NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Meet The Buyer event – connecting local suppliers with key buyers

    Source: City of Oxford

    Friday, 7 February 2025

    Oxford Town Hall – 12 February 2025.

    Local businesses and suppliers are invited to attend the highly anticipated the Meet The Buyer event, set to take place at Oxford Town Hall on 12 February, from 9:30am to 4pm.

    This exclusive event provides an invaluable opportunity for suppliers of goods and services within the county to engage directly with buyers from Oxford City Council. Attendees will gain first-hand insights into the procurement processes, learn about upcoming contract opportunities, and build valuable connections with both public sector buyers and fellow suppliers.

    Additionally, the event will offer a key session on the New Procurement Act, coming into force on 24 February, ensuring businesses are well-prepared for upcoming legislative changes.

    This event is free to attend and is a must for any local business looking to expand its opportunities in the public sector.

    Event details

    • Date: 12 February 2025
    • Location: Oxford Town Hall
    • Time: 9:30am to 4pm
    • Admission: free (registration required).

    For more information and to register, visit Meet the Buyer 2025.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coming up next week at the London Assembly W/C 10 February

    Source: Mayor of London

    PUBLIC MEETINGS

    Monday 10 February

    Major sporting events in London

    Economy, Culture and Skills Committee – Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 2pm

    Analysis from 2021 by London & Partners found that the total economic value generated by the 305 major sporting events held in London between 2017 and 2020 was £1.03 billion.

    The Economy, Culture and Skills Committee will meet to discuss the economic impact of major sporting events in London, looking at the role of the Mayor in bringing more sporting events to the city.

    The guests are:

    Panel 1: 2:00pm-3:30pm:

    • Nick Bitel, Chief Executive Officer, London Marathon Group
    • Mark Camley, Executive Director of Park and Venues, London Legacy Development Corporation
    • Esther Britten MBE, Head of Events and External Affairs, UK Sport
    • Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader, London Borough of Brent

    Panel 2: 3:35pm-5:00pm:

    • Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth
    • Katie Morrison, Interim Assistant Director, External Relations, Greater London Authority (GLA)
    • James Fitzgerald, Host City Programmes Director, GLA
    • Rose Wangen-Jones, Managing Director, Marketing, Destination & Commercial, London & Partners

    MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Smyth on 07763 251727 / [email protected]

    Tuesday 11 February

    Planning and tall buildings

    Planning and Regeneration Committee – Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    A lot of work looking at the experiences of residents in tall buildings originated in the 1960s and 1970s and focused on social housing. In recent decades, there has been a shift in the types of homes being delivered by tall buildings towards private accommodation.

    The Planning and Regeneration Committee will ask the Deputy Mayor for Planning, and guests from the Greater London Authority (GLA) and London Boroughs about how they set policies and take decisions around the delivery of tall buildings in London.

    The guests are:

    Panel 1: 10am – 11.15am:

    • Michael Ritchie, Place Shaping Manager, London Borough of Tower Hamlets
    • Michael Forrester, Head of Development Management, London Borough of Lewisham

    Panel 2: 11.30am – 12.30pm:

    • Jules Pipe CBE, Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service
    • Alan Smithies, Principal Strategic Planner, GLA

    MEDIA CONTACT: Josh Hunt on 07763 252310 / [email protected]

    Wednesday 12 February

    Q&A with the Met Commissioner

    Police and Crime Committee – Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    In the Met Police Commissioner’s December report for the London Policing Board, it was highlighted that a series of “tough choices” may have to be implemented to meet the expected budget gap of £450m in the Met’s 2025-26 budget.

    The Police and Crime Committee will question the Met Police Commissioner on these “tough choices”, whether they will save the amount of money required, and how the Met will secure further funding to minimise these cuts. The Committee will also explore grooming gangs and stop and search. 

    The guests are:

    • Sir Mark Rowley, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police
    • Kaya Comer-Shwartz, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime

    MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Smyth on 07763 251727 / [email protected]

    Thursday 13 February

    London Fire Brigade Plenary

    All Assembly meeting – Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    What are the key priorities for the London Fire Brigade this year?

    Assembly Members will ask questions about building safety, Lithium-ion battery powered E-bikes and E-scooters, EV buses fire risk, home fire safety visits and more.

    The guests are:

    • Jules Pipe CBE, Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service
    • Andy Roe KFSM, London Fire Brigade Commissioner

    MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Bell on 07887 832 918 / [email protected] 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev and Lipetsk Region Governor Igor Artamonov discussed the development of the agro-industrial complex in the region

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev held a working meeting with Lipetsk Region Governor Igor Artamonov. The meeting discussed issues of developing the agro-industrial complex, ecology and nature management.

    Working meeting of Dmitry Patrushev with the Governor of Lipetsk region Igor Artamonov

    February 7, 2025

    Working meeting of Dmitry Patrushev with the Governor of Lipetsk region Igor Artamonov

    February 7, 2025

    Working meeting of Dmitry Patrushev with the Governor of Lipetsk region Igor Artamonov

    February 7, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Working meeting of Dmitry Patrushev with the Governor of Lipetsk region Igor Artamonov

    Dmitry Patrushev noted that Lipetsk Region invariably remains among the leaders in the development of the agro-industrial complex. The region ranks first in Russia in the production of greenhouse vegetables in agricultural organizations and processed potatoes.

    Igor Artamonov emphasized that the Lipetsk region is attractive to investors. The volume of invested funds from 2019 to 2024 amounted to more than 200 billion rubles, more than 4 thousand jobs were created. The volume of agricultural exports of the region has increased by 2.5 times since 2019, which allowed the region to enter the top ten subjects of the Russian Federation in terms of export volume of agricultural products.

    The meeting raised issues of education. There are 18 agricultural classes in the Lipetsk Region. 80% of their graduates become students of universities and colleges specializing in agricultural fields. The region has opened the first “Agrokvantorium” in Russia, where children get acquainted with agricultural machinery.

    The meeting also discussed issues of environmental management. Lipetsk Region has successfully completed the implementation of the national project “Ecology” and shows good results in the field of solid municipal waste management – 53% of MSW is processed at disposal facilities.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “The situation in Russian science looks stable and positive”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    © Higher School of Economics

    On the eve of Russian Science Day, TASS held a press conference dedicated to the results of the third round of the comprehensive study “We do science in Russia” He was conducted Institute for Statistical Research and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEZ) HSE. The authors of the study and experts representing higher education, research institutes and industry spoke about the state of domestic science, the drivers of its development, the dynamics of change and the barriers that need to be overcome.

    The first “Making Science in Russia” study was conducted in 2017, the second round took place in 2022, and the third from October to November 2024.

    Present and future

    As explained by the first vice-rector, director of the HSE ISSEK Leonid Gokhberg, the basis of the study was the results of a survey of the heads of 719 universities and leading scientific organizations, which make up almost the entire core of Russian science. These are “the key players who make the weather in this area and determine its development with their daily practices.”

    The assessment was carried out on 87 factors grouped into 8 large blocks, which made it possible to determine the sentiment index in Russian science. In the second step, the researchers identified 47 measures of state scientific and technical policy, assessed their effectiveness on a number of parameters and rated them.

    “The situation in Russian science looks stable and positive, there is progress compared to previous rounds of the study,” Leonid Gokhberg noted. For example, assessments related to the institutional conditions of functioning of universities and scientific organizations have improved – first of all, we are talking about increasing awareness of policy measures and regulation of important aspects of their daily life (regulation of state assignments and state purchases, tender procedures, etc.).

    Representatives of the scientific sphere assess the prospects for the coming years even more optimistically. Expectations are connected with further increase in the efficiency of scientific research, cooperation with business and stimulation of investment inflow from commercial structures, development of the information base of science.

    At the same time, the situation looks different in different sectors. “Universities are feeling the best, and this correlates with the measures of their support that have been launched in recent years and have had a rather positive impact on the development of university science,” Leonid Gokhberg stated.

    Financing

    The director continued the topic Center for Statistics and Monitoring of Science and Innovation ISSEK Ekaterina Streltsova, touching upon “the most sensitive issue” – funding of science.

    This block received the most restrained assessment from the scientific community, but this does not mean that everything is bad. Science is financed from many sources, and the study showed that the situations with different sources differ for different organizations. Key sources of budgetary financing are assessed more restrainedly in general, since they may not be very relevant for non-profit organizations that participated in the survey (for example, grants from Russian scientific foundations).

    “We see a significant improvement in the situation for all types of organizations compared to 2022, as budget expenditures on science are steadily increasing. This year, almost 3% of federal budget funds are planned to be allocated to support science, this is the highest figure in the last ten years, and we hope that funding for science will continue to increase,” Ekaterina Streltsova emphasized.

    Organizations of all types were skeptical about the provision of funding from state companies and especially from business, and, in her opinion, this is a predictable result given the current structure of funding for Russian science. In recent years, the business sector has provided about 30% of the costs of science, and although this figure has increased compared to 2010, measures are needed to stimulate investment.

    Of all the sources of funds, foreign organizations received the lowest ratings. “It was these ratings that influenced the overall score for the entire area and pulled it down, and this is understandable,” says Ekaterina Streltsova. “Foreign resources have never been significant for the development of Russian science; in the last five to six years, the share of these sources in the total volume of expenses has not exceeded 2.5%.”

    Personnel and equipment

    Ekaterina Streltsova noted that the human resources potential received a positive assessment for most factors: the managers are satisfied with both the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the scientific personnel they work with. Compared to 2022, some values have improved due to the implementation of a whole range of measures. Difficulties are associated with attracting foreign researchers and participation in international projects.

    The assessment of material and technical conditions is also quite stable: organizations are generally optimistic about the availability of scientific equipment and consumables, but many note the complication of supplies from abroad. The availability of access to specialized domestic software and Russian AI-based systems is assessed cautiously, but it is in this area that expectations are high and positive.

    The weak point remains the commercialization of results – their promotion and implementation in the economy. For example, universities and research organizations are actively involved in patent activities, but their contribution to the development of licensing activities in the domestic market is still limited. Obviously, this is due, among other things, to insufficient dialogue between science and business. “Although the situation has improved somewhat compared to 2022, we see that the intensity of interaction with business in the form of joint laboratories, basic departments, and so on is still assessed rather restrainedly, which, of course, requires further implementation, including of the measures already in force,” concluded Ekaterina Streltsova.

