The ‘Dragons’ Den’ style event, organised by the UK Space Agency and hosted yesterday, gave an opportunity for some of the UK’s best and brightest minds to pitch their ideas to seven expert judges, offering them support like mentoring and the chance to build industry connections that they can use to take their plans to the next level.

All the participating students are aged between 11 and 22, with each being awarded a share of £50,000 in cash prizes for their ideas in the UK Space Agency’s SatelLife Competition earlier this year.

Science Minister Amanda Solloway said:

It is truly inspiring to see this country’s next generation of entrepreneurs developing innovations that could help answer some of society’s most challenging questions – including how we reduce air pollution or using satellite drones to deliver vital healthcare services.

I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for this year’s young innovators and how they could bolster our thriving space industry.

The event was the next stage in developing their winning ideas, although the young people had a slightly different experience to those of previous years. An event usually hosted at the Harwell Space Cluster in Oxfordshire was instead swapped for the comfort of their own homes, with each contestant’s families offering prep talks and cheering them on from off-camera.

Space is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the UK and could create an additional 30,000 career opportunities by 2030. Now in its fourth year, the SatelLife competition aims to encourage young people to think about how satellites impact our everyday lives and learn more about the careers available in the sector.

Emily Gravestock, Head of Applications at the UK Space Agency, said:

This is the fourth year we have run our SatelLife Competition and year-in, year-out I am amazed to see how these young innovators are able to apply space applications to tackle problems of everyday life.

We are proud to have been able to give these outstanding young people the opportunity to develop their out of this world ideas further. After the pitches we saw, I’m sure this won’t be the last we hear of these space entrepreneurs.

Ava Garside, a student from Leeds, was awarded the overall individual prize of £6,000 for her idea of a pin badge which monitors air pollution she said:

Meeting the dragons was an incredible experience! Their insights into the space industry were useful and to have feedback from them to help me solve problems and develop my application was amazing.

They’ve given me the confidence to recognise the commercial aspect of Perfect Sense and I’m looking forward to pitching to angel investors with their help.

It’s been a real eye opener to hear from experts from so many different roles and to think that I could follow my own interests and consider a career in the space sector, as well as develop a commercial proposition.

The SatelLife competition is split into 3 age groups: 11 – 14; 15 – 18; 19 – 22. The other judges on the panel at the ‘Dragons’ Den’ event were; Nick Appleyard from the European Space Agency, Rob Hill from Kx, Adina Gillespie from GHGSat, Michael Warner from Clci, Laurence Lai – Simmons & Simmons LLP, Chris Jones – Vor-TechX and Stuart Martin – Satellite Applications Catapult.

Previous SatelLife winners are currently paving their way in the sector. 2018 winners Christopher Law and Hammad Jeilani now own healthcare drone start-up Apian. Apain are developing a method to use satellite-enabled GPS to establish a network of secure air corridors to deliver COVID-19 samples, test-kits and PPE by drones.

Growing by over 60%since 2010, the UK space sector is an economic success story. The sector already supports £300 billion of UK economic activity through the use of satellite services.

The UK presents a huge opportunity for young people to take up careers in science, engineering or even as space entrepreneurs – helping to ensure the ongoing growth of the UK’s space industry.

University students who are interested in developing their space engineering skills can enter OrbAstro’s debut annual competition which launches this week. Teams are asked to build a spacecraft payload, integrate it with a satellite and win the chance to have it flown in space on their OrbAstro flat-sat.

The suspended footbridge which hangs proudly over the River Teviot on the north side of the 19th century Roxburgh Viaduct – often referred to as the Teviot Viaduct – is set to be refurbished by Highways England to improve its safety.

Built by the North British Railway in 1850, the distinctively curving 13-arch viaduct is among the 3,000+ former railway structures maintained by Highways England Historical Railways Estate (HRE) on behalf of owners, the Department for Transport.

The footbridge is a key part of a popular and circular walking route along the Border Abbeys Pedestrian Way, close to the villages of Roxburgh and Heiton, near Kelso.

Fiona Smith, Civil Engineer for Highways England HRE, said:

The suspended pedestrian bridge has been impacted from flooding as well as suffering with general decay and corrosion.

It is therefore necessary for the structure, which hangs along a picturesque location over the River Teviot, to be sensitively repaired to maintain public safety and for future generations to enjoy.

Refurbishment work on the footbridge will see the spans lifted and taken to a specialist workshop for repair and refurbishment. Some elements may be replaced depending on corrosion severity.

New timbers will also be installed across the deck and once repairs have been completed, the footbridge will be reinstalled from the deck of the listed viaduct.

An environmental management plan will be in place for the duration of the work to ensure the protection of the River Teviot and its ecosystem.

Work starts on Thursday 29 October and will require the closure of the footbridge until Spring 2021.

Public access over the footbridge will be diverted across the deck of the viaduct for the duration of the refurbishment work. To maintain public safety during lifting activity, access across the viaduct will also be suspended at the start and end of the work meaning there will be no access across the viaduct from Thursday 29 October and Friday 30 October.

