Mr Richard Morris has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Fiji in succession to Ms Melanie Hopkins. Mr Morris will take up his appointment in July 2020.

CURRICULUM VITAE

Full name: Richard Charles Morris

Married to: Alison Jane Morris

Children: Three

2015 to present	Kathmandu, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2013 to 2015	FCO, Head, Pacific Department
2008 to 2013	Sydney, HM Consul General and Director General UKTI Australasia
2005 to 2008	Mexico City, Deputy Head of Mission and HM Consul General
2001 to 2004	FCO, Head, Assistance Group, Consular Directorate
2000 to 2001	FCO, Head, Resource Accounting and Budgeting Team
1996 to 2000	Bridgetown, Second Secretary, Political
1993 to 1996	Ottawa, Third Secretary, Political
1991 to 1992	FCO, Assistant Desk Officer, Cultural Relations Department
1990 to 1991	FCO, Assistant Desk Officer, Non-Proliferation and Defence Department
1990	Joined FCO

Further information

Published 31 October 2019

• Name chosen to reflect UK Government’s commitment to Wales and Welsh culture
• Building has capacity to host full UK Cabinet meetings

The UK Government’s Cardiff Central Square Hub building will be named after Bishop William Morgan in recognition of his pivotal role in maintaining the strength of the Welsh language, Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns has announced today, Thursday 31 October.

William Morgan spent nearly a decade translating the Bible into Welsh from Greek and Hebrew. His hugely significant work, which was completed in 1588, is seen as the foundation stone on which modern Welsh language literature is based.

The name of the new building was chosen to reflect the creativity and dedication of civil servants in Wales and the UK Government’s commitment to Wales and to Welsh culture.

More than 4,000 staff from various UK Government departments and agencies are set to work from the 12-storey hub, which will have capacity to host full UK Cabinet meetings. The first occupants are scheduled to move in in twelve months’ time.

Tŷ William Morgan / William Morgan House is one of 16 UK Government hub buildings currently being created across the UK’s nations and regions as part of the Government Estate Strategy.

Staff at the Cardiff hub will benefit from a flexible, inclusive working environment as well as close access to Cardiff Central railway station and other transport links.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said:

Tŷ William Morgan – William Morgan House is central to the UK Government’s ambitious plans to create a dynamic civil service which is equipped to meet future demands.

The new building demonstrates the UK Government’s commitment to Wales and to strengthening the Union. It will provide a modern working environment to attract and retain high calibre staff who will be able to grow their careers locally.

It is fitting that this landmark building in our capital city is named after a figure whose pioneering translation of the Bible was instrumental in the survival and growth of the Welsh language and in the development of our unique culture.

ENDS

Our investigation report into the keel failure and capsize of the UK registered charter yacht Tyger of London off Punta Rasca, Tenerife on 7 December 2017, is now published.

The report contains details of what happened, the subsequent actions taken and the recommendation made: read more.

Published 31 October 2019

If you’re planning a bonfire for the forthcoming Guy Fawkes celebrations, either at home or a larger public event, make sure what you burn is both legal and safe, says the Environment Agency.

Spare a thought too for the wildlife as hedgehogs, toads, frogs, lizards and snakes may have nestled under the bonfire. Build the bonfire as close to the day as possible; as far away as possible from trees, bird boxes and bat boxes; and check for wildlife before lighting the fire.

It is illegal to burn most types of waste and setting fire to treated wood, tyres, plastics, rubber and oil can seriously harm health and pollute the environment. Any material for the bonfire should be clean, non-commercial waste and only small amounts of untreated wood, paper, leaves, and cardboard should be used.

A spokesperson at the Environment Agency, said:

Whilst we want people to enjoy the occasion it is illegal to burn most types of waste and setting fire to treated wood, tyres, plastics, rubber and oil can seriously harm health and pollute the environment.