    “A most interesting analysis”

    The results of the study “Making Science in Russia” were commented on by representatives of science, higher education and industry.

    Director of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Grigory Trubnikov noted that HSE scientists conducted “a most interesting analysis.” In his opinion, over three rounds of research, “analytics has taken off,” it has a large audience, and the data can be trusted.

    Commenting on the conclusions about science funding, he put forward the hypothesis that the problem is not that it should be increased, say, twofold, but that “science should be done faster” — this is the main request of the scientific community. If we remove the obstacles associated with control, procurement procedures, academic mobility, and foreign restrictions, then the competitiveness of Russian science will increase.

    Grigory Trubnikov also noted that in terms of international cooperation, everything depends on the specific organization, and things are going well at his institute in Dubna – cooperation with China, Mexico, Brazil is developing, and this is a noticeable trend in general.

    Stanislav Terekhov, head of the laboratory of antibiotic resistance at the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, highly praised the existing measures to support science, including the creation of youth laboratories (his laboratory is one of them). In his opinion, this allows the best personnel to be retained in the country and students and postgraduates to be integrated into laboratory practice, but state support should be supplemented by private initiatives.

    Science and Business

    Director of the Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology at Sechenov University Vadim Tarasov emphasized the links between science and business in his speech. In his opinion, the Priority 2030 program “gave universities a huge opportunity to be flexible in their interactions with industry,” and now it is necessary to set goals for 10-15 years ahead, understanding what technologies the country needs to ensure sovereignty, and which ones are worth entering foreign markets with.

    First Vice President for MTS Technologies, Head of the MTS Basic Department at HSE Pavel Voronin also highly praised the study, calling it very complete and high-quality.

    In his opinion, science is the foundation for technology, and “the geopolitical situation requires us to invest more in this fundamental part,” but the economic situation forces many companies in the market to approach finances prudently. When it is necessary to monitor expenses more closely, the first thing that is cut is unpredictable, long-term investments. “From a business point of view, it is important not to get caught in these scissors, to correctly determine priorities and leave a certain share of investments for long-term research,” concluded Pavel Voronin.

    Head of the scientific and technical cooperation department of the State Corporation Rosatom Ekaterina Chaban stated that in her corporation “every scientific project is also a business project” and confirmed the researchers’ findings on the successful attraction of young people to science. In the scientific division of Rosatom, out of 2 thousand scientists, 38% are under 35 years old, 48% are under 39 years old, and among the directors of institutes there are scientists and designers under 40 years old. “The corporation does a lot to maintain the influx of young people and retain young personnel,” she explained.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE delivers training course on airport security and provides equipment to Moldovan border police

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE delivers training course on airport security and provides equipment to Moldovan border police

    From 3 to 7 February, the OSCE organized a training course in Chisinau, Moldova for aviation security managers from the General Inspectorate of Border Police (GIBP) and Airport Administration of the Republic of Moldova. The course, organized in co-operation with the Permanent Mission of Romania to the OSCE, was conducted by Romanian aviation security experts.
    The course enhanced the participants’ expertise in overseeing and monitoring the implementation of aviation security measures, equipping them with essential competencies aligned with international standards. Sessions covered topics critical to the role of aviation security managers, including threat and risk assessment methodologies, crisis management, duties of security managers and supervisory activities.
    “At a time when aviation security faces increasingly complex challenges, this training course underscores the importance of equipping aviation security managers with necessary skills and knowledge to address them effectively. The OSCE remains committed to supporting Moldova in strengthening its aviation security framework and fostering regional co-operation to ensure safety for all,” said Ambassador Kelly Keiderling, Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova.
    Throughout the week, the participants engaged in practical exercises, case studies and discussions focused on integrating the International Civil Aviation Organization standards and recommended practices into daily operations.
    “The knowledge gained during this course will enable us to better safeguard our airports and ensure the safety of travellers. The hands-on activities and expert guidance provided invaluable insights for our work,” said Elena Popa, an airport security manager with the GIBP.
    In parallel to this course, the OSCE donated 13 complete computer sets with uninterruptible power supply devices to the GIBP. The equipment will enhance the operational capabilities of the Moldovan Border Police by streamlining data processing, supporting border monitoring activities, and facilitating the implementation of security technologies in compliance with international standards.
    “This donation represents a vital resource for the Moldovan Border Police as we continue to enhance our capacity to address cross-border threats. The new equipment will improve our ability to monitor and analyse border activities, supporting our mission to safeguard Moldova’s borders,” said Ruslan Galușca, Head of the GIBP.
    The training course is part of the OSCE’s extrabudgetary project “Support to the Law Enforcement Agencies in Moldova in Response to the Security Challenges in the Region”. The project focuses on strengthening Moldovan law enforcement’s capacity to combat transnational organized crime both at the border and within the country, with financial support from the France, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdomand the United States of America.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sir Ian Bauckham named as permanent Chief Regulator of Ofqual

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Sir Ian Bauckham CBE is appointed Chief Regulator of Ofqual by the Education Secretary.

    The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has today (7 February 2025) announced the appointment of Sir Ian Bauckham CBE as Chief Regulator of Ofqual .  

    The privy council has confirmed his appointment through an order in council, after a thorough recruitment process conducted in line with the requirements set by the commissioner for public appointments. 

    Sir Ian will start the permanent five-year position after serving as interim Chief Regulator since 1st Jan 2024.  

    Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson said:    

    This government is committed to high and rising standards and fair assessments are crucial to this, opening the door to opportunity for children and young people and breaking the link between background and success. 

    With his vast expertise in education, Sir Ian is exceptionally suited to lead Ofqual in maintaining a system that provides all young people with high-quality, rigorous qualifications and training, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed.

    Appointed Chief Regulator, Sir Ian Bauckham CBE said:    

    I’m honoured to take on this permanent role, after dedicating my career to improving education and opportunities for young people. 

    Qualifications are the currency of education. Ofqual, as guardian of standards, will protect their value and integrity to ensure they remain trusted by students, teachers, universities and employers alike. 

    Only through rigorous assessment and stable qualifications can we measure education performance and highlight areas where we can improve opportunities for all students.

    Ofqual is the independent body responsible for regulating qualifications, exams, and assessments in England. It plays a crucial role in maintaining standards and public trust in GCSEs, A levels, and vocational and technical qualifications. 

    The Chief Regulator’s key responsibility is to ensure that Ofqual meets its statutory objectives and duties, including upholding standards and fostering confidence in qualifications and assessments. 

    Knighted in January 2023 for his services to education, Sir Ian has been a member of the Ofqual Board since 2018. He served as Chair from January 2021 until January 2024, when he became the interim Chief Regulator. Previously, he was the Chief Executive Officer of the Tenax Schools Academy Trust, a position he stepped down from to assume his current role. Since 2020, Sir Ian has also chaired the board of Oak National Academy.

    DfE media enquiries

    Central newsdesk – for journalists 020 7783 8300

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE) Chair’s letter

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    This letter sets out the government’s expectations and priorities for LEASE over the remainder of 2025.

    Applies to England and Wales

    Documents

    Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE) Chair’s letter

    PDF, 196 KB, 5 pages

    Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE) Chair’s letter

    HTML

    Details

    The Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Matthew Pennycook, has written to LEASE’s Chair, Martin Boyd, to set out his priorities for the Service in their role delivering advice to leaseholders and park home owners.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 February 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Getting involved in National Apprenticeship Week

    Source: City of Coventry

    Coventry City Council is helping to mark National Apprenticeship Week from 10 February.

    Coventry City Council is helping to mark National Apprenticeship Week from 10 February by co-ordinating activities to raise awareness about apprenticeship opportunities in the Council and other organisations in Coventry. 

    There are currently over 400 apprentices working at the Council undertaking over 50 different types of apprenticeship across all of our service areas. 

    Cllr Richard Brown, Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “Apprenticeships are a crucial part of the Council’s recruitment process. They offer opportunities for young people who may be looking at post-16 options other than sixth forms, colleges and university courses. 

    “We also work with care leavers and young people who may not be in employment or education. 

    “I’d really encourage parents/carers and teachers and young people to find out more about what the Council can offer. 

    “Our apprentices make a fantastic contribution to the wide range of services we provide.” 

    A week of activities is planned, including online apprenticeship information sessions and a schools’ event at Coventry Rugby Club, involving a range of businesses and organisations offering apprenticeships in Coventry.   

    The Council has apprentices, school apprentices and newly recruited corporate apprentices working in Business Administration, Civil Engineering, Customer Services, Marketing and Events, Electrical Installation, Highways, Horticulture/Gardening, Facilities Services, Finance, IT, Legal, Plumbing/Heating, Vehicle Mechanics and in other services. 

    Apprenticeships are foundation to a great career and offer a range of opportunities and career pathways. As an apprentice at Coventry City Council, people will gain new knowledge, experiences and qualifications, all whilst earning a salary. 

    All apprentices at the Council have a dedicated Apprenticeship Officer that works alongside managers and apprentices to provide: pastoral care and mentoring; access to additional learning and development opportunities; and career advice and guidance. 

    Apprenticeships are a key part of the Council’s plans to train the workforce of the future, so we do all we can do to ensure our apprentices stay with us after completing their apprenticeship. 

    During the week, there will be activities taking place for both current Council apprentices, celebrating their achievements so far, and for future apprentices to get involved with too. 

    Get involved 

    Monday 10 February – Virtual online information sessions for the public, parents/carers and young people 

    Tuesday 11 February – Schools event at Coventry Rugby Club involving 25 + employers in the city 

    Thursday 13 February – Video highlights from staff who have benefited from apprenticeships 

     For details visit coventry.gov.uk/apprenticeships 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN HRC Special Session: Democratic Republic of the Congo

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    UK Statement for the UN Human Rights Council Special Session on the situation in the DRC. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.

    Thank you Mr President.

    Let me begin by commending the Minister and her Ambassador for convening this special session. We welcome its broad support from across the African Continent.

    The situation in eastern DRC has received far too little attention for far too long. We condemn the recent offensive by M23 and Rwandan Defence Forces, which has worsened an already dire humanitarian situation.

    We call on all parties to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access to allow the delivery of life-saving assistance. In particular, the UK calls on M23 and Rwanda to re-open Goma airport as a matter of utmost urgency.