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.

Each IFCA needs members who will take a balanced approach to caring for our seas, assessing the priority and importance of all users and stakeholders. The Sussex IFCA is seeking proactive individuals with good communication skills and a demonstrable ability to disseminate IFCA regulations, policies and guidance through their network of contacts to serve as a member.

Andrew Wareing, Director of Digital and Analysis at MMO, responsible for IFCA selection, said:

These are exciting opportunities for people with experience and a passion for their inshore marine area to play a major part in shaping how their local area is managed. If you want to make a positive difference and help balance economic, social and environmental needs, we would be pleased to hear from you.

MMO invite applications from all industry sectors, however we would particularly welcome applicants from the commercial and recreational fishing sectors.

The deadline for applications is 23.55 Sunday 15th November 2020. Interviews will take place remotely on 26th November 2020.

The role is on a voluntary basis although relevant expenses may be reimbursed. You can email ifcarecruitment@marinemanagement.org.uk or admin@sussex-ifca.gov.uk for more information.

Background

There are 10 IFCAs around the English coastline with responsibility for sustainably managing sea fisheries and conservation within 6 nautical miles from shore. They have the power to make byelaws to protect resources and the environment in their area as well as also enforcing national and European fisheries legislation.

IFCAs are either committees or joint committees of the local authorities that fall within an IFC district. They are tasked with sustainably managing inshore sea fisheries and conserving their local marine environment. They are made up of representatives from local councils along with people from across the different sectors that use or are knowledgeable about the inshore marine area, such as commercial and recreational fishermen, environmental groups and marine researchers, who offer their time voluntarily.

The Marine Management Organisation, Environment Agency and Natural England also each has a statutory seat on the IFCA. Through their local management and funding structures, IFCAs help put local councils, communities and businesses, and individual citizens in the driving seat, allowing them to play a bigger part in the protection and enhancement of their inshore marine environment.

Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCA)

The MMO is responsible for the appointment of local people with relevant expertise to IFCA committees. Appointees make up roughly half of IFCA committees and are appointed on a voluntary basis.

The members of the IFCA contribute their knowledge and experience to provide sustainable management of the inshore marine area of their IFCA district. They guide the IFCA to deliver its mandate under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 and in line with Defra guidance.

We seek to achieve a balanced membership across various interest groups, including those with commercial, recreational and environmental interests. We are also keen to appoint people who represent the economic, social and environmental needs of their IFCA district and who, collectively, bring a variety of relevant interests such as fishing groups (commercial and non-commercial), conservation groups and other parties interested in the work of IFCAs.

Each appointment is made for a period of 3 to 5 years, with the possibility of reappointment up to a maximum of 10 years. It is conditional upon the member following terms and conditions for the appointment. Appointments are made in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments and guidance issued by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Appointees must follow relevant IFCA codes of conduct as well as abiding by the terms and conditions of appointment. These are unpaid positions, however meeting allowances and expenses are available to members.

1. Application Form (.pdf)
2. Information for Candidates (January 2020) More information on the work of the IFCAs is available from the Association of IFCAs website and from Sussex IFCA website

Residents and businesses in Cumbria are set to benefit from quicker, safer and better-connected commutes, thanks to over £12 million of funding announced by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps today (Tuesday 27 October 2020).

Under plans drawn up by Cumbria County Council, the multi-million-pound investment will see the A595 road upgraded at Grizebeck – with a new 1km stretch built to replace the existing section at Dove Farm. The upgrades will also include the installation of a new crossing for farm vehicles and cyclists, as well as more space for those walking and cycling along the route.

The new stretch of road will see the A595’s capacity and connectivity with other major link roads boosted, helping local businesses grow and supporting residents to access more work and employment opportunities.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:

When I visited Cumbria last November, I heard about frustrations with local infrastructure, including the bottleneck at Grizebeck. I promised then that we would take action and I’m pleased today to deliver on that.

It joins other investment in Cumbria – including £7.5 million to help support development plans to upgrade the coastal railway between Carlisle and Sellafield, and £1 billion to dual the A66. We’re committed to delivering for Cumbria and unleashing every part of the Northern Powerhouse.

Subject to final approvals, work is due to start by July 2022. The total cost of the A595 scheme is £14.9 million, with the Department for Transport’s funding contribution forming the majority of the total scheme costs.

Simon Fell, MP for Barrow and Furness, said:

I’m beyond delighted that this project now has the green light after years of relentless campaigning by local people and businesses.

It beggars belief that the main A-road from Barrow to Sellafield is through a farmyard. Finally that situation can be righted, making the road far safer and much more reliable for locals and commuters alike, and Furness a more attractive place to do business.

I’m hugely grateful to the Department for Transport, Lancashire Evening Post and Cumbria County Council for backing and funding this scheme, and the A595 Action Group for keeping the pressure up over the years.

Rob Johnston, Chief Executive of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said:

Reduced journey times make businesses more efficient and productive, and create new opportunities for work, learning and leisure.

