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Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI USA: AUKUS Partners Complete Successful Tests of Autonomous and Networked Systems in Maritime Experimentation

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    In a significant development for maritime security, the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom (AUKUS) have completed successful tests of several autonomous and networked systems during a three-week maritime experimentation called Autonomous Warrior 24 in Australia. The event was part of the Maritime Big Play (MBP) initiative and ongoing efforts to develop AUKUS Pillar II capabilities, a trilateral collaboration to improve maritime awareness through networked autonomy, decision advantage, and enhanced strike.

    The Maritime Big Play is a series of integrated trilateral experiments and exercises that are enhancing capability development, improving interoperability, and increasing the sophistication and scale of autonomous systems in the maritime domain. Australia led the Autonomous Warrior event, the signature MBP event in 2024. Other events associated with Maritime Big Play included the Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping Augmented by Maritime Unmanned Systems (REPMUS); and Technology Readiness Experimentation (T-REX).

    Through these experiments and exercises, AUKUS partners are further testing and refining the ability to jointly operate uncrewed maritime systems, share and process maritime data from all three nations, and provide real-time maritime domain awareness to support decision-making.

    “Autonomous Warrior/Maritime Big Play creates a unique opportunity for our three countries to work together, which will ultimately improve operational efficiency and allow us to work more cohesively against common threats,” said Heidi Shyu, Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. “This collaborative approach enables us to reduce acquisition, maintenance, and training cost by creating economies of scale.”

    The technologies tested during the October event support operations from deep under water to the edge of space. This included software-defined acoustic modems, multi-model autonomous underwater and surface vessels, and low-cost attritable unmanned surface vehicles. The tests also featured a low-cost gondola, which supports operations in the upper stratosphere with minimum manpower or logistics requirements, and T-200 high-altitude balloons, which provide resilient communications in denied environments from the stratosphere.

    A versatile and robust software-defined network architecture called Multi-Domain Uncrewed Secure Integrated Communications (MUSIC) was tested for its ability to enable seamless communication and coordination across diverse unmanned systems and operational environments. The Common Control System (CCS) was also featured in the exercise, built on an open architecture to provide uncrewed vehicles hardware and software that works across several different systems. This effort supports future work to create an AUKUS-wide Common Control System, fusing best elements of the three countries’ existing systems.

    “AUKUS partners have long histories of working together on defense and security issues, and have deep, enduring partnerships based on shared values, said Shyu. “By investing in novel and innovative capabilities directly aligned to AUKUS mission priorities, as well as making future advancements in emerging technologies like AI and Quantum, we support a more stable region — one where all nations are empowered to make their own sovereign decisions free from coercion — a world that centers on hope for the opportunity and prosperity of the future.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Calling Businesses in the Retail and Hospitality Sectors – Register NOW for the €4,000 Power Up grant

    Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation

    24th October 2024

    Businesses will receive an email from their Local Authorities with details on how to register

    Today the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke TD, has announced the opening of the Power Up grant, through an online portal accessible via the Department’s website: enterprise.gov.ie/powerup

    Speaking about the Power Up grant, Minister Peter Burke said:

    “I am very aware of the struggles that businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors continue to face.  The Power Up grant has a budget of €170 million and is available to businesses that received a second payment under the Increased Cost of Business Scheme.  We know that input costs have increased, and this flat payment will go some way to help with rising costs associated with running your businesses during the busy Christmas period.

    “Registrations for the Power Up grant are open from today.  In order to get payments out to our shops, to our small restaurants, to our cafes and to our pubs before the end of the year, I am strongly urging businesses to register without delay.  Local Authorities are emailing businesses that qualify with details on how to register as we speak, so all business owners need to check their emails and find their link.

    “I want to thank the Local Authorities for their tremendous work in administering these grants on behalf of my Department. They are the closest arm of the state to many of our businesses and have direct links in to businesses at a local level.”

    Retail and Hospitality businesses who received the second ICOB payment can register for the €4,000 one-off Power Up grant, once they receive their email from their Local Authority.  This grant will be similar to the ICOB scheme and registration has been specifically designed to be quick and easy.  The Local Authority network is administering this scheme on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

    Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital Transformation and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary TD said:

    “The Power Up grant is paid directly into a business’s bank account, a direct injection of cashflow, which we know is imperative for our small family-run businesses.  They are a crucial part of our towns and our villages around Ireland and I urge eligible businesses to register and avail of this grant.” 

    “The Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) Scheme has successfully paid out over €244m to 75,000 SMEs, including two payments to over 38,000 SMEs in the retail and hospitality sector.”

    Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Emer Higgins TD stated:

    “The Government has allocated €170 million in cash supports specifically for the retail and hospitality sectors as part of the budget process.  This Department has already paid out over €244 million through the Increased Cost of Business Grant this summer to SMEs, so this further grant will bring Government’s direct support into small businesses this year to almost a half a billion euro.”

    The deadline for registrations is 8 November 2024.

    ENDS

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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Lord Butler of Brockwell: Lord Speaker’s Corner | House of Lords | Episode 22

    Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)

    ‘I’d heard bombs before, so I knew it was a bomb.’

    Forty years ago this month, Robin Butler – Principle Private Secretary to Margaret Thatcher – was in the room with the prime minister when the Brighton bomb exploded nearby in their hotel.

    ‘This is our opportunity to show that terrorism can’t defeat democracy’

    Now Lord Butler of Brockwell tells the Lord Speaker about his experience, from their initial reaction to the blast, to going back to retrieve the prime minister’s papers, and shares Margaret Thatcher’s response to his suggestion she postpone the start of the Conservative Party Conference the next morning.

    ‘I devoted my life to assisting politicians with government.’

    Lord Butler worked closely with five prime ministers, from Edward Heath to Tony Blair. In this episode he shares his experience of working with each of them either as private secretary or cabinet secretary. He speaks about later work of prime ministers on Northern Ireland, negotiations with Europe, why he joined the civil service and the growing role of special advisers. He also shares his thoughts on reforming the Civil Service, arguing that ‘you’ve got to reform it constantly… But you’ve got to lead the Civil Service in my view, and not drive them’

    See more from the series https://www.parliament.uk/business/lords/house-of-lords-podcast/

    #HouseOfLords #UKParliament #LordSpeakersCorner #LordsMembers

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIws-4TrWLE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Strengthening Defence Through Wargaming

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    In recent years, there has been a resurgence in using wargaming to support decision making across the MOD and, to some extent, wider government.

    MOD Crown Copyright

    In response, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) established the Defence Wargaming Centre (DWC) at Portsdown West (PDW), significantly increasing its analytical wargaming capability and capacity. In concert with this, Strategic Command further enhanced MOD wargaming capability and capacity, a central part was the establishment of the Defence Experimentation and Wargaming Hub (DEWH) at MOD Southwick Park (SWP).

    The two organisations already work closely together and, this October, they formalised their relationship with the signing of a partnership charter. The charter sets out principles to ensure that the two centres operate coherently, consistently and efficiently in pursuit of a common set of goals.

    Against the backdrop of Southwick Park’s historic D-Day Map room, Rear Admiral Andrew Betton, Director Integrated Warfare Centre, Strategic Command completed the signing of the partnership principles already signed by Dr Tim Sheldon, Dstl Chief Delivery Officer (represented in the Map Room by Linda Knutsen, Dstl Head of Exploration).

    Rear Admiral Andrew Betton, Director Integrated Warfare Centre (Dir IWC), Strategic Command said: 

    In the spirit of ‘One Defence’, we are building a sustainable and effective Defence-wide wargaming enterprise that fosters innovation and supports the development of UK wargaming capability.

    Dir IWC, expands with: 

    This partnership between the Defence Wargaming Centre and the Defence Experimentation and Wargaming Hub has laid the critical foundation for a coherent, consistent, and efficient wargaming operation in support of MOD goals.

    This partnership is critical to the MOD’s goal of enhancing its overall wargaming capability and capacity across UK Defence. Together Strategic Command and Dstl are leading innovative ways to integrate wargaming as a key tool for decision support, experimentation, training and education, and strategic foresight.

    This collaboration sets out the shared vision of creating a unified, MOD-wide wargaming enterprise focused on delivering an efficient, effective, and sustainable wargaming structure across the MOD. Establishing a co-leadership model that ensures decisions impacting both the DEWH and DWC are made together, priorities are aligned, and demand for wargaming services are managed effectively.

    MOD Crown Copyright

    Linda Knutsen, Head of Exploration, Dstl said:

    Defence must be agile to respond to the pace of technological change and ever evolving threats.  Through wargaming, we help Defence leaders understand opportunities, threats and priorities – helping the UK and our allies maintain operational advantage.

    Rear Admiral Betton also recognised the efforts the wider team have played in the success of the wargaming partnership, stating that: 

    On behalf of Strategic Command, I would especially like to thank everyone who has been involved in this progressive journey of developing the Defence Experimentation and Wargaming Hub at Southwick Park and fostering the strong partnership with Dstl’s Defence Wargaming Centre.   Especially, the sterling efforts by Mike Larner, Head of the Defence Wargaming Centre for his nurturing leadership in facilitating this partnership.

    Mike Larner, Dstl’s Head of Defence Wargaming Centre said:

    This partnership is an exciting new chapter in the development of MOD’s wargaming capability. Bringing together the energy, expertise, facilities and networks of the DWC and DEWH will significantly enhance the already world-class UK wargaming capability.

    Captain Eugene Morgan (RN), Assistant Head Wargaming, Strategic Command said:

    “Wargaming provides a strong opportunity for collaboration across industries, government, and allies. It drives innovation and helps to build a stronger, more resilient defence capability benefiting both the MOD and the broader security community. This partnership between the Defence Wargaming Hub and Dstl will strengthen MOD’s capability and deepen the capacity to deliver robust evidence-based solutions.”

    MOD Crown Copyright

    The partnership between Strategic Command and Dstl represents a powerful commitment to strengthening the MOD’s wargaming capabilities. By working together, these two organisations ensure that wargaming becomes a core component of UK Defence strategy, helping shape preparedness and strategic foresight, ensuring resilience and readiness in an ever-changing global defence landscape.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Gorton Park mural revealed to remember historical roots

    Source: City of Manchester

    A vibrant new mural has been revealed in Gorton Park to remember the history of the area and celebrate its local people.

    The artwork follows several murals already hand-painted around Manchester including Levenshulme and the Gorton and Abbey Hey areas as part of a wider project to commemorate the community and encourage engagement with art and nature.

    The mural, designed and created by Richard Preston, ​​reflects the rich history of Belle Vue and Gorton as well as the local environment and wildlife of the surrounding Gorton Park.

    The Manchester artist, also known as Hearts Mural, has described his art as paying homage to the locomotive industry featuring the Gorton Tank, wildlife at the former Belle Vue Zoological Gardens and the area’s first Monastery built in 1872.

    The street art is displayed at Hideout Youth Zone, opposite Gorton Park, who have supported the project by involving the young people at their youth centre. 

    The excited youngsters joined in with a collaborative paint pen workshop and learned essential spray can techniques to help with the finishing touches to the mural. 

    Members of Gorton’s local community were present to see the mural officially revealed including those whose family worked on the steam engines and a racer from the Speedway races. 

    Other supportive partners and sponsors have been Brewers Stockport Decorators, Rosgal, Belle Vue Aces and Gorton Monastery.