    The scale of sexual and gender-based violence across eastern DRC is horrific. We are appalled by reports of the brutal rape and murder of hundreds of women in Goma’s Munzenze Prison.

    We must respond robustly and collectively to ensure a thorough investigation and bring an end to impunity.  

    The UK is convinced of the need to use all available Council mechanisms to address the human rights situation.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Leading in financial literacy: Minister Nicolaides | Leader en matière de littératie financière : Ministre Nicolaides

    “The latest PISA results from 2022 show that Alberta is a world leader in education. Alberta students rank first in financial literacy among Canadian provinces, ahead of Ontario and British Columbia, which tied for second place.

    “Alberta students also performed exceptionally well against international competitors in financial literacy. Globally, Alberta students placed first ahead of Denmark, the top-ranked country.

    “Alberta’s students’ achievement in financial literacy builds off the previously released 2022 PISA results. Across Canada, Alberta students rank first in science, reading and creative thinking and second in mathematics. Globally, Alberta students rank second only to Singapore in science, reading and creative thinking.

    “Ensuring Alberta’s youth can build the financial literacy skills they need to make informed decisions about their finances and their future continues to be a focus for our government.

    “That’s why we have invested $5 million to support practical, hands-on financial literacy programming for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and our renewed K–6 curriculum that includes a stronger foundation in financial literacy.

    “As we look forward, we will continue to develop new curriculum for grades 7–12 and ensure financial literacy is incorporated throughout all grades where appropriate.”

    Related information

    • Programme for International Student Assessment 2022 results 
    • Financial literacy grants

    Related news

    • International success for Alberta students: Minister Nicolaides (Dec. 5, 2023) 

    Le ministre de l’Éducation, Demetrios Nicolaides, a fait la déclaration suivante sur les derniers résultats du Programme international pour le suivi des acquis des élèves (PISA) de 2022 : 

    « Les derniers résultats du PISA de 2022 montrent que l’Alberta est un leader mondial en matière d’éducation. Les élèves de l’Alberta se classent au premier rang en matière de littératie financière parmi les provinces canadiennes, devant l’Ontario et la Colombie-Britannique, qui se classent au deuxième rang ex æquo.

    Les élèves de l’Alberta ont également obtenu des résultats exceptionnels par rapport à leurs concurrents internationaux en matière de littératie financière. À l’échelle mondiale, les élèves de l’Alberta se classent premiers, devant le Danemark, le pays le mieux classé.

    Les résultats des élèves de l’Alberta en matière de littératie financière s’appuient sur les résultats du PISA de 2022 déjà publiés. Au Canada, les élèves de l’Alberta se classent premiers en sciences, en lecture et en pensée créative et deuxièmes en mathématiques. À l’échelle mondiale, les élèves de l’Alberta se classent au deuxième rang, après Singapour, en sciences, lecture et pensée créative.

    Veiller à ce que les jeunes de l’Alberta puissent acquérir les compétences en littératie financière dont ils ont besoin pour prendre des décisions éclairées concernant leurs finances et leur avenir continue d’être une priorité pour notre gouvernement.

    C’est pour cela que nous avons investi 5 millions de dollars pour soutenir des programmes pratiques de littératie financière pour les élèves de la maternelle à la 12e année, ainsi que notre programme d’études renouvelé de la maternelle à la 6e année, avec une base plus solide en littératie financière.

    À l’avenir, nous continuerons d’élaborer de nouveaux programmes pour la 7e à la 12e année et nous veillerons à ce que la littératie financière soit intégrée à tous les niveaux, le cas échéant. »

    Renseignements connexes

    • Résultats du Programme international pour le suivi des acquis des élèves de 2022 
    • Subventions pour la littératie financière

    Nouvelles connexes

    • Réussite internationale pour les élèves de l’Alberta : Ministre Nicolaides (5 décembre 2023)

    Translations

    • Arabic
    • Simplified Chinese
    • Traditional Chinese
    • Punjabi
    • Spanish
    • Ukrainian

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tackling the Gender Export Gap

    Source: Scottish Government

    Tailored support for women entrepreneurs to enter international trade.

    Women-led businesses will receive more help to sell overseas after a study found Scotland could benefit from billions of pounds in extra trade.

    The Gender Export Gap report estimates that Scotland’s trade could increase by between £3.4 billion to £10.3 billion over two years if women-led businesses exported at the same rate as those led by men. From 2016 – 2022, between 2% and 9% fewer women-owned small and medium-sized companies sold overseas compared to those run by men.

    Actions to be introduced include targeting more women to take part in trade missions and export training programmes.

    Business Minister Richard Lochhead launched the report and the Scottish Government’s response during a visit to Raven Botanicals near Haddington, East Lothian, run by Arabella and Charlotte Harvey. The sisters are speaking to a potential overseas client about their award-winning natural skincare and beauty products after participating in trade missions to the United States and Dubai.

    Mr Lochhead said:

    “The untapped export potential of women entrepreneurs identified by this report is astonishing. The measures I am announcing today are just the beginning. We will work with organisations such as Scottish Development International and the Scottish Chamber of Commerce to understand the specific export needs of women-led businesses and provide further assistance.

    “The gender export gap is a worldwide phenomenon and the position in Scotland is typical of comparable countries. However, we are determined to improve and reap the huge economic rewards.”

    Arabella Harvey said:

    “As a business in the early stages of growth, we welcome the commitment to meaningful, tailored support for female entrepreneurs.

    “We have faced challenges accessing export support, even though there’s clear interest from new markets. By empowering female entrepreneurs to step confidently into the global marketplace, we can secure significant economic growth and strengthen Scotland’s reputation on the world stage.”

    Background 

    The Gender Export Gap report

    The Scottish Government’s response to the report.

    The Scottish-Government commissioned research report was authored by Professor Norin Arshed,  Dr Stephen Knox and Dr Carolina Marin Cadavid. 

    Steps to encourage and support more participation of women in trade is a core part of delivering the Scottish Government’s international trade strategy, Scotland’s Vision for Trade.  

    The work also aligns with wider action on women’s entrepreneurship. The Scottish Government confirmed in June 2023 that it would take forward all the recommendations of Ana Stewart’s Pathways: A New Approach for Women in Entrepreneurship.

    Funding allocated to create more opportunities for women in entrepreneurship will increase to at least £4 million in the next financial year, as part of an enhanced enterprise package commitment of £15 million. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New energy payment scheme opens for young adults and carers in Portsmouth

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Portsmouth City Council has launched its Energy Payment Scheme, offering one-off payments of £150 for residents in the following groups:

    • Single residents (with or without children) aged 16-24 who are receiving Universal Credit, including the Housing Costs Element, with an earned income of £900 or less a month
    • Couples (with or without children) both aged 16-24, receiving Universal Credit including the Housing Costs Element, with an earned income of £1,300 or less a month
    • Carers aged 16 and above who are on low income and who receive a qualifying benefit (details on the website)

    Applications are now open and must be submitted by 12 noon on Monday 17 March 2025. Find out more and apply online.

    The scheme is the being offered through the Household Support Fund (HSF), which is funded by the UK Government.

    Portsmouth City Council is also currently running these support schemes for low-income residents:

    • Child voucher scheme (closes 28 February) – Find out more and apply
    • Portsmouth Older Persons Energy Payment (funded by the city council, closes 7 March) – find out more and apply
    • The final round of the Exceptional hardship scheme opens 20 February.

    Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council said:

    “This new Energy Payment scheme is one of a number of schemes open to help Portsmouth residents who are struggling with the cost of living.

    “I really encourage people to apply for help before the deadlines, and to contact our cost of living hub for advice and support.”

    Visit the Council’s Household Support Fund website for more details of all of the schemes: www.portsmouth.gov.uk/HSF

    Even if you don’t qualify for a payment, the council’s cost of living hub remains open to help with advice and support. You can speak to someone by calling 023 9284 1047 (open weekdays 9am-5pm (closes 4.30pm Fridays) or visit the website: www.portsmouth.gov.uk/cost-of-living-hub

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Diner fined for failing to display food hygiene rating

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    A food business in Lurgan has been prosecuted in court for failing to display its food hygiene rating.

    Maloney’s Diner at Flush Place Business Park in Lurgan was handed a fine of £500 and ordered to pay additional costs of £163 for the failure to display a valid food hygiene rating sticker under the Food Hygiene Rating Act (Northern Ireland) 2016.

    The business had been allocated a food hygiene rating of 2 following an inspection, however the business continued to display a rating of 5. Environmental Health officers from ABC Council had issued warning letters to the business in September 2024 for failing to display the correct food hygiene rating.

    A spokesperson for ABC Council said the food hygiene rating scheme provides information on businesses’ hygiene standards to help consumers choose where to eat out or shop for food.

    “It is a legal requirement for all food businesses to display their food hygiene rating. This prosecution reinforces that council officers are checking on businesses to ensure they are displaying the correct rating,” said the spokesperson.

    “Environmental Health Officers allocate a rating based on the standards found at the time of inspection. The officer will check how hygienically the food is handled, how it is prepared, cooked, re-heated, cooled and stored.

    “They also check the condition of the buildings for cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation and other facilities and how the business manages and records what it does to make sure food is safe.”

    Our officers will continue to work with all food businesses in the Borough to ensure that high standards of food hygiene are achieved.

    For more information about the food hygiene rating scheme in the ABC Borough please visit – www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/business/food-safety/

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sunderland resident found guilty of fly-tipping

    Source: City of Sunderland

    A Sunderland resident has been left with a court bill of nearly £1,000 after being caught on CCTV fly-tipping household waste and three sofas at the rear of his property.

    Malik Yansane, of Athol Road, was found guilty following a trial at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court of offences under Section 33(1)(a) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

    The court heard how shortly after 8am on Friday 28 October 2022, Mr Yansane was observed on CCTV removing waste from his property and leaving it in the street. A Street Watch CCTV camera had been set up by the council as part of ongoing work to deter fly-tipping.

    Despite clear warning signs about CCTV surveillance, Mr. Yansane deliberately left three sofas directly beneath a post-mounted camera monitoring the area.

