sustainable urban environments, using smart platforms to monitor and forecast industrial and domestic pollution, energy efficiency and optimisation, brownfield management and urban waste
• urban planning and technology infrastructure, including internet of things, systems integration, data analytics and smart grid

Mission information

• applications are now open, and the deadline to apply is 17 August 2018
• up to 15 businesses will be able take part
• successful applicants will be notified by 28 August 2018
• successful businesses will need to pay a non-refundable commitment fee of £250 plus VAT, travel and event costs

Innovate UK’s mission partners are DIT, the China-British Business Council, the Future Cities Catapult and 100%Open.

Campsite bookings in the UK are reportedly up by as much as 5 per cent year on year as people take advantage of the weather.

And drivers enjoying a staycation in this country or travelling further afield as schools break up for the summer are urged to have a good look at their vehicles before setting off on journeys.

Almost half of all breakdowns are caused by simple mechanical problems that could be avoided with simple checks and nearly a quarter are caused by tyre problems.

Meanwhile, around 20 motorists break down every day because they have run out of fuel.

Highways England Head of Road Safety, Richard Leonard, said:

We want all drivers to arrive at their destinations safely this summer and I’d urge motorists to make sure they are ready for their journey by checking their vehicles beforehand.

Simple checks on tyres, fuel and oil levels help prevent breakdowns and it’s also worth making sure you’re prepared for the journey, especially in hot weather, by stocking up on water and checking travel conditions before setting off.

Iain Geddes, from the Camping and Caravanning Club, supported that message, saying:

The strategic road network presents the best way for campers to get away this summer. We recommend planning your route and considering what time you travel to avoid being part of a rush-hour bottle neck.

Don’t forget the basic checks of the tyres and vehicle fluids before you go. Also watch out for traffic advice on the matrix signs overhead to help you have a drama-free journey.

And Martin Spencer, from the Caravan and Motorhome Club, added:

Our members take numerous trips each year, especially during the summer, and England’s motorways and major A roads are vital in enabling them to get to their destination.

For anyone who is thinking about going on a caravan holiday but is intimidated by the idea of towing, they should be reassured that towing can be relaxed, easy and comfortable on our roads – you just need to get the basic set-up right and follow expert advice.

Highways England has produced five short instructional videos featuring traffic officer Siobhan Wares, explaining how to check tyre pressure, tyre tread, oil and water levels and lights to help prevent needless breakdowns and cut the unnecessary delays they cause.

The videos cover:

• checking tyres: prior to setting off on a long/significant journey, check your tyre pressures are suitable for the load and the condition of your tyres, including the spare. Look out for cuts or wear and make sure the tyres have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, which is the legal limit.
• checking engine oil: use your dipstick to check oil regularly and before any long journey, and top up if needed. Take your car back to the garage if you’re topping up more than usual.
• checking water: to ensure you have good visibility, always keep your screen wash topped up so you can clear debris or dirt off your windscreen.
• checking lights: if your indicators, hazard lights, headlights, fog lights, reverse lights or brake lights are not functioning properly, you are putting yourself and your family at risk. In addition, light malfunctions can be a reason for your vehicle to fail its MoT.

Motorists are also urged to:

• check fuel: before setting out, check your fuel levels and make sure you have enough to get to your destination.

And people are urged to make sure they are prepared for their journey when the weather is hot.

Drivers should:

• take a bottle of water before setting out to ensure you stay hydrated
• plan in breaks and leave plenty of time for journeys
• check the weather forecast for your destination
• check travel conditions before setting out and, where it is safe to do so, during journeys
• ensure you and your car are fit for the journey

For more information on how to carry out your vehicle checks, visit the Vehicle Checks website.

As more smart motorways are introduced it is becoming increasingly important that drivers familiarise themselves with driving on them. One of the most important signals – the Red X – is used to identify when a lane is closed and indicates that drivers should move into an open lane to continue their journeys. Driving in a closed lane is risky, as there could be debris in the road or an accident or breakdown up ahead. Keeping the lane clear gives the emergency services the access they need to help. For further advice, please visit our web page on Driving on a Smart Motorway.

More information can be found on our website or by calling our information line (0300 123 5000) where you can keep up to date with conditions on the roads.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

Using funding from the CSSF, which delivers and supports security, peacekeeping, and stability across the globe, UK military personnel played a crucial role in several cross-government programmes. The report highlights in particular the defence contribution to the Hurricane Irma relief effort, training provided to the African Union Mission to Somalia and UK support to the Lebanese military.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

“Whether it’s contributing to the destruction of Daesh or rapidly responding to natural disasters, our world class Armed Forces are always ready to help make the world more secure.

“The variety of roles our military does, as highlighted in today’s CSSF report, embodies the role Global Britain plays in maintaining international stability.”

The report details Defence’s significant contribution to the £57 million released towards the Caribbean response to Hurricane Irma. UK military, working alongside other government bodies, helped to deliver the re-electrification of Anguilla within three months of the hurricane.

British support to the African Union Mission to Somalia is building their capacity to restore stability in Somalia and transition to Somali-led security, protecting civilians and tackling the use of child soldiers.

Elsewhere, UK support to the Lebanese military contributes to the country’s successful operations to counter terrorist and destabilising activity within its borders. The Lebanon is still the only nation – and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) the only army – to have successfully repelled an invasion from Daesh.