Industry News
LDA: Green Expectations sets out London's low carbon job prospects from 2008/09 to 2012/13. London Development Agency Director of Employment, Stephen Evans, said: "Green Expectations provides a blueprint for future job growth in London's low carbon sector, enabling us to identify job growth in this sector and develop a series of innovative projects to help workless Londoners to benefit."
"Working closely with central and local government and London business we will be using the findings of this report to build on our Low Carbon Employment and Skills Programme and increase job opportunities in this sector across the capital."
Press release ~ Green Expectations ~ LDA: Labour market research and intelligence ~ LDA's Low Carbon Employment and Skills Programme ~ Skills for a Low Carbon London: Summary Report & Recommendations on the Skills Gaps in the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Sector in London ~ RE:NEW
DfT: Mass market electric cars moved a step closer last week as Transport Secretary, Philip Hammond, awarded £24m to further develop the UK's low carbon vehicle capability. The 6 winning projects - which together with contributions from business will receive total funding of £52m - are part of the latest Technology Strategy Board competition (see press release for details of winners).
Projects include the development of new engines for plug-in hybrid versions of Nissan, Lotus and Jaguar Land Rover cars, a lightweight electric bin wagon, development of lightweight materials for vehicle weight reduction, and new technologies using thermal energy to improve vehicle performance.
The Government also set out the eligibility criteria for its Plug-in Car Grant. Under the scheme motorists will receive a grant of up to £5,000 to purchase electric, plug-in hybrid or hydrogen fuelled cars. In order to be eligible, cars must meet appropriate safety standards and must have been crash tested. They must also meet minimum range & performance criteria.
Press release ~ Office for Low Emission Vehicles ~ Low Carbon Vehicles Innovation Platform ~ DfT: Low carbon and electric vehicles
BS: Buying Solutions are pleased to announce that an aggregated eAuction programme of events up to March 2011 is now available and can be viewed here. .
Fully funded & managed eAuctions taking place in October 2010 include mobiles, carbon offsetting, office supplies and facilities management services. If you are interested in joining any of our eAuctions please visit their dedicated eAuction web pages and complete the Expression of Interest form.
If you would like to attend a Viewing Room to see how a live eAuction works please let them know by sending us an email.
CLG: Councils that are offering MOTs rather than wielding the wheel clamp and waging war on motorists are showing how it is possible to earn income and save their residents money, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said last week.
Across the country there are hundreds of council run MOT test centres which are used to check council vehicles like buses for their safety and roadworthiness. These centres can also open their doors to the public and because these council run garages only offer tests, not repairs, customers can feel assured that there is no hidden agenda for extra trade.
Council MOTs are just one example of local authorities using their resources to generate income. Others case studies, provided by the Association of Public Service Excellence, include:
* Tree inspections for insurers
*Highways maintenance - dropped kerbs
CLG: A new package of practical advice & training for traditional market traders was announced in a speech to the industry by Coalition Markets Minister, Andrew Stunell last week – See ‘Guidance Notes & Best Practice Guides’ section for more information.
.gif)