    The court heard how, following a report of fly-tipping, Sunderland City Council’s Neighbourhood Enforcement Team attended the rear of Athol Road, where they discovered a significant illegal waste deposit. Alongside the three sofas, officers found a child’s bouncer chair, a plastic container, black bin bags, and boxes, all discarded in plain sight of the camera.

    Officers swiftly launched an investigation, searching the waste for evidence before arranging its immediate removal.

    As part of an investigation, Mr Yansane attended an interview with council officers and confirmed it was him on the camera evidence and he admitted to illegally dumping waste behind his property.

    Mr Yansane was offered the opportunity to pay a £300 Fixed Penalty Notice instead of facing prosecution. He received the notice on Wednesday 18 January 2023 and was told to pay within ten days.

    On Tuesday 31 January and Wednesday 8 February 2023, he received postal reminders that if he didn’t pay, legal action would be considered. The penalty was not paid and the council began court proceedings.

    The case was heard on Tuesday 4 February 2025 and Mr Yansane, who was representing himself, conceded that he had admitted in interview and that he had placed the items in the back lane and did not have any permissions, permits or licence to do so. He had also made no arrangements for anyone to collect the items and he had himself previously reported fly-tipping near his property.

    Magistrates found him guilty of fly-tipping and ordered him to pay a £300 fine, £245.21 to cover clean-up costs, and £450 for legal and investigation fees. In total, Mr Yansane was ordered to pay £995.21.

    Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Net Zero, Councillor Lindsey Leonard said: “This case shows that fly-tipping will not be tolerated. If you illegally dump waste, we will investigate, take legal action, and bring offenders to court.

    “Sunderland City Council is dedicated to keeping our community clean, and we encourage residents to dispose of their waste properly.”

    Residents are encouraged to report any fly-tipping or waste disposal issues directly to Sunderland City Council. You can do this online at www.sunderland.gov.uk/report-it or by calling 0191 520 5550.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New event brings communities together to learn more about apprenticeships

    Source: City of Derby

    Derby City Council is delighted to announce the Community Apprenticeship Event. This free event will be taking place on Wednesday 26 February from 4:30pm to 7:00pm at the Indian Community Centre, Derby.

    Young individuals aged 15 to 24 and their families are invited to connect with education providers and employers to gain comprehensive insights into apprenticeship pathways. This event aims to showcase the diverse opportunities that Apprenticeships has to offer as alternatives to traditional academic routes.

    Attendees can expect an engaging presentation from the Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge (ASK) Programme, including real-life testimonials from apprentices and a Q&A session. This will be followed by a networking opportunity with a range of employers and apprenticeship providers such as Derby City Council, Derby Homes, EON, and Birds Bakery. Complimentary refreshments and halal and vegetarian food will also be provided.

    To be eligible to attend, you must be aged 15 to 24 or attending with someone that is aged 15 to 24 and in your care. By attending together, families can collectively explore and understand the benefits of apprenticeships. You must also be residents of Abbey, Arboretum, Normanton, or Sinfin wards.

    Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said:

    The Community Apprenticeship Event is a fantastic opportunity to bring our diverse communities together and empower families to play an active role in shaping young people’s futures. By connecting young individuals with local employers and apprenticeship providers, we are fostering a collaborative environment where families can explore exciting career pathways together.

    This event highlights the importance of supporting our youth in achieving their aspirations while strengthening the bonds within our community”

    Free parking is available next to the Indian Community Centre on Rawdon Street.

    This event is organized by Derby City Council’s Employment and Skills Hub and funded by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) Careers Hub.

    You can learn more and book your free ticket on the Eventbrite page.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Warmer Homes London launches to help vulnerable Londoners heat their homes and save money

    Source: Mayor of London

    • Warmer Homes London (WHL) will see the Mayor of London and London Councils work in partnership with London boroughs and housing associations to unlock millions of pounds from a national pot of £1.79bn to spend on energy saving measures for the most vulnerable residents in the capital.  
    • WHL will make London’s homes greener and turbocharge the installation of insulation, solar panels and heat pumps across the capital.
    • The Mayor of London and London Councils are funding Warmer Homes London together, with the Mayor investing £10m to establish a new hub to ensure that the programme is delivered at pace. London boroughs are also investing £400,000 in start-up costs.  
    • London boroughs and housing associations have committed to match national funding, to make tens of thousands of homes across London more energy efficient and save Londoners money on their bills.   
    • The new ‘one-London approach’ will for the first time offer councils a certain, long-term funding stream to retrofit homes in their boroughs.

    Today the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and London Councils launched a new programme to transform the approach to making the capital’s homes warmer and more energy efficient and reducing Londoners’ energy bills. Warmer Homes London (WHL) will forge bolder ways to upgrade London’s homes as part of the retrofit revolution.    

    WHL is being rolled out in partnership with London boroughs and housing associations to make homes across London warmer, cheaper to run and more energy efficient.    

    The Mayor will invest almost £10 million over four years through WHL, which will for the first time provide a central hub for green housing funding and information. Until now, boroughs have had to apply for funding individually, led by the Government’s funding rounds. This created costs and long-term uncertainty. WHL will create a ‘one-London approach’, forming a close link with Government and providing reliable, long-term funds to boroughs, meaning they will have the certainty they need to progress retrofit works in their area. The new ‘hub’ will enable a more co-ordinated approach with Government, increasing bargaining power with Ministers and enabling homes to be improved at a larger scale and faster pace. 

    The initiative will help thousands of Londoners save money on their energy bills by funding energy efficient measures such as better insulation, replacing of fossil fuel heating and the introduction of heat pumps. Social landlords (organisations such as local authorities and housing associations who provide affordable housing for rent without a profit), low income owner occupiers and low income private tenants can access the opportunity to take part in the initiative. This will ensure that Londoners who are most vulnerable to fuel poverty will be able to benefit from the funding, whether they rent or own their home.  

    WHL will help secure funding from the Government’s Warm Homes Social Fund and Warm Homes Local Grant funding streams, which is a total national amount of £1.79bn during 2025–2028. WHL will focus on installing energy saving measures in low income private housing. 

    London’s homes are responsible for one third of the capital’s carbon emissions and many are not energy efficient, meaning they cost more to warm up in the winter and lose heat quickly. They can also be uncomfortably hot during summer heatwaves. High living costs and rising fuel prices have meant that even more Londoners now face fuel poverty, with many people having to choose between heating their home or spending money on food. In social rented homes with poor energy efficiency, 56 per cent of households are living in fuel poverty*. Making these homes more energy efficient is a key part of London’s efforts to tackle the climate emergency.   

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:  “Londoners have been struggling for years with sky-high energy bills. Warmer Homes London will help Londoners save money on their bills by making their homes more energy efficient and cheaper to heat.

    “By working in close collaboration with local councils and housing associations, Warmer Homes London will enable us to upgrade more homes, and do it more quickly avoiding unnecessarily long wait times for home improvement works.

    “Making our homes more energy efficient is a priority for me, but also the new government. Through this new initiative we will be able to unlock more national funding from the Government for homes in London. Together, we can build a better, safer and greener London for everyone.”

     Cllr Claire Holland, Chair of London Councils said:  

    “With 379,000 households in London living in fuel poverty, taking action to make homes in our city warmer and more energy efficient is vital for our residents’ health, wellbeing and finances.

    “Warmer Homes London will bring together London boroughs, the Mayor of London, housing associations and government to drive this work forward. It aims to unlock millions of pounds  of investment to deliver improvements to tens of thousands of  homes across London, making them more energy efficient, reducing their environmental impact and saving Londoners money on their bills.

    “Warmer Homes London is a perfect example of how tackling the climate emergency and improving the lives of our residents go hand-in-hand, with joint working across all levels of government vital to achieving this.”

    Minister for Energy Consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh said:

    “Everyone deserves to live in a warm, comfortable home.

    “Warmer Homes London marks an important step towards making thousands of homes cheaper to run for Londoners with clean energy, while cutting fuel poverty across the capital.

    “It will also support delivery of our Warm Homes Plan, which is set to benefit up to 300,000 homes with energy saving upgrades this financial year.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: In the Volga Federal District, about 167 thousand people moved from emergency housing

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The resettlement of emergency housing in the country is being carried out on the instructions of the President. Thus, in the Volga Federal District, more than 2.6 million square meters of housing have been resettled since 2019, Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin reported.

    “The program for resettlement from uninhabitable houses is an important part of regional development and the well-being of our citizens. Since 2019, this task has been addressed within the framework of the national project “Housing and Urban Environment”. During this time, more than 810 thousand people have moved to new apartments. In the Volga Federal District alone, since 2019, the emergency housing stock has decreased by more than 2.6 million square meters, and about 167 thousand citizens have moved from uninhabitable houses. In particular, about 34 thousand people have improved their living conditions thanks to programs that are implemented by the regions at the expense of their own budgets. Work is ongoing under the national project “Infrastructure for Life”, – said Marat Khusnullin.

    According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the largest volume of emergency housing in the Volga Federal District was resettled: Perm Krai – 781 thousand square meters; Saratov Oblast – 403.3 thousand square meters; Samara Oblast – 335.6 thousand square meters; and Nizhny Novgorod Oblast – 269.9 thousand square meters.

    Ilshat Shagiakhmetov, Director General of the Territorial Development Fund, recalled that under the national project “Housing and Urban Environment”, houses that were declared unfit for habitation before January 1, 2017, were being resettled in the country. “The Saratov, Nizhny Novgorod, Orenburg regions, the republics of Tatarstan and Bashkortostan, having completed this task, have begun resettling houses that were declared unfit for habitation after 2017. Of the total volume, they resettled 289.1 thousand square meters of such housing, in which more than 16 thousand citizens lived,” said Ilshat Shagiakhmetov.

    The program for resettling citizens from emergency housing stock is supervised by the Russian Ministry of Construction. Its operator is the Territorial Development Fund.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: 3/2025・Trifork Group AG – Share-based Incentive Program 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement no. 3 / 2025
     Schindellegi, Switzerland – 7 February 2025


    Share-based Incentive Program 2025

    Trifork Group AG (“Trifork”) has granted restricted share units (“RSUs”) under the existing employee long-term share-based incentive program (“ELTIP”) approved by the Board of Directors in 2021.
    The first ELTIP 2025 (“ELTIP 2025a”) is covering the grant in January 2025 to certain employees of the Trifork Group.

