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Power from coal: is this the new normal?

08 Sep 2021

Yesterday's trending news story about the GB electricity system operator bringing a coal-fired power station into service has really sparked discussion around 2050 targets. We are in the run-up to COP26 in Glasgow, yet yesterday we also saw an inquiry start into a new coal mine in Cumbria. The idea that the UK using a coal-fired plant being newsworthy is in itself interesting, given that in Q1 2006 40% of all our electricity was generated using coal plants and that as recently as 2016 the figure for the whole year was reduced to 9%.

Cargo ships in a harbour waiting to unload their containers.

Freeports success will be linked to regional and global USPs

29 Jul 2021

Tom White, innovation architect at Connected Places Catapult, provides his insights on the potential of Freeports. White notes that regions must develop their own regional and global USPs to drive investment, but a challenge is coordinating what each region is going for.

Brittany Ferries CEO on Freeports: clarity and collaboration required

24 Jul 2021

John Napton, CEO of Brittany Ferries, believes in Freeport's potential, but is conscious of the collaborative work that will have to be done to ensure its success. "In order for Freeports to work, those operating in logistics and across the supply chain need to collaborate", says Napton.

Identifying trade structure and contractual arrangements essential

23 Jul 2021

Malcolm Dowden, Legal Director, offers his insights on Freeports and the economic recovery plan.

Bigger than just ports: Gary Chapman on Freeports

22 Jul 2021

Gary Chapman, Co-head of North regions and Director of industrials and infrastructure at Lloyds Bank, notes that the opportunities created by Freeports extend beyond just the ports themselves. Freeports will lead to investment and opportunities within the free zones, but will also lead to challenges regarding security, limited timescale and collaboration.

CEO of British Ports Association on Freeports: expand Freeports status

19 Jul 2021

Richard Ballantyne, Chief Executive of the British Ports Association, is optimistic about the opportunities that Freeports will bring, but would like to see these improved regulatory environments rolled out to other ports to avoid economic displacement.

Freeports not the only tool in the box, says Rob Jenkins

15 Jul 2021

Rob Jenkins, CEO of Barbourne Brook, gives his views on Freeports. Jenkins notes that with the recent changes to customs legislation, businesses need to understand all of their options.

Transport Decarbonisation Plan sets pathway for a cleaner and greener Britain

15 Jul 2021

Commenting on the new Transport Decarbonisation Plan announced yesterday by the Secretary of State for Transport and the Department for Transport, Kevin Bell, transport and infrastructure partner at law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, comments.

Health and safety: key learnings from the pandemic

02 Jul 2021

Our specialist health and safety lawyers reflect on some of the key learnings and principles relating to health and safety risk management arising from queries received during the pandemic. These should act as a reminder of the fundamental principles of effective risk management.

Skills and infrastructure needed: Bill Scott, OBE, on Freeports

29 Jun 2021

Chief executive of Wilton Universal Group, Bill Scott, OBE, is optimistic about the benefits that Freeports could bring to the UK, but is not without reservations. He highlights the preparation that needs to be done, from addressing the skills shortage to investing in the infrastructure of areas where the ports will reside.

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