    By going to see the artworks, residents and visitors alike are able to explore and learn more about the areas, helping to foster a greater sense of appreciation for the beauty and variety of their local area.

    Lee-Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods, said: “I am thrilled to be supporting the introduction of this new mural in Gorton Park to recognise and remember the terrific contributions of its community.

    “This mural follows on from several which have been hand-painted as part of bringing vibrancy to our green spaces, learning history and harnessing a thriving community spirit.

    “I want to say a huge thank you to our brilliant partners and the young people involved who helped make this latest art installation possible which will serve as a reminder and mark the trailblazers in their community for years to come.”

    Richard Preston, a local artist, said: “It was great to be a part of this project. I got to paint the history of the area on the best community centre, in a beautiful park and it was great to see the locals enjoying it coming together.

    “It’s great to work with the young people on this; it’s very important to me to show them that choosing art as a career is possible. They did a great job and hopefully I’ll return to teach them more.

    “Art is important for mental health and inspiring people. We all use art for different reasons. I use it because I think it’s important to make people smile.”

    Corey, a young member who supported the project, said: “It was really cool getting to help spray paint the wall design. I got to learn different tricks and techniques like how to round off and complete certain areas and create bold outlines to make things stand out even more. It was a fun challenge, and I really enjoyed it.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Joly to participate in ministerial conference on Lebanon in Paris, France

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    The conference will focus on three objectives: reaffirming the need for a diplomatic solution to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in accordance with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, mobilizing the international community to address the urgent needs for protection and emergency relief for the Lebanese people and exploring strategies to enhance support for Lebanon’s institutions, including the Lebanese Armed Forces, which play a crucial role in ensuring the country’s internal stability.

    October 24, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that she will participate at the International Conference in Support of Lebanon’s People and Sovereignty, taking place in Paris, France today.

    The conference will focus on three objectives: reaffirming the need for a diplomatic solution to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in accordance with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, mobilizing the international community to address the urgent needs for protection and emergency relief for the Lebanese people and exploring strategies to enhance support for Lebanon’s institutions, including the Lebanese Armed Forces, which play a crucial role in ensuring the country’s internal stability.

    Minister Joly will engage with her counterparts to create space for a diplomatic solution along the Blue Line and help shore up humanitarian assistance to support the needs of the Lebanese people.

    “I look forward to engaging with my counterparts and other senior officials in Paris as we work toward securing an immediate ceasefire. Canada continues to be steadfast in our commitment to peace and the de-escalation of tensions. Families in Southern Lebanon and Northern Israel must be able to safely return to their homes.”

    – Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Inspection report published: An inspection of contingency asylum accommodation (November 2023 – June 2024)

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    This inspection examined the Home Office’s use of contingency asylum accommodation for asylum seekers.

    This inspection examined the Home Office’s strategies for dealing with an increasing demand for contingency asylum accommodation while needing to reduce the associated costs, in particular the costs of using hotels to accommodate those seeking asylum. In addition, it explored the Home Office’s processes and practices for assuring the performance of the private companies contracted to provide asylum accommodation, and the delivery of support and services to the “service users”.   

    The inspection was initiated by my predecessor, David Neal, and the bulk of the evidence was gathered between November 2023 and January 2024. However, it was not possible to complete the inspection in the usual manner as there was no Independent Chief Inspector in post from 21 February to 3 June 2024.

    In June 2024, I asked the Home Office for some additional information and updated evidence. I also visited the Bibby Stockholm, Wethersfield and Napier Barracks to see the accommodation at first-hand and to talk to those working and accommodated at those sites.

    My report identifies improvements I believe the Home Office can and should make, including in relation to strategies and plans, stakeholder engagement, governance, contract compliance and assurance checks, record-keeping and data quality, the provision of purposeful activities, safeguarding vulnerable people, organisational learning, and communication.

    In most cases, the underlying issues, such as poor or non-existent data, are not unique to contingency asylum accommodation and have featured in many previous inspection reports. In the case of assurance checks, previous recommendations have not been implemented. Aside from not holding the accommodation providers effectively to account, this means that “service users” have widely differing experiences of contingency asylum accommodation.

    However, I would like to draw particular attention to one long-standing, systemic issue that this inspection has again exposed.

    Lack of meaningful engagement with stakeholders and poor communication (“one-way”, telling rather than listening) from the Home Office about policies, practices and plans has been a recurring theme of inspections over many years. It is clear that the Home Office still has a long way to go to build trust and confidence in its willingness to be open and honest about its intentions and performance and any reluctance to share information, whether real or perceived, will be seen as evidence that it is not. Timing is all-important, and while there are risks in engaging early, it must avoid any hint of “too little, too late”.   

    The need for effective engagement and communication also extends to the “service users”. Others have reported on the impact on the mental health and wellbeing of asylum seekers, and in particular those accommodated at Wethersfield and on the Bibby Stockholm, of not knowing what will happen to them. This was all too evident through this inspection.

    In 2021, I wrote to the Home Office recommending that it create the means to keep individuals who had claimed asylum informed about where their claim was in the process. This was what each of them wanted to know more than anything else, and it has become even more of an issue with the removal of the six-month Service Level Agreement (SLA) for asylum decisions, backlogs and lengthening decision times, and legislative changes.

    I accept that with the numbers now in the asylum system this is a difficult time to introduce a new service that provides updates on individual claims, for example through text messages, a ‘hotline’, or an indicator on GOV.UK of current average waiting times. However, it is something that the Home Office should be striving to do as soon as it is practicable. The reintroduction of an SLA would be a start.

    This report makes nine recommendations. I am pleased that these have all been accepted, either in full or in part, and that in the latter cases the department has provided a clear explanation of why it is not accepting the recommendation fully and what it is doing towards addressing the spirit of the recommendation if not the letter. This is a complex area with lots of moving parts, and the ICIBI will no doubt wish to return to it at some point to consider and report on the various initiatives identified in the government’s response.

    Concerns over delays in the publication of ICIBI reports are well-known. I am therefore particularly pleased that this report has been published promptly. It was sent to the Home Secretary on 3 September 2024, so publication today is within the agreed 8-week timeframe. I am hopeful that this will continue.

    David Bolt, Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration

    24 October 2024

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Innovation and quality propel global confidence in Chinese products

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    GUANGZHOU, Oct. 24 — After walking more than 10,000 steps through the exhibition halls of the 136th Canton Fair, officially known as the China Import and Export Fair, U.S. buyer Kristen Palacio sat comfortably in an armchair for a much-needed rest.

    The chair was so comfortable that she was reluctant to get up for another walk. Anji Longwin Furniture Co., Ltd showcased the armchairs. Yuan Fengyi, senior business manager at Longwin, noted that the American and European markets account for over 90 percent of the company’s sales.

    Having attended the Canton Fair for ten years, Yuan has met numerous buyers from around the world, forging close ties with major partners like e-commerce giant Amazon and retail leader Walmart.

    “We are committed to upgrading our factory for greater efficiency and strengthening quality control to better meet the demands of the U.S. and European markets,” Yuan said, adding that the company also focuses heavily on design, which helps their products stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

    As the second phase of the Canton Fair kicked off on Wednesday, international buyers flooded the exhibition hall in search of innovative ideas and products. Under the awnings and pergolas produced by Zhejiang Hooeasy Technology Co., Ltd., eager buyers inquired about prices and sizes for their new orders.

    Excited by his findings, Frans Davelaar, a buyer from Aruba in the southern Caribbean, stood in front of the booth for over 15 minutes. He noted that the products have great market potential, given the hot and humid climate of Caribbean countries like Aruba.

    “Awnings and pergolas originated in Europe, where they are used to provide shade from strong sunlight. As a Chinese company, we’ve enhanced these products with innovative ideas and superior quality,” said Li Tao, an export manager at Hooeasy.

    The latest products showcased by Hooeasy can be integrated with Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s HomeKit through their proprietary app, Tuya Smart, allowing users to control the opening and closing of the awnings and pergolas via smartphone.

    Li added that over the past two decades at the Canton Fair, Hooeasy’s booth has moved from the exhibition hall’s edge to a central location, reflecting the company’s growing influence and market share. The company has also established design teams in France and Germany to offer customized products tailored to the European market.

    In another exhibition hall at the Canton Fair, U.S. buyer Rob Mons carried a backpack filled with leaflets, brochures, and samples. He attended the fair to source innovative, well-priced seasonal festival products.

    “It’s my first time at the fair, and I’ve already found some suppliers for the upcoming seasons. These products are new and very interesting, probably the most unique items we’ve seen,” Mons said.

    Regarding business in the U.S., Mons believes Chinese products will continue to hold a significant market share despite the trade tensions between the two countries.

    “I hope business will run more smoothly, because we need these fine products to make kids happy and enjoy the festivals,” he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Billion Dollar Commercial Drone Market Poised for Continued Growth, Driven by A.I. Technological Advances

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The commercial drone market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing demand from various industries such as construction, agriculture, security, military applications and so much more. Drones offer benefits like cost savings, improved efficiency, and enhanced safety for businesses. Market size is projected to reach USD12.3 billion by 2025, driven by technological advancements and regulatory approvals. AI is driving market transformation… The global commercial drones market size is estimated to grow by USD $126.87 billion from 2024-2028, according to a report from Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 57.74% during the forecast period. Rising applications of drones is driving market growth, with a trend towards new developments and launches of commercial drones. The report continued: “The commercial drones market is experiencing significant growth due to the continuous introduction of new drones, components, and software solutions by vendors. Companies across various industries are integrating drones into their operations for managing assets, monitoring sites, inspecting facilities, and capturing real-time data… featuring advanced autonomous flight technology and Artificial Intelligence, ensuring safe and stable flight in challenging environments. Such innovations increase the availability of advanced drone products and software solutions, fueling the adoption of commercial drones in the forecast period.” Active Tech Companies in the markets today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), C3 AI (NYSE: AI), NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA), SoundHound AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOUN), AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV).

    “The Commercial Drone Market is experiencing significant growth, particularly in sectors like… Agriculture. Drones equipped with high-quality Cameras are trending, with VAPOR Helicopter leading the way. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are revolutionizing Decision making in industries, from Inspection activities to Farm management. Hybrid drones, combining features of Quadcopters, Octocopters, and Hexacopters, are gaining popularity. In Agriculture, drones help reduce costs, increase Yield, and monitor crops using services like Raptor Maps. Filmmakers and Ecommerce sectors also benefit from aerial photography and warehouse management. The Commercial Drone Market is experiencing significant growth as Quadcopters, Octocopters, and Hexacopters find increasing applications in various sectors. Challenges in flight control, firmware, middleware, computer vision, and environmental awareness are being addressed through technological advances in electronics, computing, microcontrollers, and processors.”

    ZenaTech Inc. (NASDAQ:ZENA) Issues Big Development News Today on Adding Patent Assets to the Company – Get the full details by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    Additional Groundbreaking ZenaTech Inc. Developments this week include:

    ZenaTech Announced a Software Company Acquisition Adding Significant Capabilities to Building AI Drones – ZenaTech also announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire ZooOffice Inc., the holding company for software companies Jadian and DeskFlex, from ZenaTech’s former parent company. The acquisition of these two software companies will provide important compliance and inspection software as well as scheduling and mapping software that will be incorporated into ZenaTech’s ZenaDrone AI drone solutions. This transaction further expands ZenaTech’s portfolio of SaaS software solutions and customer base and is expected to add to recurring revenue in the government sector among others. The acquisition is subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals that may be required.