    The ELTIP 2025a is based on RSUs and employees participating in the ELTIP 2025a may, subject to certain terms and conditions, be allocated RSUs by converting salary supplements or bonuses. RSUs granted will be subject to graded vesting over a three-year period.

    Further details about the ELTIP 2025a are stated below:

    Participants Certain employees of the Trifork Group in selected jurisdictions. Total 51 employees.
    Number of RSUs Based on the number of employees participating in the ELTIP 2025a, a total of 33,549 RSUs will be allocated. The number of RSUs is calculated by converting the amount of salary supplements or bonuses and applying the weighted average share price for shares of the last three trading days of 2024.
    Granting RSUs comprised by the ELTIP 2025a are granted in January 2025.
    Vesting RSUs will vest over a three-year period with 1/3 of the RSUs vesting each year. Vesting is not conditional upon the achievement of any financial or non-financial targets but is conditional upon the participating employee remaining employed with the Trifork Group throughout the vesting period or becoming a good leaver during the vesting period as well as the participating employee having complied in all respects with the terms and conditions of the ELTIP 2025a.
    Objective Attraction and retention of employees in selected jurisdictions.
    Conversion Once vested and not lapsed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the ELTIP 2025a, each RSU will entitle the holder to receive one Trifork share.
    Conditions RSUs are granted based on the conversion of individual supplement salaries or bonus amounts for each participating employee.

    The ELTIP 2025a is subject to customary conditions.
    Allocation & theoretical value The allocation is based on the weighted average share price of the last 3 trading days of 2024 (DKK 75.08). Dividing the converting salary by this amount results in the number of RSUs to be granted. The converting total amounts to DKK 2,518,858.92 (EUR 338,556) and 33,549 RSUs.

    The theoretical value for the RSUs is the market price of the Trifork share at grant date minus the expected dividends for the portions vesting after one, two, and three years.


    For further information, please contact

    Frederik Svanholm, Group Investment Director & Head of IR
    frsv@trifork.com, +41 79 357 73 17


    About Trifork 

    Trifork is a pioneering global technology partner, empowering enterprise and public sector customers with innovative solutions. With 1,278 professionals across 76 business units in 15 countries, Trifork delivers expertise in inspiring, building, and running advanced software solutions across diverse sectors, including public administration, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, energy, financial services, retail, and real estate. Trifork Labs, the Group’s R&D hub, drives innovation by investing in and developing synergistic and high-potential technology companies. Trifork Group AG is a publicly listed company on Nasdaq Copenhagen. Learn more at trifork.com.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Anniversary Statement: Boeing 747-433, G-ONEE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Electrical system failures during departure from London Heathrow Airport, 8 February 2024

    This statement provides an update on the ongoing investigation into a serious incident involving a Boeing 747-433 aircraft which suffered electrical system failures during departure from London Heathrow Airport.

    The aircraft departed in weather of rain, thick cloud, and icing conditions. Electrical failures resulted from water having leaked onto the aircraft’s avionic equipment – the effects of which included all pitot probe heaters becoming inoperative, and the cabin altitude increasing. The crew began descending the aircraft from FL250 and experienced unreliable flight instrument indications. They diverted the aircraft to Amsterdam Schipol Airport, which had clear weather.

    The investigation is ongoing and a final report will be published in due course.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE convenes inaugural 2025 Meeting of the Development Coordination Council Working Group on Macro, Private and Financial Sector Development and Regional Trade Facilitation

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE convenes inaugural 2025 Meeting of the Development Coordination Council Working Group on Macro, Private and Financial Sector Development and Regional Trade Facilitation

    OSCE convenes inaugural 2025 Meeting of the Development Coordination Council Working Group on Macro, Private and Financial Sector Development and Regional Trade Facilitation | OSCE
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    Home Newsroom News and press releases OSCE convenes inaugural 2025 Meeting of the Development Coordination Council Working Group on Macro, Private and Financial Sector Development and Regional Trade Facilitation

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Progress in customer activity as well as core banking activities continued, and credit quality remained strong Record-high net profit of DKK 23.6 billion, improving return on equity to 13.4%

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press release Danske Bank
    Bernstorffsgade 40
    DK-1577 København V
    Tel. + 45 45 14 14 00

    7 February 2025

    Progress in customer activity as well as core banking activities continued,
    and credit quality remained strong
    Record-high net profit of DKK 23.6 billion, improving return on equity to 13.4%
    Dividend of DKK 9.35 per share for the second half of 2024 as well as an extraordinary dividend of DKK 5.35 per share, in total DKK 14.7 per share
    The Board of Directors has decided to initiate a new share buy-back programme of DKK 5 billion

    Danske Bank has announced its financial results for 2024.
    Carsten Egeriis, Chief Executive Officer, comments on the financial results:

    “For Danske Bank, 2024 was a year in which we consistently delivered positive results from quarter to quarter, driven by increased customer activity, continually strong credit quality and a sustained, dedicated effort from the entire organisation. Consequently, we maintained our positive commercial momentum, resulting in a solid financial performance.

    One year into the execution of our Forward ’28 strategy, we have made substantial progress within our technology transformation and customer engagement, and we can see that our investments in enhancing the customer experience have resulted in increasingly positive customer satisfaction scores.

    Our continued focus on cost discipline and on maintaining strong credit quality resulted in two upward adjustments of our financial guidance in 2024. On the basis of our strong financial results and solid capital position, the total distribution in 2024 amounts to 100% of net profit, thus honouring the commitment we have made to our shareholders.

    With our advanced customer offerings, deep expertise and solid financial position, Danske Bank is strongly positioned to create value for customers, shareholders and society. In a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, rapid technological shifts and increasing sustainability challenges, we will continue to focus on opportunities and solutions for households and businesses alike.”

    The annual report is available at www.danskebank.com. Highlights are shown below:

    2024 vs 2023
    Total income of DKK 56.4 billion (up 8%)
    Operating expenses of DKK 25.7 billion (up 1%)
    Loan impairments of DKK -543 million (2023: DKK 262 million)
    Net profit of DKK 23.6 billion (up 11%)
    Return on shareholders’ equity of 13.4% (2023: 12.7%)
    Strong capital position, with a CET1 capital ratio of 17.8% (2023: 18.8%). The ratio reflects strong capital generation and the full deduction of the announced 40% additional capital distribution.
    Solid progress towards Forward ’28 ambitions and 2026 targets
    2024 was the first full year of our Forward ’28 strategy, and we are well-positioned for future growth as we maintain our trajectory towards strengthening our position as a leading bank in the Nordic region and make significant investments in our customer offerings.

    For personal and private banking customers, with Forward ’28, a sharpened focus in each of our markets has allowed us to further strengthen our relations with existing customers and attract new ones. For business and institutional customers, we want to be a leading bank in the markets in which we operate. Our approach focuses on meeting evolving market demands while fostering high long-term customer and employee satisfaction.

    Significant progress with our technology transformation paved the way for a better customer experience and improved efficiency. In 2024, we made substantial progress in terms of using digitalisation, data, AI and technology to improve customer engagement while reducing costs and operational risks. We developed a new version of our District online banking platform that is tailored to small businesses and is expected to launch in Denmark in the first half of 2025. We also launched a new welcoming app that makes it both easier and faster to become a personal customer with us.

    Across the bank, we have made GenAI a strategic priority, and our GenAI-powered solutions offer key opportunities to unlock productivity gains. During 2024, we launched DanskeGPT, which has been adopted by almost 16,000 users across the organisation, corresponding to 74% of all employees. We have also deployed GenAI-powered tools for our software developers, and these tools are driving solid productivity improvements.

    In 2024, Danica developed its new commercial strategy, Forward ’28 – Danica, which aims to make Danica the preferred pension company in Denmark by 2028. The strategy, which took effect on 1 January 2025, focuses on the importance of making customer interactions with Danica easy and convenient through digital solutions and on offering comprehensive healthcare offerings, attractive returns and quality advice. These elements are expected to be key growth drivers over the next few years. The strategy aligns with the strategic direction set in Danske Bank’s Forward ’28 strategy, underscoring the significant potential in synchronising services between the bank and the pension business.

    As the success of our strategy relies on solid execution, we have a significant focus on our employees, supported by investments in development activities, leadership and the workplace. Employee satisfaction and engagement scores continued to improve from already high levels and are now above the industry benchmark.

    Sustainability is a key focus area in Forward ’28, and our ambition is to be a leading Nordic bank in terms of supporting the sustainability transition of customers, businesses and the Nordic societies that we are a part of. Our efforts are reinforced by new ESG advisory services, comprehensive staff training, recruitment of specialists and strategic partnerships, all aimed at supporting our customers’ sustainability transition. In line with European regulation, for the 2024 annual report, Danske Bank has prepared a sustainability statement in accordance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS).

    Better-than-expected macroeconomic conditions
    Macroeconomic conditions developed more favourably than expected in the markets in which we operate. Especially in Denmark, the inflation and growth outlook improved during the year, and this development is forecast to continue as central banks continue their easing trajectories, leading to lower rates for both households and businesses. Although the growth outlook has improved broadly speaking in the Nordic region, the uncertainty related to Europe’s long-term growth prospects and ability to innovate persists.

    In times of uncertainty for both Danske Bank and our customers, our well-capitalised balance sheet has enabled us to be a strong financial partner for our customers, and we have continued to support them with risk management expertise and expert advice.

    Strong financial performance
    An improved commercial momentum in our business, supported by better-than-expected macroeconomic conditions and strong credit quality have enabled us to strengthen profitability and generate record-high net profit. The return on equity thus increased from 12.7% to 13.4%, highlighting our positive trajectory and progress towards our 2026 targets.

    In 2024, total income grew 8%, driven by a sustained uplift in core banking income. Despite central bank rate cuts and lower deposit margins as well as overall muted credit demand, net interest income showed the expected strong development, with increasing net interest income throughout the year. Net fee income continued the positive traction throughout the year, reflecting our overall strong development and ability to do more business with existing customers and to attract new customers. We saw a higher level of fee income from cash management products, and customer activity generally remained high. Furthermore, we saw an increase in investment fees generated by strategic investments in our private banking offerings as well as a strong development in fees from asset management.

    Net trading income remained stable, and net income from insurance business benefited from stable financial markets, with the health and accident business continuing to be challenged, however.

