British innovators working to revolutionise 5G and broadband coverage for every corner of the UK could be in line to secure up to £160 million from a scheme to deliver the next generation of high-tech satellites, Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan announced today. Low Earth Orbit satellites represent the next generation of space technology, offering unparalleled resilience and resistance to disabling attempts. Their vital importance was demonstrated during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, when they ensured continuous and reliable connectivity, even in the most challenging circumstances. The Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit scheme (CLEO) would build on our country’s established and growing satellites industry by providing UK researchers and businesses with critical support to drive the development of new constellations. This would include supporting smarter satellites with better hardware, using AI to make data delivery faster and connecting satellites together for improved connection – all creating interconnected networks serving billions worldwide. The proposed scheme would ensure UK businesses are supported in developing the next generation of low Earth orbit satellites, driving the UK’s thriving satellite industry towards global leadership. The development would mark the UK’s most significant ever investment in satellite communications, unleashing our country’s potential to become global giants of the satellite industry while creating hundreds of highly skilled jobs to boost the Prime Minister’s priority of growing our economy. This package would be complemented by a range of live 5G integration projects such as the 5G testing facility at ESCAT in Harwell, Oxfordshire, aiming to establish networks in underserved and remote areas, bringing high-speed internet and connections to every single part of the UK, while addressing a major priority to improve Future Telecoms, as laid out in the government’s Science and Technology Framework. Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said: “Tackling the digital divide is at the heart of empowering our citizens wherever they live, and by investing in the vital research and development that CLEO would facilitate, we can level up our country while growing the economy through high-quality jobs.

“This proposed record investment is also potentially a huge opportunity to harness our reputation as a world leader in innovation and R&D investment, supporting leading UK businesses to deliver the next generation of satellites and positioning the UK as true space superpower.”

To propel the UK’s capabilities and long-term ambitions in the space sector, the government is exploring grant funding of up to £100 million. The government is also exploring whether to support this grant funding with an additional £60 million from the European Space Agency’s (ESA) UK-backed Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme, which supports UK industry in delivering commercial satellite communications infrastructure. The scheme would establish UK leadership in many critical areas for the next generation of LEO satellite communication technologies such as AI and machine learning.

Gareth Harris and Lee Lockwood of RSM UK Restructuring Advisory LLP have been appointed joint administrators of Fresh Pastures Limited and School Milk UK Limited. Established in 2006, Normanton-based Fresh Pastures and School Milk supplied diary and breakfast products to thousands of schools, nurseries and councils within 14 local authorities across the UK; and employed 66 employees. The decision to appoint administrators was made by directors due to difficult ongoing trading conditions and all employees have been made redundant. RSM was advised by Matthew Brown and Niall Crossley at Gateley LLP. Gareth Harris, partner at RSM and joint administrator, said: “Unfortunately the business has been loss making for several years, and despite concerted efforts by management it did not prove possible to turnaround performance; or find a buyer for the entire business. “With further losses predicted over the summer and a large funding requirement imminent, the directors took the difficult decision to close. Schools have broken up for the summer, so we are hopeful that they now have some time to find an alternative supplier before the Autumn term starts.”

A Dewsbury-based forklift and warehouse equipment dealership is set to increase its turnover by a fifth after introducing Net Zero lithium-ion vehicles, thanks to support from Lloyds Bank. Forktruck Solutions sells and repairs forklift trucks and warehouse equipment to customers across the UK. In a bid to become more sustainable, it decided to pivot its business strategy post-pandemic from selling only gas and diesel-powered vehicles to offer lithium-ion forklift trucks. To store and process the new carbon zero stock, the company secured £600,000 from Lloyds Bank to expand its warehouse by 31% from 4,000 sq ft to 13,000 sq ft. A further £56,250 of funding from Lloyds Bank was used to install solar panels, six electric car charging stations for employees, LED lighting throughout its warehouse and offices, and two living moss walls to help improve air quality. Since expanding the premises, the business has employed six new salespeople, three service support employees and four engineers. The business has also increased its turnover from £1.1million to £7million over the past three years. Now, it is targeting 20% growth per year and forecasts a £15-20million turnover in the next five years. Simon Penny Smith, Managing Director of Forktruck Solutions, said: “While lockdown caused great disruption to the business, we used the time to take stock of what we were offering and what our customers wanted. “There was an increasing demand for more sustainable vehicles, so we decided to introduce the lithium-ion technology to our customer base and beyond. Since, the business has gone from strength to strength and our customers are reaping the benefits with huge savings on fuel and massive carbon reductions in their operations. “From increasing productivity to saving around 10-15 tonnes of carbon each year, the new trucks will also save our customers about 70% in fuel cost alone compared to traditional forklift trucks. Thanks to Lloyds Bank, we’ve been able to really focus on becoming more sustainable and now have the space to stock the new lithium forklift trucks. “The support has also allowed us to look ahead and embrace sustainable opportunities on-site. For us, it’s important we practice what we preach and operate in the most energy-efficient way possible.” Craig Smith, relationship manager for Lloyds Banking Group, said: “We are proud to be supporting a business like Forktruck Solutions that realises the long-term benefits of operating more sustainably. “The firm is now providing customers with a greener alternative while also reducing its own carbon emissions, a perfect example of how a business can help our region on the road to Net Zero. “We’ll continue to be by the side of Forktruck Solutions, and other sustainably-minded businesses across the region, and look forward to supporting them as they continue on their sustainable journey.”

Williamsons Solicitors has acquired a criminal law practice in a deal regarded as a “coup.” Hull-based Amber Solicitors LLP, comprising well-known solicitors Ian Phillip and Richard Fowler, became part of Williamsons on August 1. Both firms have a reputation in criminal law spanning decades, with Williamsons Solicitors providing a broader range of private client services via its offices in Hull, Driffield and Bridlington. Acting head of Williamsons’ criminal law department Marc Pollard said that clients from the two firms would benefit from the enhanced combination of skills and experience. “Both Ian and Richard have a fantastic reputation and they will fit in perfectly as we have a shared ideology and an established relationship through many years of working in Hull and surrounding areas. It’s a real coup for us and we are very excited to have them on board.” Richard Fowler and Ian Phillip started Amber Solicitors in the late 1990s, rapidly gaining a reputation for challenging authority and fighting for the underdog. Ian became one of the youngest solicitor advocates in the city and has worked on many high-profile cases, with Richard mainly working “at the coal face” of criminal law. Richard Fowler said: “We are very proud of our reputation, so it was important that we became part of an equally well-respected and principled firm. It will also provide Ian and I with the opportunity to give back a little by helping a new generation of criminal lawyers through Williamsons’ excellent training schemes.” He added that joining Williamsons would allow for expansion and the ability to provide clients with “global” representation through Williamsons Solicitors’ wide range of law services. Neil Waterhouse, Williamsons Solicitors’ operations director, said that growth of criminal law departments was uncommon in the current era of cuts to legal aid. “With the acquisition of Amber, we now have combined expertise which is unrivalled locally. We provide an essential service to people who are in urgent need of expert legal representation, and it is vital that we ensure its longevity through smart ways of working and providing career opportunities.”