    “Adding Jadian and DeskFlex software capabilities to the ZenaTech portfolio is part of our strategy to offer full stack, integrated AI drone solutions targeted to multiple sectors such as Agriculture. Jadian’s compliance software will be integrated with ZenaDrone drone hardware and sensors to help farmers track and manage regulatory and environmental requirements such as crop traceability, fertilizer and pesticide use, water conservation, and greenhouse gas emissions. Deskflex scheduling and mapping software will add value integrated into our property management sector solutions,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D. Read this full release at: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/zenatech-announces-software-company-acquisition-113000656.html

    Other recent developments in the technology industry include:

    C3 AI (NYSE: AI) recently announced the newly re-branded C3 AI Asset Performance Suite, a collection of powerful, purpose-built AI applications that work together to help enterprises maximize value and improve sustainability performance. The C3 AI Asset Performance Suite includes C3 AI Reliability, C3 AI Process Optimization, and C3 AI Energy Management. These applications offer enterprises optimized asset performance through improvements in operational efficiency across business units.

    “C3 AI is the leader in AI-powered predictive maintenance, and our customers are some of the most satisfied in the industry because our technology makes a positive impact on their bottom line and continually maximizes their investments,” said Thomas M. Siebel, CEO, C3 AI. “This re-brand of the C3 AI Asset Performance Suite is in recognition that customers realize the most value by deploying applications that work in concert together and address entire value chains; in this case, with predictive maintenance, process optimization, and energy management.”

    SoundHound AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOUN), a global leader in voice artificial intelligence, recently announced its SoundHound Chat AI voice assistant has launched new customization tools to help transform how automotive brands interact with their customers within the vehicle. The new features are currently being piloted with some of SoundHound’s OEM partners.

    In addition to the core features offered from SoundHound Chat AI’s best-in-class voice assistant – which integrates generative AI capabilities with car controls and real-time domains like flight times, navigation, and weather – OEMs will be able to take control with customizations that work for their loyal consumers and align closely with their identity as an automaker. This new layer of customization will provide drivers with a more engaging and informative experience, allowing them to explore vehicle features and functionalities with greater ease and effectiveness.

    AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) recently announced that the U.S. Army has awarded a $54.9 million delivery order for the production of Switchblade® loitering munition systems. The recently announced award includes an additional contract ceiling of $743 million with $54.9 million in new funding. This contract is issued as part of a broader, previously executed, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract, and ensures continued support for both the U.S. Army and several allied partners, including Lithuania, Romania, and Sweden.

    Work on this contract will be performed in Simi Valley, California, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2026. The award, which leverages fiscal 2023 and 2024 Army funds along with Foreign Military Sales, highlights AV’s ongoing commitment to delivering proven, battlefield-ready technology that meets the evolving needs of modern armed forces.

    NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA) recently announced that it has contributed foundational elements of its NVIDIA Blackwell accelerated computing platform design to the Open Compute Project (OCP) and broadened NVIDIA Spectrum-X™ support for OCP standards.

    At this year’s OCP Global Summit, NVIDIA will be sharing key portions of the NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 system electro-mechanical design with the OCP community — including the rack architecture, compute and switch tray mechanicals, liquid-cooling and thermal environment specifications, and NVIDIA NVLink™ cable cartridge volumetrics — to support higher compute density and networking bandwidth.

    NVIDIA has already made several official contributions to OCP across multiple hardware generations, including its NVIDIA HGX™ H100 baseboard design specification, to help provide the ecosystem with a wider choice of offerings from the world’s computer makers and expand the adoption of AI.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Is America ready for a woman president? Voters’ attitudes to women politicians are radically different from a decade ago

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Angela L. Bos, Dean and Professor, School of Public Service, Boise State University, Boise State University

    Voters hold clear and positive stereotypes of women politicians − while they don’t think as positively about men in politics. Artis777/iStock/Getty Images

    If U.S. voters elect Kamala Harris – a Black, Asian American woman – president, it would be historic on multiple levels. This is now a real possibility due to voters’ positively evolving stereotypes of women politicians.

    Stereotypes have long hindered female candidates, casting them as emotional, weak and sensitive. But now our political science research shows that voters in the U.S. increasingly see women leaders as synonymous with political leadership – and as more effective than men politicians.

    This transformation reflects a broader change in what voters expect in political leaders. They are now more likely to see a woman candidate as a better “fit” for public office. This might help pave the way for Harris to break through the highest glass ceiling in U.S. politics.

    The classic double bind

    Gender stereotypes are the assumptions and expectations people have about men and women. They traditionally present an obstacle for women leaders, including in politics.

    Among the many barriers to a woman becoming president in the U.S. are voters’ gender stereotypes. Men are generally assumed to have masculine traits such as being ambitious and competitive, while women are assumed to possess feminine traits such as being warm and compassionate. In applying gender stereotypes to politicians, voters end up with very different expectations for men and women candidates.

    Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, left, campaigns with former GOP congresswoman and supporter Liz Cheney in Malvern, Pa., on Oct. 21, 2024.
    Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty Images

    This presents a classic double bind for women leaders. If they behave like leaders and act dominantly and assertively, they violate expectations of femininity. But if they behave in a stereotypical way, they are not seen as strong leaders.

    The double bind extends to politics. It was long the case that stereotypes of men politicians, but not women politicians, aligned with the leadership qualities that voters desire in political leaders. These traits include competence, strong leadership, empathy and integrity. A 2011 study showed that stereotypes of women politicians lacked clarity, meaning people had no clear expectations. Voters also did not see women politicians in alignment with those same four leadership qualities that voters seek.

    But by 2021, prominent women political leaders such as Hillary Clinton, Nikki Haley and Nancy Pelosi had reshaped the landscape for women seeking office by shaping and solidifying public expectations.

    More women politicians in the spotlight

    More women have assumed political leadership roles in the U.S. over the past decade than in previous decades. The number of women in Congress increased from 90 to 145 between the 111th Congress, which met from 2009 to 2011, to the 117th Congress, which met from 2021 to 2023.

    In addition, high-profile women politicians such as Democrats Pelosi and Clinton, as well as Liz Cheney, a Republican, have received considerable attention from both the media and the electorate. Gender stereotypes about women politicians evolved from being ambiguous to becoming both well defined and positive as voters grew more familiar with them. This has created a political landscape for Harris today that is notably different from the early 2010s.

    We are political scientists whose research examines how gender stereotypes affect women’s political underrepresentation. In 2021, we conducted a study of how voters’ gender stereotypes of politicians had evolved over the previous decade. These are the three main lessons:

    1. Stereotypes of women politicians are increasingly positive

    A decade ago, people did not agree on the traits that defined women politicians. While some people described them as tough, others thought they were weak. Similarly, some reported them as rational, while others saw them as unable to separate feelings from ideas. There were no traits that large groups of people agreed upon to describe women politicians.

    But our study shows that voters now hold clear and positive stereotypes of them.

    When asked about the traits they associate with women politicians, respondents listed positive traits such as intelligent, rational, analytical, ambitious and moral. At the same time, women politicians are least associated with negative traits such as being weak and spineless.

    While stereotypes of women politicians have become more positive, stereotypes of male politicians are now much more negative.
    Image Source/Getty Images

    2. Stereotypes of men politicians have shifted to increased negativity and distrust

    Male politicians were previously seen as confident, well educated, charismatic and driven. But there’s bad news for men in politics: This perception has shifted. Our study revealed that stereotypes of male politicians became much more negative over the decade we studied.

    Today, male politicians are more commonly viewed as power-hungry, selfish, manipulative and self-interested. They are least associated with traits such as being sympathetic or caring about “people like me.” This indicates that voters have become more negative and distrustful toward male politicians.

    3. Women politicians have gained ground on leadership perceptions, surpassing men politicians

    In the past, stereotypes of women politicians were incompatible with leadership stereotypes. But our study shows that this mismatch has subsided. In fact, between 2011 and 2021, scores for women politicians increased on all four leadership traits valued by voters: competence, leadership, empathy and integrity.

    Men politicians, in contrast, have lost ground on all four leadership traits. Women politicians now surpass men politicians in three out of the four leadership traits: competence, empathy and integrity. Expectations of men politicians concerning the fourth trait, strong leadership, are now equal to those of female politicians.

    Kamala Harris may benefit

    Gender stereotypes have long hindered women seeking political office, but more women in prominent leadership positions have fostered positive stereotype change.

    Granted, highly visible women leaders such as Pelosi and Clinton excite both admiration and intense dislike. But seeing them and many other examples in their wake has familiarized voters with women holding power in politics. Voters are thus now more likely to view women candidates like Harris as fitting into leadership roles such as the presidency.

    With growing distrust in politics, and of male politicians specifically, women political leaders – who are viewed as agents of change – may have an opportunity to restore trust in politics.

    Daphne Joanna van der Pas receives funding from the Dutch Research Council.

    Loes Aaldering receives funding from the Dutch Research Council. She is a member of Groenlinks, the Green party in the Netherlands.

    Angela L. Bos does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Is America ready for a woman president? Voters’ attitudes to women politicians are radically different from a decade ago – https://theconversation.com/is-america-ready-for-a-woman-president-voters-attitudes-to-women-politicians-are-radically-different-from-a-decade-ago-240326

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU anti-fraud office coordinates seizure of around 40,000 litres of illicit alcohol

    Source: European Union 2

    The European Anti-Fraud Office coordinated an action that led the EU Member States’ and Norwegian customs authorities to seize around 40,000 litres of illicit alcoholic beverages. The targeted action is part of operation OPSON XIII, the global initiative coordinated alongside Europol to tackle food fraud and ensure the safety of food and beverages across Europe. 

    The operation, which ran from December 2023 to May 2024, focused on identifying and removing counterfeit and substandard food and drinks from markets while disturbing the criminal network behind these illicit products. 

    As in previous years, OLAF led a targeted action focused specifically on illicit alcoholic beverages. The operation revealed sophisticated schemes aimed at infiltrating the EU market with products of inferior quality – mostly beer, homemade alcohol and wine. Fraudsters used deceptive packaging, falsified documents and false labels to sell these products to consumers. 

    The OLAF coordinated action involved customs authorities from 15 Member States and one non-EU country: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Slovakia. 

    More information on Operation OPSON XIII is available in Europol’s press release.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: CMA response to the Welsh Government consultation on inspection ratings for care home services and domiciliary support services

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The CMA has published its response to the Welsh Government consultation on inspection ratings for care home services and domiciliary support services.

    Applies to Wales

    Documents

    CMA response to the Welsh Government consultation on inspection ratings for care home services and domiciliary support services

    PDF, 117 KB, 4 pages

    Details

    The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has responded to the Inspection ratings for care homes and domiciliary support services consultation, led by the Welsh Government.

    The CMA’s response draws on some if its findings and recommendations in the care homes market study final report (2017), highlighting evidence from the study’s consumer research and its findings on inspection reports.  We also draw on the report’s recommendations on supported decision making, helping people consider their care needs earlier, and protecting residents and their consumer rights.

    For queries relating to the CMA’s response, please contact the CMA Wales team by email at wales@cma.gov.uk.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Leader responds to Accounts Commission Best Value report

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    The Accounts Commission has today (Thursday 24 October) published the findings of the Controller of Audit’s Best Value Assurance Report on the City of Edinburgh Council.