    Operating expenses developed according to plan and were at the same level as in 2023. The minor year-on-year increase was caused mainly by higher investments in our technology transformation made under our Forward ’28 strategy and staff costs that were impacted by wage inflation. Costs related to financial crime prevention and legacy remediation decreased in line with our plan for a normalisation of costs, and together with prudent cost management, this led to an improvement in the cost/income ratio to 46% from 49%.

    Loan impairment charges amounted to a net reversal of DKK 543 million, reflecting strong credit quality and modest impairments against single-name exposures coupled with a review of post-model adjustments. We continue to apply significant post-model adjustments as well as a scenario-based macroeconomic model to cater for potential tail risks that are not evident in our portfolio. Overall, the macroeconomic environment improved during 2024 and was characterised by lower inflation, lower interest rates and an enhanced growth momentum.

    Overall, we ended the year with the same positive momentum that we saw in the first nine months of 2024. This resulted in record-high net profit of DKK 23.6 billion, up 11% from 2023.

    “The first year of execution of our Forward ’28 strategy, 2024 was an important year for Danske Bank’s financial performance: With income growth driven by our growing core income as well as our continued efforts to support customers and drive the commercial momentum, net profit represents a record-high result,” says Stephan Engels, Chief Financial Officer.
    We continue to create value to the benefit of our customers, our shareholders and society: Our tax expense amounted to DKK 7.6 billion, and given our strong capital position, and in line with the Forward ’28 strategy, the financial year 2024 enables us to make a significant payout to our shareholders.

    Delivering on capital distribution
    Given our strong balance sheet, and as planned in the Forward ’28 strategy, the financial year 2024 yields a significant payout to our shareholders. We paid a dividend of DKK 7.50 per share in connection with the interim report for the first half of 2024, and we propose a dividend of DKK 9.35 per share for the second half of 2024 as well as an extraordinary dividend of DKK 5.35 per share. Furthermore, on 6 December 2024, we announced a special dividend of DKK 6.50 per share following the successful transfer of the personal customer business in Norway. In total, our distribution for 2024 amounts to DKK 28.70 per share.

    It remains crucial for us to create value for all our stakeholders, including our shareholders, customers, employees and the societies we are part of, and as a bank we need to attract capital from shareholders to lend and do business. Besides large institutional investors, our capital distribution benefits most major pension funds in Denmark as well as private individuals in Denmark, who have invested part of their savings in Danske Bank shares. In total, we have more than a quarter of a million investors, of which more than half are private individuals in Denmark.

    Danske Bank’s dividend policy for 2025 remains unchanged, targeting a dividend payout of 40-60% of net profit in the form of annual dividend payments.

    Share buy-back
    The share buy-back programme launched in February 2024 of DKK 5.5 billion was completed in January 2025.

    On the basis of the financial results for 2024, the Board of Directors has decided to initiate a new share buy-back programme of DKK 5 billion, taking the total payout ratio to 100% of net profits when including the dividend for 2024 but excluding the special dividend related to the transfer of the personal customer business in Norway. The programme, which has been approved by the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority, will start on 10 February 2025.

    Outlook for 2025
    We expect net profit for 2025 to be in the range of DKK 21-23 billion.
    The outlook is subject to uncertainty and depends on economic conditions.

    Danske Bank

    Contact: Helga Heyn, Head of Media Relations, tel. +45 45 14 14 00

    More information about Danske Bank’s financial results is available at www.danskebank.com/reports.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Three more shops shut down in crackdown on illegal cigarettes and vapes

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Test Purchase Evidence

    Published: Friday, 7th February 2025

    The closures follow months of investigation, including test purchasing a co-ordinated operation to target illegal cigarettes and vapes being sold in the city.

    Three more shops in Stoke-on-Trent have been forced to close after a Trading Standards operation uncovered the sale of illegal cigarettes and vapes.

    The closures follow months of investigation, including test purchasing a co-ordinated operation to target illegal cigarettes and vapes being sold in the city.

    The city council has now used its powers to issue three premises with a 48-hour closure notice.

    Today (Thursday 6 February 2025), Newcastle Magistrates Court made a closure order for each of the premises extended these orders for three months.

    The council will now work with the landlords of the affected premises to ensure that only legitimate businesses operate from these locations.
     

    The shops subject to the closure orders are:

    • 365 Vape Shop, 127 Scotia Road, Stoke-on-Trent.
    • Empire Vapes, 242 Waterloo Road, Stoke-on-Trent
    • Meir Vapes, 45 Weston Road, Stoke-on-Trent

    Councillor Amjid Wazir OBE, cabinet member for city pride, enforcement and sustainability for Stoke-on-Trent City Council advised: “This is another great result by our Trading Standards team. These operations protect residents, support legitimate businesses, and uphold the law.

    “Businesses selling illegal goods will face serious consequences. I encourage any residents to report any suspicious activity related to illegal tobacco, vapes, or underage sales.

    “We want Stoke-on-Trent to be a safe, thriving place and we won’t hesitate to take action against those who undermine the hard work of residents and legitimate businesses.”

    The Trading Standards work forms part of the city council mission to be a cleaner, greener and safer city for all who live, work and visit Stoke-on-Trent. 
     

    Anyone who wants to report a similar issue to trading standards can call the Trading Standards Hotline 01782 238444 or visit stoke.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Keep your heart healthy this February with the blood pressure monitor 7 February 2025 Blood pressure monitor loan scheme

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    In September 2024 the Isle of Wight Council launched its blood pressure monitor loan scheme. High blood pressure puts extra strain on your heart, checking your blood pressure is a positive step you can take. Residents could visit one of the council libraries and borrow a blood pressure monitor for free.  

    The scheme has gone so well that the council is now also making this service available in East Cowes Library, in addition to six other libraries which are, 

    There have been nearly 80 loans to date, allowing people to help monitor their blood pressure in the comfort of their own home. Should individuals have any concerns they should consult/ access appropriate help and support from a medical professional.  

    Teams from within the libraries have given some great feedback on the scheme so far.  

    Staff at Ventnor Library said: “Our customers think the service is wonderful and they can’t believe that it’s free! When they need to monitor their blood pressure, they just go to the library and borrow one. No wait and no fuss.” 

    Ryde Library staff said “Customers are delighted by this new service available from the library. They’re really grateful to be able to borrow a blood pressure monitor for free. It’s so easy to use at their leisure in the comfort of their own homes.” 

    Councillor Debbie Andre, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health commented ‘’We’re really pleased with the response and use of the blood pressure monitor scheme so far. February is Heart Month, and we want to encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of this amazing offer.’’ 

    Simon Bryant, Director of Public Health for the Isle of Wight added ‘’we are really pleased at how well the blood pressure monitor loan scheme has been received by residents on the Island. We know that high blood pressure is a major cause of heart disease but often has no symptoms. Around 1 in 4 people will have high blood pressure without knowing it. Knowing your blood pressure means being able to make the lifestyle changes and or get the help needed to bring blood pressure down to a healthy level. 

    The free to loan monitors are available to Island residents over the age of 18 years old who hold a valid library membership. If you are not a member of your local library it takes just a few minutes on arrival, just bring along a photo ID.  

    Residents can also visit their local pharmacy and enquire about a free blood pressure check.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £5,000 of illegal vapes and tobacco seized

    Source: City of York

    Published Thursday, 6 February 2025

    Council and police officers visited a business in Clifton last week, where nearly £5,000 of noncompliant vapes and illicit tobacco was found and seized.

    The illegal items found and taken have an estimated retail value of £4,941.25:

    • 177 noncompliant vapes with a retail value of £2,124
    • 2,250 counterfeit and illicit cigarettes valued at £731
    • 1,450g of counterfeit and illicit hand rolling tobacco valued at £2,086.

    These products will be investigated, and appropriate legal action taken. The officers had the help of a sniffer dog, a spaniel called Mostyn.

    Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member with portfolio for Trading Standards at City of York Council, said:

    Tobacco kills hundreds of people in York every year, and the illicit market in tobacco and vapes makes harmful products cheaper and more easily available, especially to those below the legal age limit.

    “Illicit vapes are becoming much more prevalent and are partly responsible for the rise in young people vaping – our public health advice is that while we support e-cigarettes as effective quit aids for adults to stop smoking, people who don’t smoke shouldn’t vape.

    “This is why it is so important that you report concerns. Information from members of the public, investigation, and action by Council and police officers is essential to protect public health and enforce proper regulations.”

    Sergeant Stuart Henderson of North Yorkshire Police, said:

    This is the result of joint working with our Trading Standards colleagues at City of York Council. It is the second successful operation that we have conducted with Trading Standards in Clifton as part of our Clear, Hold Build initiative.

    “The work shows we will work with all our law enforcement partners to disrupt and deter criminality and to make Clifton and the City of York no place for criminals.”

    How to spot an illegal vape

    Check the packaging for the following tell-tale signs that a disposable vape may be illegal:

    • the health warning should have these exact words: ‘This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance’ and should cover 1/3rd of the front and rear of the packaging
    • a ‘puff count’ of over 600 – illegal vapes may have higher puff counts
    • a pod or refill should be no larger than 10ml
    • a tank should have no more than 2ml or multiple 2ml ‘pods’
    • a nicotine content above 2% (20mg or 20ml)
    • no UK address for an importer/manufacturer.

    Anyone concerned about unregulated vapes or tobacco being sold can:

    • contact City of York Council’s Trading Standards team on telephone: 08082 231133 or email: public.protection@york.gov.uk
    • call North Yorkshire Police on telephone: 101 and pass information to the Force Control Room
    • if you prefer to remain anonymous, pass information to Crimestoppers on telephone: 0800 555 111

    Find support to stop smoking online or email: cychealthtrainers@york.gov.uk for an appointment.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Phenomenal figures released for York’s Park & Ride

    Source: City of York

    Figures released today show that 2024 was the busiest year for York’s Park & Ride since 2017, with the total number of journeys exceeding 4.5 million, almost one million higher than in 2023.

    December saw the most trips for a decade, recording nearly 500,000 journeys, a 3.5% increase on the previous highest monthly total set in December 2016.

    City of York Council estimates that people boarding at the Park & Ride sites in December resulted in over 61,700 cars not travelling into central York – equivalent to a line of traffic that would be long enough to reach central London.

