Suppliers have been invited to submit their products and technologies for assessment so fishers will have a range of I-VMS devices to choose from before it becomes a legal requirement for them to carry a functioning monitoring unit onboard.

To support fishers in selecting a device that is suitable for their vessel, the MMO’s ‘type approval’ process is intended to bring as many suppliers into the marketplace as possible so that there’s a broad choice of products at a range of prices for fishers to choose from.

In the under-12m fishing fleet, specifications for vessels – for example, in terms of powering and housing the devices – are diverse so vessel owners are best placed, with the right support from suppliers, to decide which device and service package suits them.

Fishers will be able to start researching devices once assessments are complete and a list of approved products is published in November 2021.

Once the approved list is published and the installation timetable is confirmed, fishers will be asked to organise installation of a device on their vessel in phases, based on vessel size, to make it easier for fishers, suppliers and engineers to plan and organise installing the devices.

The MMO will work with fishers to develop and publish detailed guidance that sets out the actions they need to take from November, alongside the approved list of devices and information from each supplier on the after-sales services they offer.

The expected timetable for the roll-out of I-VMS devices next year is:

The MMO has already engaged with fishers on their main requirements for I-VMS devices and has communicated these expectations to the companies seeking approval for their products.

Engagement this summer and a survey of fishers demonstrated that they want a choice of devices and prices; reliable equipment with support if it develops a fault; clear explanations of how each device might be suitable for their particular vessel; and dependable processes for installation.

The MMO is committed to providing a grant contribution towards the initial cost of devices and is assessing how they will be supported to carry on fishing if their device fails and requires repair or replacement.

Lee John Palmer (41), a plumber from Knapton, was declared bankrupt on 28 January 2021 before the Official Receiver was appointed as Trustee.

While reviewing Lee Palmer’s assets, the Official Receiver uncovered that Lee Palmer had bought a van on hire purchase but sold the vehicle without the permission of the hire purchase finance company.

The hire purchase meant the van wasn’t his property to sell and the finance company suffered a loss of over £16,000.

The Official Receiver sought to extend Lee Palmer’s bankruptcy restrictions further because of the risk he posed to creditors.

Lee Palmer’s bankruptcy undertaking extends his restrictions for 6 years. This means he is limited to what credit he can access and cannot act as a company director without the permission of the court.

Kevin Read, the Official Receiver, said:

It is illegal to sell a vehicle with an outstanding finance agreement. Not only does the finance company lose out but the new owner could unknowingly be at risk of having their vehicle repossessed and losing money.

Lee Palmer’s actions posed a risk to creditors and his 6-year ban should act as a deterrent to others considering abusing their creditors.

Lee John Palmer is of Knapton, Herefordshire and his date of birth is 11 October 1979.

Details of Lee John Palmer’s Bankruptcy Restrictions Undertaking are available on the Individual Insolvency Register

Bankruptcy restrictions are wide ranging. The effects are the same whether you are subject to a bankruptcy restrictions order or to an undertaking. Guidance on the main statutory consequences flowing from a bankruptcy restrictions order or undertaking.

Information about the work of the Insolvency Service, and how to complain about financial misconduct.

You can also follow the Insolvency Service on:

On 26 August 2021, British Embassy Mogadishu hosted a pre-departure event to congratulate eight talented Somalis who were awarded Chevening scholarships and are heading off to study for their Master’s in the UK.

The farewell is an opportunity to wish the scholars well before they travel to the UK for their studies. This year a total of 13 scholars will be going to the UK, eight from Somalia and five from Somaliland.

The 2021 cohort will study a variety of subjects, such as information security, public health, conflict resolution, environmental policy, aviation and development finance, equipping them with the skills to make a difference in Somalia once they return.

Speaking at the event, British Ambassador to Somalia, Kate Foster, said:

I’m delighted to have virtually met brilliant and passionate young Somalis heading off to the UK as Chevening scholars, and wish them well for the year ahead. I look forward to welcoming them back and hearing about all their adventures and successes, and how they will contribute to the development of Somalia.

One of the 2021 scholars, Information Security specialist Zainab Raadsato, who is heading to Royal Holloway, University of London, said:

I’m very excited to get the award and being part of the Chevening network. The award will give me and other scholars an opportunity to advance our careers when we come back and I’m looking back to helping rebuild my country.

At the virtual event, the scholars also got a chance to hear from some of the current scholars and Chevening alumni about their experiences, and exchanged top tips for how to make the most of their time in the UK.

Chevening Scholarships offer full financial support for scholars to study for any eligible Master’s degree at any UK university, and are awarded to individuals who can demonstrate that they have the commitment and skills required to create positive change. The scholarship application window is still open until 2 November 2021 and applications can be submitted at www.chevening.org/scholarship

The UK is committed to supporting Somalia’s education system by empowering Somalia’s future leaders. Since 2016, over 60 Somalis have benefitted from this programme. Many of our scholars are now working at senior levels in government, private sector and international organisations.

The UK has also supported over 100,000 girls in Somalia access quality education through the Girls’ Education Challenge Programme.

Through the UK Aid’s Adolescent Girls Education in Somalia (AGES) programme, over 42,000 marginalised adolescent girls to access primary school, accelerated basic education, and a non‐formal course tailored to their needs helping them engage in income-generating activities and civic education.