    Responding to the report, Council Leader, Cammy Day, said:

    We’re encouraged by the Commission’s findings, which recognise the good progress the Council has made since 2020.

    We’ve delivered a lot of change at a time of huge pressure on our services and on our budget, but we’ve stayed true to our priorities of protecting day-to-day services and investing in a fairer, greener future. Our aims to eradicate poverty and become net-zero by 2030 are ambitious, but we need to be aspirational to make sure they stay at the top of our priority list.

    Our focus on getting the basics right for our residents, meanwhile, is also bearing fruit with Edinburgh now a top performing Council in Scotland for street cleanliness, and continued improvements in key areas such as road conditions. We acknowledge, however, that there is still much more to be done and we’ve targeted substantial additional resources into key services such as housing, where we know performance has to improve if we are to tackle Edinburgh’s housing emergency.

    We’re continuing to adopt new technologies to make it easier for residents to come to us for help and, as recognised in the report, we’re looking forward to realising the huge benefits our Visitor Levy proposals will bring from 2026 – which we forecast will raise over £100m for the city by 2030.

    It’s no secret, however, that ever more difficult financial decisions lie ahead. Despite the unique pressures that come with being Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh remains the lowest funded council per head in Scotland, which is having a huge impact on our finances. The latest projections show that we will face a budget shortfall of at least £30m next year and we’ll need to work even harder to ensure we can keep on delivering best value for the people of Edinburgh.

    Published: October 24th 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Thousands of workers to benefit from boost to the Living Wage

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    The Living Wage Foundation has revealed that the Real Living Wage will increase to £12.60 next year.

    Responding to the news, Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said:

    Thousands of workers across Edinburgh are set for a boost in pay from May thanks to the new Living Wage rate. Helping our city’s workers as the cost of living soars, the rate set by the Living Wage Foundation will rise by 60p to £12.60 an hour across the UK.

    Over 80,000 people are living in poverty in Edinburgh and many have been pushed into deprivation because of insecure work. It really can happen to any of us and that is why the Living Wage is such a powerful tool, for making sure people get a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.

    Considering the increasing pressures businesses are also under, we are so appreciative of the way Edinburgh employers continue to lead the way in Scotland, making Living Wage the norm.

    Published: October 24th 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Declaration of Helsinki turns 60 – how this foundational document of medical ethics has stood the test of time

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dominic Wilkinson, Consultant Neonatologist and Professor of Ethics, University of Oxford

    The declaration of Helsinki recently turned 60, but don’t feel bad if you missed the celebrations. It probably passed unnoticed by most people not working in the medical field – and possibly even a good few in the field.

    If you’re not familiar with the declaration – adopted by the World Medical Association on October 19 1964 – here is an explainer on this highly influential document: how it emerged, how it evolved and where it may be heading.

    What is the declaration of Helsinki?

    The World Medical Association was set up in the late 1940s in response to atrocities committed in the name of medical research during the second world war. It was focused on promoting and safeguarding medical ethics and human rights.

    Agreed at a meeting in Finland in 1964, the first version of the declaration included principles that have become the cornerstone of global research ethics. These include the importance of carefully assessing the risks and benefits of research projects, and seeking informed consent from those taking part in research.

    The declaration has been hugely influential and has been incorporated into national guidelines relating to medical research around the world. (For example, in the UK it is cited in legislation and policy relating to research.)

    However, it is not legally binding. It has also, at times, been the focus of controversy. For example, following an intense debate in the early 2000s – about the use of placebos in drug trials and the ethics of conducting research in low-income countries – the US Food and Drug Administration removed reference to the declaration in its own guidance.

    The declaration updated

    It has been revised several times (the new version is the eighth edition), reflecting an evolving understanding of medical ethics, contemporary debates about when research would be ethical, as well changes in the nature and landscape of research.

    Some of these reflect important shifts in values and language. In 1964, the declaration stated that clinical research “should be conducted … under the supervision of a qualified medical man” – sexist language that has long since gone by the wayside.

    The 2024 version refers to “research participants” rather than “research subjects” – in response to a wider shift to greater inclusion of patients and research volunteers as partners in research. There are also new references to concern for the environment and sustainability, as well as attention to issues relating to stored data and biomaterial, such as tissue samples.

    Continuing uncertainty

    Some questions remain. One change in the recent document emphasises the importance of including participants from different backgrounds in research, including those who are potentially “vulnerable” in one or more ways.

    Older versions of the declaration emphasised avoiding research wherever possible involving children, older patients, pregnant women, those with mental illness and prisoners. This came from a need to learn from past scandals and avoid exploiting vulnerable groups.

    However, more recently, it has been recognised that excluding these groups can cause even greater harm, since it leads to a lack of evidence on how best to treat some patients. This then leads to disparities in health. For example, a large proportion of medicines commonly used for children lack high-quality evidence to support them.

    The 2024 declaration tries to balance the priority to include vulnerable groups in research with the need to protect and avoid research that could be feasibly performed in other groups.

    However, this highlights a deeper problem. Ethical problems arise when research is inhibited or discouraged.

    Regulation of research (as encouraged by the declaration) is hugely important, but it can also make it extremely difficult, time consuming and resource intensive to perform. Doctors may change practice based on experience, intuition or inspiration. If they do so outside of a trial, they are not required to seek the approval of any review body.

    As noted by a British paediatrician Richard Smithells in the 1970s: “I need permission to give a drug to half of my patients [to find out whether it does more good than harm], but not [if I want] to give it to them all.”

    One particular form of research that can be important to drive improvements in care are so-called comparative effectiveness trials. Within many areas of medicine, there are variations in practice, where some professionals will take one approach, while others will take another.

    Depending on which doctor you happen to see, (perhaps which clinic you attend, or which day of the week you become unwell), you might receive one treatment or the other.

    Since variations like this affect many patients, it would be important to determine which is the better option, potentially involving a randomised controlled trial, where one group of patients is randomly selected to receive the treatment and another group (the control group), a placebo. These trials take years to conduct and are very expensive to run.

    However, the declaration seems to encourage a one-size-fits-all approach and potentially implies that such trials should go through a formal and lengthy research ethics approval process, with participants providing explicit informed consent. However, many ethicists and researchers have argued in favour of a more slimmed-down regulatory approach focusing on what matters: do trials meaningfully add risk or burden to those that patients would have encountered outside the trial. And would taking part in research restrict patients’ ability to make meaningful decisions, and to make choices that would ordinarily have been offered?

    For example, imagine a trial of two different antiseptics that are commonly used for surgery. Being involved in the trial wouldn’t impose additional risk (since patients ordinarily receive those antiseptics), and it wouldn’t remove an ordinary choice, since it would be rare for medical professionals to ask patients which antiseptic they would like.

    The Declaration of Helsinki may be 60 years old, but it continues to both stimulate debate and inspire ethical practice in medical research. It has been newly revised but it is likely that innovations in research, such as the growing use of AI in medicine, will require further changes in the years ahead. It isn’t time to retire it yet.

    Dominic Wilkinson receives funding from The Wellcome Trust. He is a member of the British Medical Association Medical Ethics Committee (the views in this article are his own).

    – ref. Declaration of Helsinki turns 60 – how this foundational document of medical ethics has stood the test of time – https://theconversation.com/declaration-of-helsinki-turns-60-how-this-foundational-document-of-medical-ethics-has-stood-the-test-of-time-241769

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Prof. Howard Wilson to lead science and technology for STEP

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd announces the appointment of Professor Howard Wilson as Director of Science and Technology for STEP.

    Professor Howard Wilson – Image Credit: ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

    UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd (UKIFS) is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Howard Wilson as Director of Science and Technology, helping to lead STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production), a pioneering programme to deliver the UK’s first prototype fusion energy plant.

    An internationally renowned expert in fusion science, Howard brings extensive experience and expertise to the role and will become the first UKIFS Executive Committee member based at West Burton in Nottinghamshire, a former coal-fired power station site where the prototype plant will be built.

    Over the past 18 months, Howard has been the Fusion Pilot Plant Research & Development Lead at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the United States; prior to this he was based at the University of York where he founded the York Plasma Institute and the Fusion Centre for Doctoral Training.

    As Director of Science and Technology, Howard will oversee development of the plasma solution for STEP and will lead on the requirements for technology demonstration, both physical and digital, ensuring that modelling, simulation and testing tackles the specific challenges refined through the evolving whole plant design. He will work together with Chris Waldon (Chief Engineer) and Debbie Kempton (Director of Engineering Programme) in a triumvirate that will plan and ensure viable technologies, in an integrated plant design, that is developed and delivered in a robust way.

    Paul Methven, CEO of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions and Senior Responsible Owner for STEP, said: “As we embark on the second phase of the programme, Howard will be key in leading the development critical technologies for STEP, supporting the development of the fully integrated plant design. His impressive track record of fusion research and delivery will help to deliver the UK’s prototype fusion energy plant alongside the development of a fusion industry.”

    The appointment marks a return to the STEP programme for Howard – he became the first Programme Director for STEP from 2019 to 2020 following a secondment to the UK Atomic Energy Authority as Research Director in 2017.

    Howard has served on numerous international programme reviews and committees, including the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP), and chaired the International Tokamak Physics Activity (ITPA) in Pedestal and Edge Physics in support of ITER from 2008 to 2011. He has been a member of EUROfusion’s Science and Technology Advisory Committee (STAC) (2022-2023) and currently serves on the U.S. Department of Energy Fusion Energy Sciences Advisory Committee.

    STEP is the UK’s flagship fusion programme that will demonstrate both a technical and industrial pathway towards commercial realisation, supporting the clean, safe, and sustainable energy over the long term.

    UKIFS is a wholly owned subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority Group and will be responsible for the delivery of STEP from later this year. The programme aims to create future opportunities for suppliers ranging from whole plant integrators to critical system manufacturers that can design and deliver future plants worldwide in addition to benefitting the communities that surround West Burton.

    Fusion can be thought of as the opposite of fission – combining lighter atoms rather than splitting heavier ones. It is based on the same processes that power the sun and stars and has potential to provide safe, sustainable and low-carbon energy for generations to come.

    For further information about STEP, visit: https://step.ukaea.uk/

    Below shows a computer generated concept of STEP’s Tokamak.

    Image credit: United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority

    For further information, contact: communications@step.ukaea.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp: TMC Transformers to Bring 110 Jobs, New Manufacturing Facility To Burke County

    Source: US State of Georgia

    Atlanta, GA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that TMC Transformers USA Inc. (TMC), an international dry-type transformers manufacturer for a wide range of industrial applications, will expand its footprint in Georgia by investing more than $15.3 million over the next five years in a new manufacturing facility in Waynesboro, creating at least 110 new jobs in Burke County.

    “When we lead economic missions overseas and meet with companies like TMC, we do so to bring more opportunities back to hardworking Georgians, and so job creators like them can build a strong foundation alongside communities like Waynesboro,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “TMC’s decision to create over 100 well-paying jobs in Burke County comes at a critical time, and we look forward to their impact as that region of our state continues to recover and rebuild following the recent hurricanes.”

    TMC is a multinational company focused on design and production of medium and low voltage dry-type cast resin and VPI transformers. The company, which counts more than 500 employees and commercial offices in Europe, America, and East Asia, established its first U.S. production plant at the beginning of 2023 in Burke County.