    In December, First Bus sold 148,310 tickets at the Park & Ride sites alone (the remaining journeys being people who joined the bus along the route or were returning from the city centre). Industry standard definition of occupancy per car for a leisure trip is 2.4 people. This gives us a total of 61,700 cars that didn’t come into the city centre over Christmas. Google Maps shows that the road route from York Minster to Westminster Abbey is 210 miles. If we say a car takes up 6 metres of space on the road, 61,700 times 6 metres is 230 miles. Therefore, 61,700 cars would stretch all the way to central London.

    York’s Enhanced Bus Partnership, which oversees £17.2 million of government funding for the Bus Service Improvement Plan, ran a marketing campaign to promote the Park & Ride as well as direct bus services for six weeks before Christmas. Working with Make It York and all bus operators, the social media posts and adverts reached over 2.2 million people in a campaign targeting towns and cities where previous research has shown Christmas Market visitors come from.

    Councillor Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Economy and Transport at City of York Council, said:

    Just shy of half a million journeys in one month is an incredible milestone to reach, so thank you to all the residents and visitors for using the Park & Ride, and thank you to First Bus for increasing the number of buses available during this incredibly busy period.

    First Bus invested in more services on the network in November and December, increasing frequency on several routes to support the York local and visitor economy in anticipation of customer demand. First Bus replicates this investment during other busy periods to keep York visitors and commuters moving sustainably throughout the year.

    Cllr Ravilious continued:

    The numbers are phenomenal but we do also need to recognise that York still experienced congested streets in the run up to Christmas, so while we are delighted, we continue our work throughout the year to support and promote the city’s bus services as well as other sustainable forms of transport.

    “Our young people’s ticketing and marketing campaigns, which and are funded by central government, have over the last 12 months helped make bus use more attractive and given more people more options, and we will soon be consulting on improvements to the Park & Ride sites.”

    Kayleigh Ingham, Commercial Director of First Bus North & West Yorkshire, said:

    The superb performance throughout 2024 is a tribute to the commitment and high standards of service delivered by the First Bus team.

    “We’ve demonstrated that bus is an easy and sustainable way to travel into York. We’re attracting more customers due to good value fares, zero-emission buses, and our service, which is delivered with a smile. The benefits this brings, with cleaner air and quieter city centre roads, contributes to York’s environmental targets.”

    Sarah Loftus, Managing Director of Make It York, said:

    It is wonderful to see the great results for bus travel for the year and 500,000 journeys during the Christmas period is fantastic.

    “We are very fortunate to have a bus service within the city that supports both demand and sustainability. Collaboration between all parties on communicating key messages was key and we look forward to working with and supporting the transport sector throughout 2025.”

    These Park & Ride figures follow the Department for Transport’s own statistics released late in 2024 which show that York’s bus services as a whole (including all local services and the Park & Ride) are once again in the top ten of all local authorities for the number of bus trips per resident. An average of 70.6 journeys per head of population in 2023 and 2024 ranks York the best in Yorkshire and nationally sits 9th out of 90 English local authority areas.

    The data also showed that York’s bus trips are up 35% from 2021 and 2022, almost quadrupled from 2020 and 2021 and now back within 3% of the level they were in 2019 and 2020 (the year before COVID-19). This is one of the best post-pandemic recovery rates in the country.

    In addition to December’s figures, November 2024 was the busiest November ever recorded, with 10% more passengers than the previous record set in 2016.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council Takes a Significant Step in its Commitment to Anti-Racism

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Liverpool City Council is pleased to announce a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to addressing racial inequality by appointing a leading diversity and inclusion organisation, Inclusivitii, to support the development of a bold, anti-racism strategy for the city and council.

    This marks a pivotal moment in the Council’s efforts to foster a more inclusive, fair, and united Liverpool.

    Racism remains a deep-rooted issue in the city, impacting areas such as health, education, and employment. Despite Liverpool’s rich and diverse history, many individuals still face barriers.

    The Council, alongside its partners, is dedicated to tackling these challenges through meaningful action, ensuring that residents, service users and employees, regardless of background, have the opportunity to thrive.

    The strategy is set for launch in September 2025. In the months ahead, there will be public consultations offering residents, community groups, businesses, and employees the opportunity to actively contribute to shaping the approach.

    Throughout this process, the Council’s Safer and Stronger Communities Team will continue to support and empower communities, embedding anti-racism principles across the city.

    In addition to shaping the city-wide strategy, Inclusivitii will also collaborate with Liverpool City Council to help the organisation become an actively anti-racist organisation.

    This work will include reviewing internal policies, practices, and structures to ensure fairness, inclusion, and racial equity in decision-making at all levels.

    By nurturing an inclusive culture within its own organisation, the Council aims to set a powerful example and drive transformation across the city.

    Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:

    “We are delighted to appoint Inclusivitii to work with us on our transformative anti-racism strategy for the city. Their expertise is essential in helping us create a more inclusive city.

    “I would also like to thank everyone who has supported this process, including Alison Navarro, Programme Director of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Race Equality Hub, and Moni Akinsanya, Associate Director for Diversity and Inclusion at Liverpool John Moores University. Their invaluable guidance, along with input from various community organisations, has been crucial throughout the procurement process.

    “Being anti-racist isn’t just about recognising inequality and inequity, it’s about actively challenging and eradicating it. Liverpool City Council is committed to driving this change with urgency, transparency, and accountability.

    “To make this strategy truly impactful, the voices of Liverpool’s communities must be at the heart of the work. I encourage all residents, community groups, businesses and employees to engage and contribute.”

    Andrew Lewis, Chief Executive of Liverpool City Council, said:

    “This appointment highlights the Council’s commitment to addressing racial inequality and bringing about lasting change, both across the city and within our own organisation.

    “As we work toward creating an anti-racist Liverpool, the Council is committed to leading by example. We will continuously examine our internal structures to ensure fairness, inclusion, and racial equity are embedded in every aspect of decision-making.

    “By listening to and learning from those who experience racism first-hand, we aim to create a strategy that not only highlights the challenges but also provides real, sustainable solutions for long-term change.”

    Aduke Onafowokan from Inclusivitii said:

    “Every once in a while, an opportunity arises to make a meaningful impact, one that honours the incredible work already done while unlocking new possibilities for progress. For us, this is such an opportunity to serve communities and individuals.

    “We recognise that being anti-racist requires a lasting shift in how we think, behave, and perceive the world around us. It is, therefore, a profound honour to support Liverpool City Council, building on the inspiring work already undertaken by the organisation, to co-produce a strategy that truly reflects the voices, lived experiences, and aspirations of its communities.

    “This will move us forward towards a future where racial equity and equality are not just ambitions but a lived reality. Thank you again for this incredible opportunity.”

    More information about Inclusivitii can be found at https://www.inclusivitii.com.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Homegrown hit comedy returns

    Source: City of Liverpool

    One of ITVX’s most successful-ever comedies is set to return to the small screen tonight, thanks to Liverpool Film Office.  

    G’wed will be back for a second series at 10.05pm Thursday 6 February and is the tenth project to receive investment from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s LCR Production Fund which is facilitated by Liverpool City Council’s Film Office.

    The first season aired in 2024 and has been streamed over six million times.

    Written by Liverpool’s Danny Kenny and produced by Golden Path Productions, filming for the second series took place in Wirral and Liverpool for five weeks last summer. As part of the production fund agreement, it supported six trainees from the Film Office’s skills initiative Action!, which saw the industry-newcomers hone skills as assistant directors, and take up roles in costume, props, locations, make-up and sound departments.

    The £3 million, LCR Production Fund is was launched by Mayor Steve Rotheram in 2019, and has to date invested in 10 high-end TV dramas including This City Is Ours, the Time series 1 and 2 – the first of which won a BAFTA – and Emmy Award-winning The Responder.

    The Action! initiative has been made possible through £2.3m of BFI National Lottery funding which was awarded to Screen Alliance North, a new skills cluster partnership delivered by Liverpool Film Office, North East Screen, Screen Manchester and Screen Yorkshire.

    The partnership aims to make the screen sector more accessible and to help build a thriving and skilled workforce across the North of England.

    For more information head to the Liverpool Film Office website.

    Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:

    “When I launched the LCR Production Fund, I wanted to help establish the Liverpool City Region as the ‘Hollywood of the North.’ We’ve already begun to see that pay off, supporting a number of award-winning productions.

    “This investment isn’t just about making great TV—though G’wed has clearly been a hit – it’s about creating opportunities for local people, supporting our economy, and showing the world what our region can do. I’m really proud to see how our funding is helping to nurture the next generation of talent and put our region at the heart of the UK’s creative industry.”

    Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:

    “This investment has helped provide opportunities for local crew and trainees – some of who were given the first step on their film and TV career ladder.

    “The fund has helped bring so much to our region, from the economy to providing opportunities for local people to flourish in a career they could have only dreamt of.

    “It is fantastic what has been achieved here and hope that the impact of the fund continues for many years to come.”

    Action! trainee and Chargehand props on G’wed 2, Ciaran Dow Jones said: “During my placement, I worked in dressing props, which gave me great hands-on experience in creating sets and managing prop storage.

    “Everyone had a real laugh on set and there was great teamwork amongst the cast and crew. The best part was the fun atmosphere – every day on set was exciting.

    “Moving forward, I want to keep developing my skills in the art department while also exploring other roles in film and TV, with the goal of becoming a director one day.”

    Head of Liverpool Film Office, Lynn Saunders said:

    “We’re proud to have invested in the second series of G’wed and I know that it will build on the success of the first which was a hit for audiences.

    “Having filmed in Wirral and Liverpool, and being solely based in Wirral, we are proud to have worked closely with Wirral Council colleagues to make this series possible. “We’re looking forward to tuning in on Thursday along with thousands of others.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Hop inside Miffy’s world as museum celebrates iconic character’s birthday

    Source: City of Leeds

    One of the world’s most beloved bunnies has hopped into Leeds City Museum this week, inviting visitors to celebrate a very special birthday.

    From Friday (Feb 7) museum-goers can step inside the world of international phenomenon Miffy, the adorable rabbit created by Dutch artist and illustrator Dick Bruna, as the iconic character marks her 70th anniversary with a new exhibition.

    The exhibition features a collection of screen prints, films, pencil drawings, paintings, original book designs and Miffy merchandise from across the world alongside stop motion models from the TV series Miffy and Friends.

