DASA is tasked to find and fund exploitable innovations to support UK defence and security quickly and effectively, and support UK prosperity. The cross-Government organisation launched in December 2016 under the Strategic Defence and Security Review.

In the first two years DASA has:

• Run 26 innovation competitions
• Assessed 1,461 proposals from creative companies and individuals
• Invested £42.1 million in 278 projects

Approximately 40 per cent of proposals are from ‘new to DASA’ organisations; demonstrating how DASA reaches out beyond traditional suppliers to find innovative people with great ideas, products or services. Over 50 per cent of this funding has gone to small and medium-sized enterprises.

DASA not only funds UK innovators, but also helps businesses to grow and develop, giving them access to networks of expertise and providing them with technical support. DASA connects these businesses to frontline services such as the armed forces and police, as well as aviation security, transport security, and counter-terrorism. Such access has allowed innovations to be tested in real-life situations, rapidly accelerating the innovation process.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

DASA is a shining example of how we are responding to the rapid pace of evolving technology. This excellent organisation harnesses ingenious innovation ideas from across the private sector and collaborates widely across academia, industry and the military.

DASA is maintaining our military edge over adversaries by driving revolutionary ideas in Artificial Intelligence, human-machine teaming and surveillance.

DASA provides stimulus and support for companies on their innovation journey. The organisation guides technology from proof of concept to highly developed products.

DASA brings together the private sector, academia and government organisations to co-create pioneering solutions to address defence and security challenges. They are not confined to working with science and technology; DASA also partners with behavioural and social sciences on better ways of working.

One of the current bodies of work underway with DASA is a collaboration with the Australian Government. This is a themed competition calling for companies to submit ideas on innovative joining technologies that will accelerate the integration of advanced materials onto military platforms.

People in Swindon will benefit from improved facilities at two of the town’s courts following £2.6m of government funding.

Refurbishment works have been carried out at Swindon Magistrates Court and Swindon Combined Court. The renovations will provide a more comfortable environment for court users and additional space for staff to carry out their duties and is part of HMCTS’ commitment to improving the condition of court buildings and access to justice for all users.

The investment will also allow the courts to manage an increased workload and accommodate additional numbers of office staff, following the reallocation of cases from Chippenham Magistrates’ and Civil Court. New facilities now available as a result of this funding include:

• additional hearing rooms and judicial chambers;
• kitchen facilities and new furniture;
• fully refurbished office areas; and
• a new public waiting room.

Justice Minister, Lucy Frazer said:

I’m delighted court users in Swindon are already benefiting from this significant government investment. Court appearances can often come at difficult and emotional times in a person’s life, and so we are committed to making our estate as efficient and comfortable as possible.

Our justice system is one of the greatest in the world and we are determined to ensure it is fit for the 21st century.

Solicitor General and MP for Swindon South, Robert Buckland said:

Having pressed hard for Swindon on this issue, I warmly welcome these vital improvements to our Magistrates and Combined Courts, which will be of real benefit to the public and to the hardworking court staff too. HMCTS’ ambitious £1bn reform programme is bringing new technology and modern ways of working to the justice system.

This programme has already delivered:

• A new fully accessible online civil money claims service giving the public the ability to make a small claim online – with more than 35,000 claims made since its launch in March and user satisfaction at 90%;
• A new system for applying for divorce online, which has cut errors in application forms from 40% to less than 1%;
• A new probate system in testing, which has cut errors, quickened the process and has a user satisfaction rate of 93%;
• A pilot of fully video hearings in tax tribunals to test the potential for roll-out where appropriate across the courts and tribunals system;
• The national implementation of a new in-court system to record the results of cases digitally and instantly.

Published 7 December 2018

The Welsh Secretary will visit Cardiff based CatSci as part of his ongoing work to support Welsh businesses as Britain prepares to leave the EU.

Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns will visit Cardiff based CatSci later today (Friday 7 December) to underline the UK government’s commitment to support the Welsh business community as we prepare to leave the European Union.

The visit follows the UK Government’s publication of its Withdrawal Agreement which outlines the terms of our exit from the EU. The deal secured by the UK Government takes back control of our borders, our laws and our money while protecting jobs, security and the integrity of our United Kingdom.

During the visit, the Welsh Secretary will tour the site and speak to senior leaders and members of staff about how the Withdrawal Agreement will ensure a strong future relationship with the EU, making sure that Wales and the rest of the UK is best placed to make the most of the new opportunities that will emerge across the world while taking back control of our laws, borders and money.

CatSci is a fast growing and adaptable process development clinical research organisation with a proven track record in optimising chemical reactions to create scalable manufacturing processes. Based in Cardiff, CatSci aims to minimise risks and deliver results in a faster, safer and more sustainable way. Helping to create the best innovative therapeutics, the company is at the forefront of chemical process research, attracting clients from all over the world.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said:

This government is working to deliver a Brexit that works for the people of Wales whilst honouring the result of the referendum. The Withdrawal Agreement delivers the certainty that employers and businesses such as CatSci need, protecting the jobs and livelihoods of people across Wales.

CatSci is an important part of the growing life sciences sector in Wales, providing companies all over the world with chemical reaction expertise. The Withdrawal Agreement put forward by the UK Government will ensure that CatSci can continue its work, cementing Wales’ position as a hub for life science expertise.

CEO of CatSci, Dr Ross Burns said:

We are delighted to welcome the Secretary of State for Wales to see first-hand the global impact of research and development that is being delivered daily by our team of talented scientists from our facility here in Wales.