    “Combining our expertise in the dry-type transformer industry with the needs of the U.S. market for accessible, reliable, and sustainable energy, the launch of the new plant highlights TMC’s strategic plans for substantial growth in North America,” said Cristiano Palladini, President of TMC USA. “We’re excited that Waynesboro will become a welcoming base for us. Georgia provides strong foundations for our business with its strategic position, the full support from Burke County and the Georgia delegation who share a business-oriented vision, and its community of hardworking and skilled Georgians in line with our needs.”

    TMC’s new facility at the Burke County Industrial Park in Waynesboro highlights its commitment to strengthening the company’s presence and investment in the United States. Operations in Burke County have already started at the company’s first facility, and the new plant is expected to be operational at the beginning of 2026. TMC is now hiring for roles in management, administrative staff, production technicians, operators, testers, sales, and quality control. Hiring will continue over the next few years as the project continues to ramp up. Interested individuals can learn more about careers with TMC at tmctransformers.us.  

    “The Development Authority of Burke County is pleased to have TMC Transformers make Waynesboro their permanent home,” said Austin Stacy, Executive Director of the Development Authority of Burke County. “Their decision to locate here is a true testament to the readiness and strong workforce that Burke County possesses. TMC’s core principles replicate our community’s values, and we look forward to continuing our work together to make Burke County a better place.”

    Senior Regional Project Manager Adela Kelley represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this competitive project in partnership with the Development Authority of Burke County.

    “After meeting with TMC’s leadership in Italy, we were truly impressed by their warmth, hospitality, and enthusiasm for their decision to invest in Georgia,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “The transformers TMC will manufacture in Burke County are critical in addressing energy infrastructure needs for the state and the nation. TMC is just the type of company we aim to attract to Georgia: a long-term partner committed to strengthening our communities, economy, and industry ecosystems.”

    For over a century, Georgia has fostered healthy industry practices, encouraged collaboration and innovation, and positioned itself as a leader in developing and harnessing emerging technologies for evolving industries.

    The State of Georgia has had continuous representation in Europe since 1973. Italy is a top 15 trade partner for Georgia, with $3.4 billion in total trade moving between the state’s ports and Italy in 2023. Italy was also in the list of top 10 sources for international investment in Fiscal Year 2023, and Italian companies have invested more than $411 million in Georgia since 2010 through projects with state involvement.

    About TMC Transformers

    TMC Transformers USA Inc. is a leading provider of innovative and high-quality transformer solutions, dedicated to serving the energy needs of industries across North America. With a commitment to excellence and sustainability, TMC specializes in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of dry-type cast resin and VPI transformers. Its products are engineered to meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and efficiency, ensuring optimal energy management for a wide range of applications, including utilities, data centers, semiconductors manufacturing, railways, marine and offshore, mining, and oil and gas. For more information, please visit tmctransformers.us or contact [email protected].

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia named Leader in GlobalData’s Small Cell Competitive Landscape Assessment 2024 report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    Nokia named Leader in GlobalData’s Small Cell Competitive Landscape Assessment 2024 report

    • Nokia’s award-winning small cell portfolio recognized as overall Leader in residential and outdoor categories beating competition

    24 October 2024
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia has been named Leader in GlobalData’s Small Cells: Competitive Landscape Assessment September 2024 report. The in-depth report judged all leading small cell providers and positioned Nokia as overall Leader in the Residential and Outdoor categories. In particular, Nokia was commended for being the only vendor to offer an ‘All-in-One’ 5G solution for both outdoor and residential use cases available to the global market. GlobalData is a globally recognized data analytics and consulting organization.

    GlobalData commented that: “Nokia’s outdoor small-cell portfolio offers the lightest, smallest 5G products on the market and support for a wider range of spectrum bands than nearly every other vendor. The portfolio is also distinguished by containing the only all-in-one 5G small cell supporting sub-6 GHz spectrum that is not a CBRS product – a product, branded Kolibri, that is also as compact as any outdoor small cell radio on the market. And its Shikra Outdoor Residential Enterprise.”

    GlobalData defines small cells as ‘mobile base stations that operate under lower power and with a smaller coverage range than traditional base stations. This category includes what have traditionally been called femtocells and picocells, which improve mobile coverage and capacity inside homes and businesses, respectively.’

    Nokia has the widest range of small solutions that address all deployment requirements and offer seamless coverage, capacity and performance in dense urban areas and indoor venues with minimal infrastructure, enabling flexible and scalable deployments. Its advanced indoor radio solutions and compact, plug-and-play small cells enhance in-building coverage and capacity, such as in offices, malls and enterprises. They also support mmWave bands with high bandwidth and data rates for demanding 5G applications like VR, AR and gaming as well as smart cities and IoT applications.

    Mark Atkinson, Head of RAN at Nokia, said: “We are proud to be named Leader in GlobalData’s small cells competitive landscape assessment report. It’s recognition of the steps we have taken to make our portfolio best-in-class for our customers. All of our solutions benefit from having the latest ReefShark chipsets and support all frequency ranges for premium coverage and capacity both indoors and outdoors.”

    Resource and additional information
    Webpage: Nokia Small Cells
    Full Report: GlobalData Report

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable, and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Media inquiries
    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Drones Driven by A.I. Are Taking Over Major Industries Including Agriculture, Construction, Military & More

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – Artificial intelligence (AI) and drones are a formidable combo that has the potential to transform a variety of industries. When coupled, they build intelligent and autonomous airborne systems capable of completing complicated tasks in a variety of conditions. Because of this, the combination of artificial intelligence and drone technology offers new aerial technological developments for various industries, including agriculture, construction, energy, and security, as well as a solution to many aerial imagery demands. Factors such as technological advancements, growing need for automation and efficiency, and the increasing adoption of drones in the Logistics and Delivery, Agriculture and Precision Farming, Disaster Management and Search & Rescue, Environmental Monitoring and Industrial sectors are boosting the adoption of AI solutions in the UAV landscape. A report from Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence projected that the Artificial Intelligence in drone market size is projected to show steady growth during the forecast period (2024-2029). The report said: “Booming drone adoption in the sector boosts AI in drone market growth. Drones driven by AI are taking over major sectors such as agriculture, serving as industrious field workers. They minimize human effort while monitoring crop health, accurately locating pests, and applying irrigation to maximize production and optimize resource use. The movement known as “precision agriculture” is revolutionizing the way of raising food. According to the January 2022 Press Release Bureau, the government is extending financial support under the “Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization” to encourage the use of drones in agriculture. The Agriculture Ministry will give agricultural institutions grants of up to Rs. 10 lakhs so the farmers can buy drones. When it comes to drone demonstrations on farmer fields Farmer’s Producers Organizations (FPOs) can receive funds for up to 75% of the total cost of the drone. The initiatives and factors supporting agriculture enhance the drone market.” Active Tech Companies in the markets today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE: PLTR), QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM), AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS), Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO).

    “The growing need for automation in logistics propels AI in drone market. Industries these days need effective and automated ways to handle logistics jobs. Drones and AI together present an attractive alternative for companies looking to increase productivity and accuracy as they save labor expenses and increase productivity by automating operations that were previously done by hand. By the end of 2024, Prime Air plans to expand internationally into Italy and the UK, in addition to starting drone deliveries in the United States. Similarly, in October 2023, Amazon Pharmacy launched drone delivery of pharmaceuticals. Eligible consumers in College Station, Texas, can now have their drugs delivered to their homes via drone within 60 minutes of placing their purchase with Amazon Pharmacy.”

    ZenaTech Inc. (NASDAQ:ZENA) Issues Big Development News Today on Adding Patent Assets to the Company – Get the full details by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    Additional Groundbreaking ZenaTech Inc. Developments this week include:

    ZenaTech Announced a Software Company Acquisition Adding Significant Capabilities to Building AI Drones – ZenaTech also announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire ZooOffice Inc., the holding company for software companies Jadian and DeskFlex, from ZenaTech’s former parent company. The acquisition of these two software companies will provide important compliance and inspection software as well as scheduling and mapping software that will be incorporated into ZenaTech’s ZenaDrone AI drone solutions. This transaction further expands ZenaTech’s portfolio of SaaS software solutions and customer base and is expected to add to recurring revenue in the government sector among others. The acquisition is subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals that may be required.

    “Adding Jadian and DeskFlex software capabilities to the ZenaTech portfolio is part of our strategy to offer full stack, integrated AI drone solutions targeted to multiple sectors such as Agriculture. Jadian’s compliance software will be integrated with ZenaDrone drone hardware and sensors to help farmers track and manage regulatory and environmental requirements such as crop traceability, fertilizer and pesticide use, water conservation, and greenhouse gas emissions. Deskflex scheduling and mapping software will add value integrated into our property management sector solutions,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D. Read this full release at: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/zenatech-announces-software-company-acquisition-113000656.html

    Other recent developments in the technology industry include:

    Edgescale AI Inc. and Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE: PLTR) recently announced a strategic partnership to deliver Live Edge, a groundbreaking combination of Palantir Edge AI and Edgescale AI distributed infrastructure technology, designed to operationalize artificial intelligence (AI) in manufacturing, utilities, and other complex industrial environments.

    AI is reshaping the world and transforming our relationship with technology, yet applying AI to operational technology in industries and critical infrastructure remains a challenge. So long as the complexity and operational burden of activating machines, equipment, vehicles, and sensors in physical systems remains high, we only achieve a fraction of AI’s true potential for automating our technology and improving our lives.

    QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM) recently announced that, through its subsidiary Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., Aramco, and Saudi Arabia’s Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA) are planning to launch Design in Saudi Arabia (DISA). DISA is envisaged to be an incubator program for Saudi Arabia that aims to support startups that are adopting AI, Internet of Things (IoT), and wireless technologies for industrial use cases.

    This initiative aims to support early-stage startups in the high-tech sector by guiding them from product design and development to commercialization. It aims to provide a comprehensive suite of support that includes technical assistance, business coaching, and intellectual property (IP) training, all aimed at enhancing the Kingdom’s technology ecosystem. Should this initiative materialize, startups would gain access to resources such as Qualcomm Technologies and Aramco’s industrial experience and RDIA’s strategic guidance.

    AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS) a leading provider of best-in-class unmanned aerial systems (UAS), sensors and software solutions for customers worldwide in the commercial and government verticals, recently issued a Letter to Stockholders from Company CEO Bill Irby.

    Dear Stockholders: First, I want to extend my appreciation for the trust and confidence you have placed in AgEagle. Upon taking over as CEO from Grant Begley (former interim CEO and current Board Chairman), we have been evolving and advancing AgEagle toward the creation of maximum long-term shareholder value.

    To fund our aggressive growth plans, we recently completed a $6.5M capital raise. The market’s reaction was a continued decline in our stock price. It became necessary to plan and execute a 50:1 reverse stock split. Our trading was halted October 4th but has since resumed, and I am truly optimistic regarding the path ahead as I believe that the company is currently under-valued… In conclusion, through a combination of our key initiatives, growing demand, and demonstrated progress in our newest market, I believe AgEagle is on the correct path to increase long-term shareholder value. We appreciate your continued support. Sincerely, Bill Irby, CEO

    Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO), an award-winning, industry-leading developer of drone solutions and systems, recently announced its participation in the upcoming Wings of Saskatchewan event in Regina, from October 30 to October 31, 2024. Draganfly will showcase its latest drone technology advancements, contributing to discussions on industry trends, safety, and regulatory considerations alongside key stakeholders in the aviation sector.