    The interactive exhibition, which is free to visit, will bring Miffy to life through giant versions of some of the illustrated icon’s most popular books, inviting visitors to enter Miffy’s world, play hide and seek among the trees and use their imaginations to create their own stories using puppets, drawings and colour.

    A collaboration with Mercis, the global brand owner of Miffy, the concept for the exhibition began in 2022 when Leeds Museums and Galleries won a prestigious European award for its learning programmes.

    The trophy awarded to the service was a bronze sculpture of Miffy created by Dick Bruna’s youngest son, Marc Bruna.

    Matt Storey, Leeds City Museum’s principal keeper, said: “It’s a real joy to welcome such a world-famous character to Leeds and for the museum to be playing an important part in celebrating 70 years of both Miffy and Dick Bruna’s unique art, life and legacy.

    “As well as marking a huge milestone for Miffy, the exhibition is a great chance for families to come together at the museum and step into a world of play and imagination which they can explore and be inspired by.”

    Originally created on June 21, 1955, Bruna first drew Miffy to entertain his young son whilst on a rainy seaside holiday in Holland, telling him stories about a rabbit which ran around the garden of their holiday home.

    The acclaimed series of picture books which followed used simple illustrations and rhyming text to explore universal childhood themes, with Miffy becoming globally synonymous with friendship, innocence, fun and design.

    Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “This exhibition is a fantastic opportunity for different generations to come together at the museum and celebrate a character who has been a part of so many childhoods all across the world.

    “Leeds City Museum is the ideal place for such a family-friendly exhibition and we’re really looking forward to welcoming families in the coming months.”

    The Leeds City Museum exhibition will run from February 7 until September 7, 2025, and is free to visit.

    A programme of Miffy themed events and activities will take place throughout February half term and the museum will be celebrating Miffy’s official birthday in June.

    After Leeds, the exhibition will move to Time and Tide Museum of Great Yarmouth Life.

    For more details, please visit: Miffy’s 70th Birthday | Leeds Museums and Galleries | Days out and exhibitions

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Report highlights work in Leeds to meet increasing demand for foster carers

    Source: City of Leeds

    A new report has highlighted the extensive work in Leeds to recruit and support foster carers as the city strives to meet an ever-increasing demand for placements to help change the lives of looked after children.

    The annual fostering report, to be discussed by senior councillors at next Wednesday’s executive board meeting (February 12), gives an update of the innovative work and progress of services that support the city’s foster and kinship carers.

    Leeds City Council’s fostering service, Foster 4 Leeds, plays a crucial role in supporting over 400 fostering placements and 350 children living with kinship or connected carers across Leeds.

    However, as is the case nationally, the need for more foster carers is continuing to rise and recruitment is a significant priority in Leeds.

    This year, breakthrough work and plans have included:

    • Successfully recruiting 113 new carers, including 88 new kinship carers, allowing children to remain within their family – a key aim in Leeds wherever possible.
    • A wide-reaching recruitment campaign has also seen expressions of interest significantly increase – with an average of 45 per month from September 2024 onwards. 
    • Recruitment of two new full-time roles to bolster engagement and partnership work to support recruitment and retention of carers.
    • Plans to engage wider communities and recruit carers from ethnically diverse backgrounds, working in conjunction with Child Friendly Leeds in holding ambassadors events to break down barriers and raise awareness of the opportunities.
    • The launch of a new dedicated Foster 4 Leeds website, showcasing benefits and detailed information on the different types of fostering available.
    • A new ‘reunification’ service – which aims to reunite children with their birth families, while supported by foster carers – is now up and running and is supporting children to be safely returned home.
    • A full programme of enrichment activities and family fun days for foster families running throughout the year, particularly enhanced during school holidays when two to three activities are held each week. More opportunities will also soon be on the way, after the service held a network event with over 70 local and national companies and organisations offering their support to further boost benefits for foster carers and their families in Leeds.

    Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children and families, said: “Children do their best living in families and these proposals go a long way to enhance the health and wellbeing of our looked after children and ensure they grow and thrive in family environments.

    “We are utterly committed to supporting all carers in this vital role and enabling fostering to be a rewarding experience, giving a real purpose to truly help change lives.

    “I would encourage anyone interested to please take a look at our new website and consider joining our incredible legion of foster and kinship carers who provide that crucial consistency in care for our city’s vulnerable children.

    “Being able to place children within Leeds has many benefits – not least enabling young people to retain strong relationships with their birth family, continue at school and access all the benefits of living within our child friendly city.”

    To view the annual fostering report being considered by the executive board visit Council and democracy (agenda item 10).

    For more information on fostering in Leeds, please visit: Foster 4 Leeds | Foster 4 Leeds.

    ENDS

    For media enquiries please contact:

    Leeds City Council communications and marketing,

    Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk

    Tel: 0113 378 6007

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft Celebrates Russian Science Day with New Achievements

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    In 2024, Rosneft received more than 70 patents for innovative inventions. Thus, today the portfolio of the technological leader in the oil and gas industry includes more than 1,100 objects of intellectual activity that have undergone state registration.

    Rosneft is the first oil company in the country that successfully creates software that covers all key processes of oil and gas production. Last year, specialists from the Ufa Scientific Institute presented an updated simulator RN-SIMTEP, the economic effect of which will exceed 1 billion rubles by 2030. The software package is designed to simulate the processes of preparation, transportation and primary processing of hydrocarbon raw materials.

    The Company’s specialists have also developed the RN-AKZT expert system, which allows selecting steel for pipe products and methods of their anti-corrosion protection depending on operating conditions. The innovative product includes an artificial intelligence model that is trained on real data and is capable of predicting the intensity of metal corrosion. The software operates autonomously and does not depend on external sources of information. Its use in production processes will significantly increase the reliability of pipelines.

    Another new software is a mobile application for mine surveyors, developed by Tomsk scientists of Rosneft. The service allows for prompt access to field maps in the field, updating information on existing infrastructure, and adding new objects to the map.

    Rosneft is betting on digitalization in all areas of activity. The emphasis on the implementation of digital technologies increases transparency, controllability and speed of decision-making throughout the production chain.

    In 2024, at the Barsukovskoye field of RN-Purneftegaz (part of Rosneft), the Company’s scientists created a “digital twin” of a preliminary gas treatment unit. This is one of the largest interactive objects designed in Russia – its area is 270 thousand square meters, which is comparable to the size of a populated area.

    Rosneft is one of the leaders in the development of 3D design. Hundreds of objects have been designed in the Company using information modeling technologies. Last year, the Ufa scientific institute presented an updated unified catalog of 3D products, the digital database of which currently contains 277 thousand three-dimensional products: from complex equipment to the simplest parts. Rosneft design institutes use the catalog when developing structures, plant sites, pipelines and other industrial facilities. Ready-made solutions significantly reduce time and increase design efficiency. The institute’s specialists regularly update the catalog taking into account changes in industry documents.

    In 2024, the Company updated its fleet of diagnostic robotic complexes. Specialists from the Volgograd Scientific Institute created two new devices for diagnosing petrochemical facilities, such as high-temperature furnaces and propane dehydrogenation reactors. The robots transmit measurement results in real time and generate a report on the study conducted. Due to the reduction in the time of shutdown repairs, the economic effect at the plant with robotic diagnostics reaches 280 million rubles per year.

    Also, as part of the consistent robotization of production processes, Rosneft has equipped all echelon-type drilling rigs at the Verkhnechonskoye and Severo-Danilovskoye oil and gas condensate fields with robotic equipment for connecting drill pipes. The economic effect of using the new domestically produced development is 1.5 million rubles for each well.

    In 2024, the Tomsk Scientific Institute opened a new, second core storage facility, which will increase the total volume of core stored in the Company’s institutes by 25%, providing the corporate research and design unit with reserve space for at least 10 years.

    In addition, the institute’s specialists have put into operation an innovative mesotomograph – a device for studying a full-size core using X-ray tomography. Improved characteristics will help to select tools for searching and developing new deposits and increasing production at the Company’s existing assets more quickly and efficiently.

    Rosneft is actively developing technologies for developing complex reserves. At the Priobskoye field of the key production asset RN-Yuganskneftegaz, specialists from the scientific block have successfully implemented their own data processing technology, which determines oil-saturated zones for drilling with high accuracy. The innovation will allow for an additional extraction of more than 100 million tons of oil at the field.

    Rosneft is one of the largest petrochemical producers in Russia. In 2024, experts from a scientific institute in Novokuibyshevsk developed and patented a modified bitumen that can withstand increased transport loads. The new product is used in road surfaces and has an increased operating temperature range from plus 40°C to minus 50°C. The new bitumen can also withstand increased transport loads.

    The Company’s innovative development program is aimed at replacing imported technologies in the production of high-quality petroleum products. One of the main objectives of the program is the transition of Rosneft’s oil refineries to the use of highly efficient catalysts of their own production, which allows avoiding the risks of dependence on supplies of foreign products.

    Rosneft has been implementing a large-scale program for the comprehensive study and environmental monitoring of the Arctic since 2012. Together with the country’s leading specialized institutes, the Company’s scientific unit organizes hydrometeorological, geological, and biological research that is unprecedented in its geographical coverage.

    In 2024, the Company conducted its 50th anniversary research expedition to clarify the ice conditions of the Yenisei Gulf. During the work, a wide range of regular studies was carried out, covering all stages of ice cover development and destruction. The data obtained will form the basis for planning and organizing a system for safe and efficient transportation of hydrocarbons in the waters of Sever Bay and the northern part of the Yenisei Gulf.

    Also last year, Rosneft summed up the results of the first field season of the corporate biodiversity conservation program Tamura, the purpose of which is to obtain information on the state of key animal species in the Arctic region. The data obtained on the population of polar bears, wild reindeer and rare bird species will allow scientists to draw conclusions about the state of ecosystems and develop measures to preserve biodiversity.

    To update the geological model and resource potential of the Company in the East Siberian Sea, two shallow wells were drilled, from which 204 m of core were collected.

    Rosneft has unique capabilities both in developing its own technologies and in implementing them. By increasing the technological efficiency of production and actively improving its own intellectual competencies, the Company sees its goal as the development of Russian technological sovereignty across all production chains.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft February 7, 2025

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –