The Partnership sees government, businesses and civil society working together to identify and develop solutions to societal challenges

Leaders from business and civil society organisations have come together to create an Inclusive Economy Partnership that will tackle significant challenges facing our society.

Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Karen Bradley chaired the first meeting on Monday 11th September 2017.

The Partnership is led by an Advisory Group of 14 chief executives from a wide range of businesses and civil society organisations, including National Grid, Nationwide, O2, TechUK, NCVO and Big Lottery Fund. It is being convened by DCMS and Cabinet Office, with support from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

The Partnership will address issues relating to financial inclusion and capability, mental health and transition to work.

Over 80 individuals from business and civil society have already signed up to working groups for each of these areas, which will develop solutions to help tackle these issues over the coming months.

Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Karen Bradley said:

It was a hugely positive first meeting to kick start the Partnership which will help us build a stronger and fairer society. This Partnership brings together key leaders from the business sector and civil society world and working together we can help make a real difference to people’s lives.

Chris Skidmore MP, Minister for the Constitution, said:

Government cannot tackle big societal challenges on its own which is why I am pleased to see collaboration and innovation at the heart of Partnership with the aim to positively impact the lives of hardworking families, removing barriers and creating opportunities.

The Group will meet at least twice a year over a three to five year period.

The Group is made up of:

• Olly Benzecry, managing director of Accenture UK & Ireland
• Sacha Romanovitch, chief executive of Grant Thornton
• John Pettigrew, chief executive of National Grid
• Joe Garner, chief executive of Nationwide Building Society
• Mark Evans, chief executive of O2
• Robert Noel, chief executive of Landsec
• Jacqueline de Rojas, president, techUK
• Caroline Mason, chief executive, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation
• Mark Norbury, chief executive, UNLtd.
• Peter Holbrook, chief executive, Social Enterprise UK
• Sir Stuart Etherington, chief executive, NCVO
• Dawn Austwick, chief executive, Big Lottery Fund
• Cliff Prior, chief executive, Big Society Capital

ENDS

Notes to editors

Media enquiries – please contact the DCMS News and Communications team on 020 7211 2210 or out of hours on 07699 751153.

To learn more about the Partnership please contact: iep@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Twenty years ago today Scotland voted for the creation of the Scottish Parliament. That historic moment brought decision making closer to the people of Scotland and marked the beginning of a devolution process that has strengthened the precious Union between Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Since then, we have seen a wealth of new powers devolved to Holyrood, including through the Scotland Act 2016. Delivering the Smith Commission recommendations in full, the Act transferred a raft of significant powers, including on tax and welfare. As a result, the Scottish Parliament is now one of the most powerful devolved administrations in the world.

It is now for the Scottish Government to make full use of these powers to support the Scottish economy and to deliver the housing, education and healthcare services people in Scotland deserve.

The UK Government will not devolve and forget, we will continue to work with the Scottish Government to deliver for the people of Scotland. We may be four nations, but at heart we are one people. Together we can build a stronger, fairer society for people in Scotland and right across the UK.

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) will be at the forefront of innovation at this year’s Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI), with announcements on its latest projects, competitions and futuristic solutions to today’s rapidly-evolving threats.

Based at the Innovation Hub in the North Hall, activity will include announcements on the Defence and Security Accelerator’s Last Mile Challenge, which will bring commercial technology such as delivery drones to battlefield logistics. The first model of the Dragonfire laser directed energy weapon and cutting-edge technology with the latest designs for combat clothing and body armour will also be on display.

There will be news of the latest protection for armoured vehicles, and an opportunity to speak to some of our world-leading experts on everything from autonomous vehicles to threat early warning systems.

Today also marks the launch of Dstl’s annual graduate recruitment scheme; with 90 posts available in specialist science and technology research, advice and analysis. For ambitious, motivated and curious graduates, Dstl offers the chance to work on mind-blowing projects in a truly unique environment.

Katrina Ward, from Dstl’s Early Careers team, said:

As a graduate you’ll be supporting real projects from day one and work across your division to grow your technical skills and knowledge of defence. Our graduate scheme also provides a host of training and development opportunities including the chance to start your journey towards chartership.

Dstl can be found at stand N3582a at DSEI.

Business customers can now request historic copies of title registers and title plans online.

UK SMEs will travel to Singapore to meet potential partners this week – and there’s a chance for you to join the next mission in 2018.