    The Wings of Saskatchewan Conference, hosted by the Saskatchewan Aerial Applicators Association and the Saskatchewan Aviation Council, serves as a vital gathering for the aviation community. This year’s event will bring together leaders from both civil and commercial aviation sectors to discuss technological advancements, regulatory updates, and future trends within the industry.

    About FN Media Group:
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    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security.  FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release.  FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated forty nine hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by ZenaTech, Inc. by the Company. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

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    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Siemens and Microsoft scale industrial AI

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Siemens and Microsoft scale industrial AI

    • Siemens and Microsoft have taken the Siemens Industrial Copilot to the next level, to handle demanding environments at scale
    • Over 100 customers in Europe and the US are using the Siemens Industrial Copilot to improve efficiency, cut downtime, and address labor shortages
    • thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering is planning a global rollout of Copilot beginning 2025
    • More than 120,000 engineers can now leverage the Copilot, upskilling experts and workers in programming with Gen AI

    BERLIN — Oct. 24, 2024 — Siemens is revolutionizing industrial automation with Microsoft. Through their collaboration, they have taken the Siemens Industrial Copilot to the next level, enabling it to handle the most demanding environments at scale. Combining Siemens’ unique domain know-how across industries with Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, the Copilot further improves handling of rigorous requirements in manufacturing and automation.

    Over 100 companies, including Schaeffler and thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering, are currently using the Siemens Industrial Copilot to streamline processes, address labor shortages, and drive innovation. With 120,000 users already leveraging the Siemens engineering software, they now have the opportunity to enhance their work with the Gen AI-powered assistant.

    Co-creation partner thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering is now the first to plan to use the Copilot globally. Beginning in early 2025, their machines will be engineered with the assistant, fully unleashing its potential across their entire product range. The rollout will take place globally. Siemens is pioneering the offering of Gen AI for automation engineering in the industry and has made this capability easily accessible on the Siemens Xcelerator open digital business platform.

    “The collaboration between Siemens and Microsoft marks a pivotal moment in the industrial sector; one where AI Transformation becomes a cornerstone for innovation and operational efficiency,” said Judson Althoff, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Microsoft. “By integrating Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service into Siemens’ industrial solutions, we are equipping companies with cloud-based AI tools to simplify complex challenges, drive productivity, and help them stay competitive in an increasingly dynamic environment.”

    “Together with Microsoft we scale industrial AI, empowering our customers throughout the industry to become more resilient, competitive and sustainable. thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering shows how customers can use Siemens Industrial Copilot even in highly demanding environments as a major efficiency boost,” said Cedrik Neike, Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG and CEO of Digital Industries.

    Since the product’s availability in July 2024, customers across various sectors have started using Siemens Industrial Copilot for Engineering to boost efficiency. Engineers can now create panel visualizations in 30 seconds and generate code that requires only 20% adaptation.

    This streamlines workflows, reducing manual effort and addressing the skilled labor shortage. The chat function also provides instant, precise answers, eliminating the need for lengthy searches. By leveraging the Copilot, companies are driving productivity and innovation.

    Transforming battery quality assurance with Siemens Industrial Copilot

    thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering exemplifies the Siemens Industrial Copilot’s transformative potential at scale, particularly in complex control, such as development of automated systems for the production of battery and hydrogen assembly lines. One of their machines helps ensure quality of batteries for electric cars, a crucial factor in the sustainable energy transition and the industry’s reliance on 100% reliable batteries. Sensors, cameras, and measurement systems are integrated to monitor battery cell quality across multiple stages, conducting complex evaluations to detect discharges beyond set thresholds.

    The Siemens Industrial Copilot supercharges the development and operation of this battery machine by automating repetitive tasks like data management, sensor configuration, and the crucial reporting of each step necessary to meet strict battery inspection requirements. Generally, the Copilot supports engineering by handling both routine and essential documentation tasks. This allows the engineers to focus on complex, value-added work, while its real-time problem-solving capabilities minimize downtime and ensure smooth production.

    “Siemens Industrial Copilot will prospectively ease our workload and address the pressing challenges of labor shortages and increasing complexity in battery testing. This AI-powered solution will be a game-changer for our industry, and we will actively roll it out across our machines,” said Dr. Volkmar Dinstuhl, Member of the Executive Board of thyssenkrupp AG and CEO of thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology.

    Siemens will share more details on Siemens Industrial Copilot at the SPS expo in Nuremberg, Germany, in November 2024.

    This press release along with press photos and other materials can be found at:

    https://sie.ag/2s6zEA

    Contacts for journalists 

    Siemens AG

    Jil Huber

    Phone: +49 162 3474144; email: [email protected]

    Microsoft 

    WE Communications for Microsoft

    Phone: (425) 638-7777; email: [email protected]

    thyssenkrupp AG 

    Sarah Grassmann

    Phone: +49 152 28277427; email: [email protected]

    Follow us at www.x.com/siemens_press

    For further information: www.siemens.com/industrial-copilot and siemens.com/sps-fair

    Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a leading technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, mobility, and healthcare. The company’s purpose is to create technology to transform the everyday, for everyone. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers customers to accelerate their digital and sustainability transformations, making factories more efficient, cities more livable, and transportation more sustainable. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company, Siemens Healthineers, a leading global medical technology provider shaping the future of healthcare.

    In fiscal 2023, which ended on September 30, 2023, the Siemens Group generated revenue of €74.9 billion and net income of €8.5 billion. As of September 30, 2023, the company employed around 305,000 people worldwide on the basis of continuing operations. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.

    About Microsoft

    Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

    About thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology   

    thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology is a leading supplier and development partner to the international automotive industry. Its range of products and services includes high-tech components and systems as well as automation solutions for vehicle production. The product range includes chassis technologies such as steering and damping systems and the assembly of axle systems as well as drive train components for conventional and alternative drives. thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology also develops assembly lines for body-in-white construction and produces lightweight body parts in series. The business area generated sales of 7.9 billion euros in fiscal year 2022/23. We also specialize in the production of springs and stabilizers for various vehicle types, as well as components and systems for tracked vehicles. Automotive Technology has a global production network with more than 90 locations in Europe, Asia, and North and South America.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: An Interview with Maximilian Spitzley, Foreign Law Intern

    Source: US Global Legal Monitor

    Today’s interview is with Maximilian Spitzley, a foreign law intern working with Foreign Law Specialist Jenny Gesley in the Global Legal Research Directorate of the Law Library of Congress. 

    Describe your background.

    I am a legal trainee and Ph.D. student from Germany, currently completing a three-month internship at the Law Library of Congress.

    What is your academic/professional history?

    I studied law at the University of Bonn, Germany. Participating in the Erasmus program allowed me to spend a semester abroad at the University of Lucerne, Switzerland. I passed the first German state exam in 2020 and finished law school, specializing in capital markets law. Following a year of work at a law firm, I began my doctoral studies on the European regulation of crowdfunding under the supervision of Professor Dr. Moritz Renner at the University of Mannheim. In 2024, I started a two-year legal traineeship program to qualify for the bar exam in Germany. After working for the local court and the public prosecutor’s office in Bonn, the program provided me with the opportunity to work at the Law Library of Congress.

    How would you describe your job to other people?

    In my position as a foreign law intern at the Global Legal Research Directorate of the Law Library of Congress, I assist my supervisor, Jenny Gesley, with delivering legal insights on matters concerning German-speaking countries and the European Union (EU). My responsibilities include conducting thorough legal research and drafting comparative legal analyses in response to inquiries from Congress, judicial bodies, and executive agencies, while also supporting public research efforts. Additionally, I contribute to the Library’s Global Legal Monitor.

    Why did you want to work at the Law Library of Congress?

    Having studied law in both Germany and Switzerland, I gained knowledge in German, European, and international law. My work at the Law Library of Congress presents an invaluable opportunity to broaden my perspective by engaging with the U.S. legal system, while critically assessing national law and EU law from a comparative viewpoint. This experience allows me to deepen my legal understanding and provides meaningful insights into the interplay between different legal frameworks.

    What is the most interesting fact you have learned about the Law Library of Congress?

    One of the most fascinating aspects of the Law Library of Congress is its unparalleled global reach and comprehensive legal collection. It holds the largest collection of legal materials in the world, encompassing legal systems from nearly every country and jurisdiction. This vast resource allows researchers to compare diverse legal traditions and developments, providing a unique platform for understanding how law functions across different cultures and political systems. The ability to access such a breadth of international legal knowledge in one place is truly remarkable.

    What’s something most of your co-workers do not know about you?

    One thing my co-workers may not know about me is that I am a huge fan of U.S. sports. While I am here in Washington, I plan to catch games from all the major teams—the Nationals, Commanders, Capitals, and Wizards!

    Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City-wide approach proposed to improve walking, wheeling and cycling networks in Sheffield A Long-term investment plan which could see measures such as improved pavements and cycle facilities so that more people can walk and cycle more to local destinations will be discussed by the Council’s Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee next week. 24 October 2024

    Source: City of Sheffield

    A Long-term investment plan which could see measures such as improved pavements and cycle facilities so that more people can walk and cycle more to local destinations will be discussed by the Council’s Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee next week.

    The plan will build on the information the Council has gathered about what destinations people want to get to in their local communities and how it can be made easier for them to do so by walking, wheeling and cycling.

    Over the next 6 months the plan will be developed and will include a three-pronged approach: projects currently underway; medium-term projects, looking ahead about 10 years; and a long-term vision of how the desired network will look by around 2045.

    The proposals could include a range of measures such as wider pavements, more pedestrian crossings, measures to reduce vehicle speeds and segregated cycle routes, with current projects such as School Streets continuing as well, in a bid to make Sheffield more accessible for walking, wheeling and cycling and give people more choice about how they travel

    Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffield is changing, it’s transforming into a city fit for everyone. Along with the fantastic regeneration of a number of areas, including the Heart of the City, Attercliffe and Castlegate, we want to make it easier, safer and healthier for people to walk or cycle.

    “We have ambitious plans, as part of our Transport Vision, to connect large parts of Sheffield through the improvement of walking and cycling routes, helping us to tackle congestion and give people a genuine choice about how they travel We’ll also be installing new facilities where current ones don’t exist.  Good active travel networks provide connectivity between different areas and a safe, pleasant, accessible environment for people to enjoy together”

    “In our recent outreach we were keen to hear from people who do not usually respond to Council surveys. We were really pleased to reach people and hear views from local neighbourhoods about the barriers they face trying to make short journeys by walking, wheeling and cycling.

    “This feedback is invaluable to us and we will incorporate it and build upon it as we move forward in devising the Investment Plan.”

    Angela Argenzio, Chair of Adult Health and Social Care Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “By taking the opportunity to lead a more active life it will not only improve people’s health, it will improve air quality too. This work all links into the Fair and Healthy Sheffield Plan, which intends to close the unfair gaps in length and quality of life by prioritising improvements to the health and wellbeing of those who need it the most first. ”

    The investment plan is being progressed in conjunction with a South Yorkshire family of Investment Plans for Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster and with a South Yorkshire Active Travel Strategy being developed by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sheffield could see more events hosted in the city and more benefits for local people Sheffield could play host to more major events and events that have a greater impact on the city and its residents, if plans are approved to develop a new city-wide events strategy. 24 October 2024

    Source: City of Sheffield

    Sheffield it already go to Tramlines, one of the UK’s longest running, city-based music festivals

    Sheffield could play host to more major events and events that have a greater impact on the city and its residents, if plans are approved to develop a new city-wide events strategy.