It may be tempting to burn old bits of furniture, mattresses and household rubbish, but the toxic fumes given off from burning certain types of material can cause pollution and damage people’s health. Even stuffing the Guy with scraps of used foam or old clothing should be avoided.

As well as constructing the bonfire away from trees and bird and bat boxes, we are urging organisers to build them as close to the day as possible, to avoid wildlife moving in. Make sure to check for wildlife before lighting your bonfire or, if possible, see if you can rebuild it in a different area on the day of the bonfire.

If not, light the bonfire from one side only so any wildlife that may hiding can have a better chance of escaping.

Organisers should know where the bonfire material has come from and that it is suitable to be burned. They should also obtain the landowner’s permission beforehand and not build the bonfire close to buildings, trees, bushes or grass, where the fire may spread.

Also, when choosing the site of the bonfire, make sure the fire or smoke from the fire will not affect any houses, buildings or roads, which could become a danger to public safety.

Any waste collected for the bonfire should be stored securely beforehand to prevent any unsuitable waste being illegally dumped on the fire. It is the responsibility of the organiser to know where the bonfire material has come from and that it is suitable to be burned. It is also their responsibility to never leave the fire unattended, and to make sure it is out before leaving the site.

For further information, see the Environment Agency advice on GOV.UK to check the disposal of waste on bonfires is both safe and legal.

If anyone sees any suspicious activities they should contact the Environment Agency incident line on 0800 807060 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

This news comes as the International Trade Secretary Liz Truss returned from a visit to Tokyo last month where she launched her ‘call for input’ to underline the government’s commitment to reaching a free trade agreement with Japan as soon as possible.

AbBaltis is based in Sittingbourne and specialises in creating diagnostic samples specific to market regulations, something that is in demand in Japan where a lot of biotechnology companies work internationally.

The company already supplies blood plasma to disease-testing businesses across Europe, North America and Asia.

Giedre Brandao, Managing Director at AbBaltis said:

One of the biggest challenges for a business that’s new to exporting or to a market is getting a foot in the door and making that first point of contact.

Now that we’re establishing our presence in Japan, customers are reaching out to us organically. If we can do it, other businesses can too.

The company was introduced to its new Japanese customers at MEDICA 2017 in Dusseldorf – the largest trade show in the world for the medical sector, attracting more than 5,000 exhibitors from 70 countries.

The Department for International Trade (DIT) helped the business to exhibit at MEDICA 2017 through its Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) – which provides grant funding for businesses to gain market knowledge and make new contacts through exhibiting at trade shows overseas.

With assistance and specialist advice from its DIT International Trade Adviser (ITA), the business forged valuable connections with medical businesses in Asia which led to the company securing new customers in Japan.

Ben Raby, Head of the South East at DIT, said:

AbBaltis wanted to increase its international sales to new regions like East Asia and exhibiting at tradeshows is a great way to get your business and its products in front of potential customers.

Being face-to-face with these customers can lead to future sales, and ongoing business relationships. As demonstrated by AbBaltis, this can have a positive impact on turnover.

We’d encourage any business considering exporting to get in touch. We have International Trade Advisers on hand throughout the region to guide producers at every stage of their export journey, and staff on the ground in over 100 countries to eliminate trade hurdles linked to legislation, tax, labelling requirements, and other factors.

In recognition of its export achievements, AbBaltis was selected to be an Export Champion by DIT, joining the nationwide Export Champion Community of companies acting as ambassadors for overseas trade, offering practical advice and tips to other businesses.

The business has increased its annual turnover from £460,000 to £802,000 in the financial year 2017/18 and forecasts its turnover will reach £1million next year. This increase is largely thanks to international sales, with exports to Asia increasing from 3.5% of annual turnover in 2017, to 16% in 2018.

Businesses looking for support should call 0330 300 0012 or email info@tradesoutheast.com. They can also visit great.gov.uk which has information on live export opportunities and includes general information on exporting and events.