This scheme will bypass the notorious bottleneck at Dove Farm. It will benefit commuters to BAE Systems and Sellafield, and improve links to Millom. It’s long overdue and businesses will welcome it wholeheartedly.

The government is also committed to investing in other transport links in Cumbria – including £7.5 million to help support development plans to upgrade the coastal railway between Carlisle and Sellafield.

Today’s announcement further underlines the government’s commitment to level up transport infrastructure across the entire country, including throughout the Northern Powerhouse.

Alongside recent investment in roads such as the A630, the government has set up the Northern Transport Acceleration Council to work with local leaders to drive forward progress on schemes meeting the needs of their communities.

Communities in 7 areas across England are set to benefit from up to £178.7 million in new Town Deals, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced today (27 October 2020).

Barrow-in-Furness, Blackpool, Darlington, Peterborough, Norwich, Torquay and Warrington are the first of 101 places to be offered a Town Deal and work will now begin with these areas to confirm final funding.

These areas will have the opportunity to invest in their local economies at this critical time, implementing proposals submitted to the government’s £3.6 billion Towns Fund, which is designed create jobs and drive growth across the country.

Forming a cornerstone of this government’s levelling up agenda to help reshape our towns and cities into places where businesses and communities can thrive, these landmark deals will see millions invested in projects across the country including:

• £39.5 million to be used to update the Blackpool Illuminations, for a return to tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic, which used to attract 4 million visitors and bring in £284 million a year, and to support the development of the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone

• £21.9 million to modernise Torquay town centre, transforming it into a retail and leisure destination for people visiting, working and living in the town as well as improving transport links with a new focus on walking and cycling routes

• £22.9 million investment for Peterborough to lay the groundwork for low carbon living, supporting healthy lifestyles and encourage enterprise and innovation. Planned projects include a skills centre for green technologies, enterprise hub and a new pedestrian bridge

This latest funding builds on the government’s wider package of unprecedented measures to help protect and support communities, business and jobs through the COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure that nobody is left without hope or opportunity.

Ministers will remain in conversation with local leaders over the appropriate coronavirus alert levels for their areas, including any further support that might be required.

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said:

This government is levelling up opportunity all across the country. We are unlocking the full potential of towns and communities, giving them the support that they need to thrive and the 7 Towns Fund Deals that I am announcing today mark the start of locally designed regeneration projects across the country.

Backed by £180 million, we are boosting skills, job creation and connectivity in these 7 towns – providing investment and confidence at a crucial time for these communities.

The offers announced today respond to locally led proposals put forward by Town Deal Boards with representation from business, the local community, public sectors and local MPs.

All 101 towns selected to work towards a Town Deal were given a funding allocation with proposals being submitted to the MHCLG. The first cohort of towns submitted proposals in July, before being reviewed by officials and a final decision made by ministers. Further Town Deals are due to be announced in November.

Town Deals build directly on the government’s commitment to decentralise funding and decisions away from Whitehall, invest in the growth of local economies and devolve powers through ambitious City and Growth Deals, providing more than £9 billion of funding to Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and introducing 8 metro mayors in England.

The government is working with councils and LEPs to create better transport links, more connectivity and world-class education opportunities across the country.

On 27 July 2019 the Prime Minister announced that the £3.6 billion Towns Fund would support an initial 101 town deals across England. See further details of the announcement.

A Town Deal is an agreement in principle between government, the Lead Council and the Town Deal Board. It will set out a vision and strategy for the town, and what each party agrees to do to achieve this vision.

See the 101 places being supported to develop Town Deals.

Further detail on local bids

Blackpool have been awarded £39.5 million to be used to update their much-loved illuminations, which attracts 4 million visitors and brings in £284 million a year. They also plan to use the funding towards the further development of the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone, creating new jobs, improving local transport links and attracting businesses to the area.

In Torquay, the £21.9 million funding is set to be used to modernise the town centre, transforming it into a retail and leisure destination for people visiting, working and living in the town as well as improving transport links with a new focus on walking and cycling routes.

Darlington’s £22.3 million deal sets out to boost employment skills across the town, for both young people and adults. Plans include funding for the town’s T-Levels offer which will help learners kickstart their careers in a number of fields.

Barrow have secured £25 million which the council could spend on developing a new learning quarter, community wellbeing hubs and improving the local cycling and walking infrastructure. They also plan to run a housing renewal programme to address the lack of high-quality housing in the region.

Norwich’s £25 million will help the council to realise their ‘2040 Vision’, which includes a new digital hub, a digi-tech factory and an advanced construction and engineering (ACE) centre. These developments will grow the city’s digital sector, bringing new jobs and opportunities to the community.

Peterborough Council could use their £22.9 million investment to lay the groundwork for low carbon living, support healthy lifestyles and encourage enterprise and innovation. Planned projects include a skills centre for green technologies, enterprise hub and a new pedestrian bridge.

In Warrington, the £22.1 million investment will help to utilise vacant spaces and restore a vibrant town centre. The council’s plans include building an electric bus fleet depot, an advanced construction training centre and a health and social care academy.