    Sheffield already has an excellent reputation as a city of major events, festivals and conferences.

    The city has played host to some of the UK’s biggest events in recent years, from Women’s Euros 2022 and the Rugby League World Cup, to the 2024 MOBO Awards, and most recently, the third leg of the Tour of Britain. Sheffield was also shortlisted to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in solidarity with Ukraine.

    Alongside successfully bidding for some of the most high-profile and internationally significant events, Sheffield is also home of network of its own home-grown festivals.

    From DocFest, which has been in the city for over 30 years, to Tramlines, one of the UK’s longest running, city-based music festivals. Sheffield is also home of Off the Shelf and No Bounds, which was recently described by the Guardian as ‘dizzingly daring’ and ‘impressive’.

    Earlier this year, a brand-new podcast festival, Crossed Wires, was also launched in the city, attracting talent from across the UK and beyond, to Sheffield.

    The city also has a strong track-record for bidding for and hosting a range of world-leading conferences, including the International Coeliac Disease Symposium and the British Association of Paediatric Surgeons.

    Esther Britten, Deputy Director and Head of Events at UK Sport, said:

    “Sheffield has been a supportive partner and host to UK Sport funded major events over the last decade.

    “Their commitment to not only staging the very best events but maximising their impact on the local community has enhanced the city’s reputation through the UK as a recognised host of the very best major international sporting events, we see them as a key host city looking into the future.”

    A new proposal from Sheffield City Council to develop a city-wide major events strategy would seek to take things a step further – attracting more events to the city, better events and by creating a framework to ensure events hosted have a lasting, positive impact on local people, local businesses, communities and the Sheffield economy.

    If given the go ahead, a new major events plan will be developed, aiming to provide a clearer ambition for events in the city and an action plan to transform Sheffield into a recognised destination for home-grown, curated, commissioned, and nomadic events.

    Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development and Skills Committee at Sheffield City Council, said:

    “Events are big business, not just in Sheffield, but across the UK.

    “Not only is the economic impact of events significant for the city, but events help us build our reputation and allow others to see and experience Sheffield on a different scale. Events bring people together, they celebrate our diversity and all of our local communities, helping to make Sheffield the vibrant place it is to live in and visit.  

    “Hosting more events, and more diverse events will help us attract more visitors to the city, generate more income, they will bring investment and help us to grow our economy.”

    The idea behind the proposed plan is to create an approach that helps decision-makers identify the very best and most beneficial events for Sheffield and its people.

    The plan would focus on ensuring events being held in the city are of a real benefit, with things like economic impact, community benefits and ensuring inclusivity and diversity, always considered when bidding for and putting on events.

    It will look to identify opportunities across sport, business and culture and find events that Sheffield is not only a good fit for, but that are also a good fit for Sheffield and the city’s ambitions.

    Councillors will be asked to approve proposals to begin development of the Major Events Plan for Sheffield at an Economic Development and Skills Committee meeting on Thursday 31st of October 2024.

    If agreed, the first phase of development will involve engaging with experts in the field and local partners to help identify future opportunities for Sheffield.

    This will be vital in ensuring the pipeline of events is right for the city and well positioned to attract wider investment.

    You can read the full report on the Sheffield City Council website. 

    You can watch the full committee meeting at 10am on Thursday 31st of October 2024 via the webcast. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ports’ importance to city highlighted in new strategy

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Top fact – did you know that Plymouth employs more people in the marine sector than any other local authority area in the country?

    The city’s marine and defence sector employs 20,110 people – that’s 18 per cent of the city’s work force, more than Southampton and Barrow in Furness, for instance.

    The importance of the ports to the city’s economic livelihood has been brought into focus by a recently completed Plymouth Port Strategy – which has been created to get a clear picture of the current status of Plymouth’s ports as well as chart their future direction.

    The city’s ports are Devonport, Cattewater, Millbay and Sutton Harbour, each have very distinct roles and the strategy gives a fascinating insight into the sheer scale and variety of jobs and opportunities that exist in and around the Sound.

    Devonport Dockyard is the largest naval base in western Europe and is the largest land user in the city – covering 650 hectares, with 14 dry docks, 25 tidal berths and four miles of docks.

    On the east side of the Sound, Cattewater is home to several commercial  wharves handling nearly 2m tonnes of cargo every year, including fuel, feed, cement and clay. 

    In the middle is Millbay with Brittany Ferries operating passenger and cargo routes to Europe while Sutton Harbour is the base for Plymouth’s fishing fleet.

    Other facts include:

    • There are 16 leisure and boatyards around the Sound including 1,400 gold anchor berths
    • Currently, 12 cruise ship visit Plymouth every year with plans to more than double this number in the coming years
    • Plymouth is at the forefront of marine technology and innovation, including research organisation and companies at the cutting edge of work to develop autonomous vessels.

    The importance of the Sound’s environment, which is part of the National Marine Park is also highlighted. It is home to over 1,000 species and 6,402 hectares are in an area of special scientific interest.

    The Council secured funding from the Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund for the study to understand the ports’ economic contribution and to develop a strategy to support the future development including the transition to net zero and the creation of green jobs.

    Council leader Tudor Evans said: “We talk about the ports’ importance to Plymouth but this strategy is a great reminder of the sheer scale and variety of opportunities in our ports. The National Marine Park sets out our intention to look more to the sea and the Sound as a city and this strategy will help to us develop the ports’ role economically.

    “This is a starting point, a clear recognition of the role of the ports and a call for co-ordinated action to ensure they continue to thrive for the benefit of Plymouth and the wider regional and national economy.”

    The report highlights that supporting future growth in Plymouth’s ports underpins growth in the wider marine sector and has the potential to create an additional 2,600 graduate level jobs in the local economy by 2030. 

    The report and its key findings are going to be discussed at the Council’s Natural Infrastructure and Growth Scrutiny panel which meets on 29 October.

    The key findings are:

    • The strength of Plymouth’s ports lies in its diversity. While Devonport underpins the economic contribution of the ports and the marine sector there is a significant and diverse leisure sector, vessel manufacturing and servicing and freight operations.
    • Plymouth is a leading light on marine technology and manufacturing and engineering which greatly enhance the city’s competitive edge in sectors with high growth potential such as autonomous vessels, Floating Offshore Wind and alternative fuels.

    The strategy highlights that the nature of ports is changing worldwide, and investment will be required to ensure that Plymouth maintains its current market presence and capabilities. 

    While the Council does not play a direct role in port operations, it can and should play a significant role in supporting the future development and growth of the ports through advocacy, leadership, co-ordination and the creation of a supportive policy environment.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council sets out plans to raise pupil attainment

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    The Council’s Learning and Families Committee approved the Raising Attainment Strategy for 2024-2027 when it met on Wednesday (Oct 23).

    This strategy builds upon the successes of the previous strategy from 2020-2023 and focuses on four main priorities:

    • Improvement in attainment, particularly in literacy and numeracy.
    • Closing the attainment gap between the most and least disadvantaged.
    • Improvement in health and wellbeing of children and young people.
    • Enhancement of employability skills and sustained, positive school leaver destinations.

    The strategy employs a range of measures and highlights several key achievements from 2023/24.

    These include 333 more A-C passes being achieved by Perth and Kinross pupils at National 5. The pass rate for National 5s in Perth and Kinross is also higher than both the Scottish average and comparator local authorities.

    Councillors also heard how the poverty-related attainment gap for primary pupils in P1, P4 and P7 has improved by 1% for reading and writing; grown by 1% in listening and talking and remained at the same level for numeracy, compared to last year`s figures.

    Councillors also heard how significant strides have been made in supporting children and young people affected by poverty and those who are care-experienced.

    The Scottish Attainment Challenge Funding Update 2024 highlights targeted improvement activities in literacy, numeracy, and health and wellbeing, aimed at closing the poverty-related attainment gap.

    The report outlines the measures implemented through Strategic Equity Funding (SEF), Pupil Equity Funding (PEF), and Care Experienced Children and Young People’s Funding (CECYPF).

    Learning and Families Convener Councillor John Rebbeck said: “We want every child and young person in Perth and Kinross to have the best start in life, which is why closing the attainment gap is a priority.

    “There have been significant successes made in Perth and Kinross to closing the attainment gap and it is important we recognise that good work.

    “But we will continue to strive to close the gap further and use Pupil Equity Funding, and other sources of funding, appropriately to make this happen.”

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Safe access buffer zones to be implemented for abortion clinics

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Birmingham City Council implemented a public space protection order (PSPO) covering Robert Clinic on Station Road, which has been in place since 7 September 2022 for a period of 3 years.

    The PSPO is now being reviewed with the introduction of buffer zones under the Public Order Act 2023, which come into force on 31 October 2024 as the government moves to bring in stronger safeguarding measures for women accessing these health services.

    Safe access buffer zones will make it illegal for anyone to do anything that intentionally or recklessly influences someone’s decision to use abortion services, obstructs them, or causes harassment or distress to someone using or working at these premises. The law will apply within a 150-metre radius of the abortion service provider.

    The College of Policing and Crown Prosecution Service will publish guidance for police and prosecutors ahead of 31 October, to ensure there is clarity and consistency with the enforcement of the new offence.

    The activities prohibited under the current PSPO include:

    • Protesting, namely engaging in any act or attempted act of approval or disapproval, with respect to issues related to abortion services, by any means. This includes but is not limited to graphic, verbal or written means, prayer or counselling,
    • Interfering, or attempting to interfere, whether verbally or physically, with a Robert Clinic service user, visitor or member of staff,
    • Intimidating or harassing, or attempting to intimidate or harass, a Robert Clinic service user, visitor or a member of staff,
    • Recording or photographing a Robert Clinic service user, visitor or member of staff or,
    • Displaying any text or images relating directly or indirectly to the termination of pregnancy.

    If a person does not comply with the order they commit an offence, which could result in sanctions which include a fixed penalty notice, up to a level 3 fine.

    Introducing abortion clinic safe access zones

    This measure introduces safe access zones around abortion clinics, where interference with any person’s decision to access, provide, or facilitate the provision of abortion services within the 150-metre zone is an offence.

    The police will have powers to enforce the safe access zones, and an offence will carry an unlimited fine.

    Birmingham City Council Community Safety Team are working with West Midlands Police to ensure the transition of the PSPO to the buffer zones is completed so that there is no impact of staff and visitors to the clinic.

    Counillor Nicky Brennan, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, said: “It is important that women are not harassed when visiting the Robert Clinic for health care, as they deserve privacy and understanding during what must be a difficult time for them.

    “Birmingham City Council welcomes the governments safeguarding measures for women who need access to this vital service which women should be able to use without intrusion or intimidation.

    “The buffer zones will hopefully deter anyone from protesting, interfering or intimidating service users and make their visits easier to cope with.”

    For more information about the PSPO, visit Birmingham City Council’s website.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Report 12/2024: Collision between a road-rail vehicle and a trolley near Brading

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    RAIB has today released its report into a collision between a road-rail vehicle and a trolley near Brading, Isle of Wight, 22 November 2023.

    The site of the accident near to Brading.

    R122024_241024_Brading

    PDF, 9.69 MB, 41 pages

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    Summary

    At around 01:50 on Wednesday 22 November 2023, a road-rail vehicle, travelling in a work site, collided with a hand trolley being used by a work group on the Isle of Wight’s Island Line. The road-rail vehicle was being used to clear vegetation and was travelling between its work locations when the collision occurred.

    The road-rail vehicle was approaching the work group, who were repairing the track, on a descending gradient and was unable to stop before their site of work. When members of the work group realised that the road-rail vehicle was not stopping, they removed tools and equipment from the trolley and lifted it off the track. However, once removed, the trolley was inadvertently left too close to the track and remained foul of the road-rail vehicle’s path. The road-rail vehicle then collided with the hand trolley.

    As a result of the collision, the trolley struck two members of the track repair work group on the legs, pushing them into bushes beside the track. Both received minor injuries, attended hospital independently later that day and were then discharged. The collision was caused because the controller of site safety responsible for the track work group had not been informed of the road-rail vehicle’s movement before it approached, and because the road-rail vehicle was unable to stop in the expected distance once the machine operator realised the work group was ahead.

    Two underlying factors were that South Western Railway, the infrastructure manager for the track on the Island Line, did not have an effective process for planning and managing the risk of on-track plant movements, or for managing low adhesion risk for maintenance activities. A third underlying factor was that South Western Railway’s assurance processes had not identified informal working arrangements in possessions.

    Since the accident, South Western Railway has updated its risk assessment for machine movements and introduced new control measures to specifically manage the risks of conflicting sites of work within work sites and possessions. It has also addressed the deficiencies found within its assurance process for monitoring how possessions are managed.

    Recommendations

    As a result of the investigation, RAIB has made three recommendations, all addressed to South Western Railway. The first is to review how it manages safety during infrastructure work on the Island Line. The second is to review its assurance processes and the third is to provide its infrastructure maintenance staff and contractors with accurate information about its infrastructure.

    Additionally, three learning points have been identified. The first reinforces the importance of transport undertakings and on-track plant operators applying industry codes of practice in the event of an accident or incident involving on-track plant. The second concerns the importance of promptly reporting notifiable accidents to RAIB, and the third the importance of well-established process and procedure for dealing with post‑accident or incident evidence collection and testing.

    Notes to editors

    1. The sole purpose of RAIB investigations is to prevent future accidents and incidents and improve railway safety. RAIB does not establish blame, liability or carry out prosecutions.

    2. RAIB operates, as far as possible, in an open and transparent manner. While our investigations are completely independent of the railway industry, we do maintain close liaison with railway companies and if we discover matters that may affect the safety of the railway, we make sure that information about them is circulated to the right people as soon as possible, and certainly long before publication of our final report.

    3. For media enquiries, please call 01932 440015.

    Newsdate: 24 October 2024

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Environment Agency increasing trout and eels in New Forest

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Sea trout and eels can now access more habitats in the New Forest after Environment Agency fits fish pass made from natural materials

    The new fish pass will help sea trout and eels move upstream.

    The Environment Agency has improved access for sea trout and eels in the upper reaches of the New Forest’s Highland Water ecosystem.  

    A bespoke structure has been built to create more favourable conditions for fish to migrate upstream over a wider range of water levels and flows. The fish can now access over 2km of habitat under a greater range of flows.  

    The multi-species fish pass was constructed where the stream passes under the A31 through a culvert onto a weir, which previously made migration more challenging. 

    The new fish pass will greet eels who have travelled 4,000 miles from the north-west Atlantic Ocean.

    Vicky Gravestock, a fisheries officer with the Environment Agency, said:  

    The barrage structures, used to ease migration, have been designed to help both sea trout and eels move upstream over a wider flow range, increasing successful migration. We hope we have played our small part in the lifecycle of these fish by making more habitat available to continue their journey.  

    We had to meet strict standards to deliver these works in the New Forest because it is a protected site. During construction, we used natural materials, which were in keeping with and sympathetic to their surroundings. We were able to use the in-house skills of our wood workshop in Rye, in East Sussex, and then apply the skills of our field team to tailor and fit the structures on site. 

    The success of the project will continue to be assessed as part of the Environment Agency’s fish-monitoring programme in Hampshire, Sussex and on the Isle of Wight, next summer. At the end of this year, the sea trout redds, which are nests created to lay their eggs, will also be counted.   

    Sea trout are known to spawn throughout the New Forest. The fish enter the river system from the Solent, in late spring making the journey upstream to spawn in December. Some of them migrate out to sea as smolts, or young trout, live their adult lives at sea and then return to freshwater to spawn again.  

    Eels spawn in the Sargasso Sea in the north-west Atlantic Ocean. From there, they journey 4,000 miles over two years to Europe. Once they reach freshwater estuaries, they turn into young eels, known as elvers, up to 12cm long and swim up into rivers. Here they can live for up to 20 years, before returning to the Sargasso Sea as mature adults to spawn.

    How it was before the fish pass went in. Conditions were less favourable for migration.

    Background: 

    Contact us:

    Journalists only: 0800 141 2743 or communications_se@environment-agency.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ministers aim to create ‘top destination for women’s sport investment’

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Four Welsh organisations benefit from a UK government investment scheme as UK Government ministers seek to create a ‘top destination’ for women’s sport.

    Cricket ball next to a boundary rope.

    • Four Welsh organisations benefit from UK government investment scheme as ministers seek to create ‘top destination’ for women’s sport.
    • The Genero Adran Football League, Cardiff Dragons netball team, Celtic Challenge Rugby Union competition and England and Wales Women’s Cricket are all beneficiaries of the scheme.
    • Welsh Secretary says: “It’s really important that the UK Government develops schemes like this to make sure our female sportspeople get the investment they need to achieve success.”

    Four Welsh women’s sport organisations are set for a boost after being named as part of a UK Government scheme to grow investment in elite women’s clubs and leagues as part of a new pledge to make the UK the world’s top destination for women’s sport investment.

    The Department for Business and Trade will today [Wednesday 23rd October] launch the 2024-25 Women’s Sport Investment Accelerator scheme, which will bring over 20 elite leagues, competitions and teams together with investors and industry experts to help them secure transformational investment and sponsorships.

    It will provide them with comprehensive market insights, seminars, connections and networking opportunities over a series of sessions, led by the Department for Business and Trade in collaboration with Deloitte, which will give them the tools and expert insight to help them attract investment and grow their business.

    Elite rightsholders in Wales, the Genero Adran League, Cardiff Dragons, Celtic Challenge and England and Wales Women’s Cricket have been named to take part in the scheme. The announcement will be made at a sport investment conference at Rothschild & Co today, involving leaders from major UK sports and some the world’s most prominent international investors.

    Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, said:

    Wales has a proud history of producing world class female athletes and it’s fantastic to see this scheme being set up to encourage investment in women’s sport and help develop the stars of the future.

    Women’s sport has long been underfunded to it’s really important that the UK Government develops schemes like this to make sure our female sportspeople get the investment they need to achieve success.

    Wales Netball & Cardiff Dragons CEO, Vicki Sutton, said:

    Being part of the Department of Business and Trade and Deloitte Programme for the last year has been incredibly beneficial for netball in Wales and for my development and understanding as a leader in the sports sector.

    Women’s sport is on the rise and this programme has come at exactly the right time to compliment the worldwide movement currently in progress.

    Minister for Investment Poppy Gustafsson said: 

    The UK is already an elite home of women’s sport, and my goal is to make us the top destination for women’s sport investment.  

    The launch of this scheme, a week after our record-breaking International Investment Summit, shows the UK is truly the best place to do business in this fast-growing industry. 

    Off the back of the latest figures showing the industry could be worth over £1 billion this year, I’m looking forward to speaking to investors and clubs, leagues and teams today about how the Accelerator can drive this growth even further.” 

    Deloitte Sports Business Group Lead Partner Tim Bridge said:

    We’re witnessing a surge in investment opportunities within women’s sport. The rise of dedicated funds and brand sponsorships for women’s and girls’ clubs, leagues and competitions signals a powerful shift.

    The Accelerator programme has been built to connect investors and brands with these opportunities, showcasing the strength and remarkable growth potential of women’s sport. This influx of investment will be instrumental in driving professionalisation and boosting participation across the UK, creating a lasting impact for women’s sport at all levels while delivering significant economic returns.

    The scheme will capitalise on the rapid growth of the women’s sport industry, which is expected to be worth over £1 billion by the end of the year according to Deloitte, marking a 300 percent increase since 2021.

    The Government’s pledge to make the UK the top destination for women’s sport investment comes after the record-breaking International Investment Summit held just last week, which secured £63 billion of private investment into the UK which will create over 38,000 new jobs across the country.

    Full list of the elite sports represented in the 2024-25 Women’s Sport Investment Accelerator: 

    • Football 
    • Cricket 
    • Rugby union 
    • Rugby league 
    • Tennis 
    • Golf 
    • Netball 
    • Volleyball 
    • Cycling

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Derby celebrates over a decade of Purple Flag status

    Source: City of Derby

    With October marking Purple Flag Month, Derby is celebrating over 10 years of holding the Purple Flag accreditation. The city was first awarded the purple flag in July 2013 for its city centre evening and night-time economy.

    The Purple Flag recognises towns and cities that provide a safe, welcoming, and well-managed night-time economy, similar to the Blue Flag for beaches and the Green Flag for parks. The Purple Flag is only accredited to towns and cities that are welcoming to everyone, offer safe ways for visitors to travel home, provide a good mix of venues, and are appealing after dark.

    With safety being a top priority, the accreditation means that Derby has benefitted from more visitors, lower crime and anti-social behaviour, and a safer city centre. It also recognises the hard work that goes on both on the streets and the planning from local authorities to make the city centre safer at night.

    Visitors and residents who go on nights out in Derby can benefit from increased safety, such as the teams of volunteers and workers who give up their weekends to keep people safe. Street pastors, BID wardens, taxi marshals, licensing officers, Derbyshire Police, door staff, ambulance crews and CCTV operators also work together to ensure the safety of Derby’s visitors and residents.

    Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Public Safety and Leisure said:

    I am proud to be a cabinet member of a city that has repeatedly met the high standards required for the Purple Flag status. For over a decade, Derby has been recognised as a city that puts in hard work and collaboration, from local authorities to volunteers, to ensure the safety of everyone at night.

    This recognition, for over 10 years, shows that together, we gave created an evening and night-time economy that is vibrant and safe, and we are committed to going even further in the future to ensure the safety of everyone, particularly women and girls in our city.

    Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, said:

    I am incredibly happy to be celebrating Purple Flag Month. I am also proud that Derby has retained its status of being a Purple Flag city for over a decade now. Through a partnership effort, our teams have been working hard to ensure that Derby remains a safe city for all. This year we have also invested £147,679 of government funding in new CCTV cameras in the city centre to make everyone, particularly women and girls, feel safer at night.

    I look forward to working further on the city centre’s safety and ensuring that Derby is a safe and welcoming city for all. We have an ambition to use the next application as a launch pad to go beyond the Purple Flag standard and do even more for community safety.

    Derby City Council is currently in the process of reapplying for the Purple Flag status, and the council remains confident that the city’s vibrant and well-managed night-time economy will once again meet the high standards required. The reapplication process will be an opportunity for the Council to showcase its ongoing efforts to prioritising safety at night, particularly for women and girls.

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