Latest news with #EmmaBaker
BBC News
18-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Defence firms 'confident' hundreds more jobs will come
Hundreds more jobs will come to firms supplying the armed forces as the government increases spending on defence, according to company Baker, policy chief at the defence industry group ADS, said they "are anticipating a lot more work" from government than 40,000 people work for companies in the defence sector in the South West, relying on Ministry of Defence (MoD) contracts for their are gathering at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) in Gloucestershire, the biggest military air show in the world."We haven't seen orders coming through yet," said Seb Greene, Chief Executive of Bristol-based Broadway Group."We're confident it is coming, but these things do take time to come through to us." One of the big draws at RIAT are the helicopters from Yeovil, often flying the famous Somerset helicopter factory, they listen carefully when the Prime Minister talks about increasing defence 3,000 people work at the historic plant, now run by Leonardo they are waiting for the final seal on a £1bn deal to supply the RAF with over 20 new helicopters. The contract will "create or secure over 3,000 jobs" in Yeovil, according to the are no other firms left bidding for the contract, but the deal is all now bound up in the government's review of defence spending, and procurement. Meanwhile, hundreds more young apprentices and graduate engineers are being recruited."I absolutely love it," AJ McKenzie told me, beaming. "Wouldn't change a thing about it."Born and bred in Yeovil, the 20-year-old signed up for an apprenticeship a year now works on the team that maintain the gearboxes for the helicopters flown by the Royal Navy and RAF."Taking things apart, putting them back together, there's a lot of 'why does that not work?', rather than just 'it doesn't work, put it in the bin'. It's so satisfying." Not all the work in this helicopter factory involves a spanner and engine grease. Hundreds work in sophisticated digital engineering, like Chrissy Smith. She has worked here for 36 year since joining as a technical assistant."Every day is different," she she is demonstrating the 'Digital Twin', a high performance simulator which allows pilots to learn the controls in the safety and comfort of a is well aware that her team's work is responsible for keeping aircrew alive in extreme situations."I'm proud to be part of something that will protect and secure the nation, that's why I'm proud to work for Leonardo," she now, Chrissy, AJ and thousands of others can only wait while the Ministry of Defence considers the order for their new industry leaders are confident that when it does come, the MoD review will mean more work."We are anticipating a lot more work," said Emma Baker, from the trade body ADS."It is clear from the government that a lot needs to be done to increase industrial capacity."And it's not just the UK. Across Europe, defence budgets are also rising." Dozens of small firms are also waiting for the government to decide what it wants to buy more a small, nondescript trading estate in East Bristol, you could walk right by Broadway inside, and engineers are making high precision parts for jet engines. These too will be flown by RAF pilots, at supersonic speed. Extreme accuracy is Greene, Broadway's Chief Executive, said that defence contracts had kept the firm going through the pandemic."Commercial orders just fell off a cliff," he explained. "Everyone stopped flying. But defence work carried on, crucially."The firm has grown from 80 staff to 180 on the back of military contracts, and now hires four apprentices each year, and a graduate too. Nanditha Gampala studied for a Business Masters degree, and then landed a job at Broadway Group. She was keen to point out that jobs in the sector are not only for engineers."Aerospace has something for people with different backgrounds, different qualifications, there's so much variety. So don't pigeonhole yourself, there really is something for everyone here."If, when, the MoD finally publishes its shopping list of new kit for the expanded armed forces, many of the contracts will land in companies like the South West of England, 130 firms work on military jobs, employing 44,000 people already. For now, they are waiting for Whitehall."These things do take time," said Seb Greene, smiling ruefully. "But we are confident the contracts will come, and we will be able to invest in more technology and crucially, more people."
BBC News
16-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Channel Islanders reminded of MMR vaccination following UK death
Parents and carers in the Channel Islands are being asked to protect themselves and their children with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) reminder comes following the death of a child in the UK over the weekend who contracted early signs of measles are similar to those of many common childhood illnesses. Jersey's government said to look our for cold-like symptoms, sore, red eyes, a high temperature and a red blotchy Health Protection Nurse Advisor Emma Baker said the MMR vaccine was "the safest and most effective way to protect yourself". She said: "While Jersey has reassuring MMR vaccination coverage, we know a small number of islanders have not had both doses. "This puts them at risk, so I encourage all islanders to make sure that they and their children are fully vaccinated."Ms Baker added: "Measles is circulating in parts of the UK and Europe, so please before you travel, we are calling all parents and guardians to make sure their children are up to date with their two MMR doses." Vaccine 'strongly encouraged' The States of Guernsey said it was aware of high measles cases in parts of the UK and in said the disease could cause serious problems if it spread to other parts of the body, including pneumonia, meningitis, blindness and seizures. Dr Nicola Brink, Director of Public Health, said the MMR vaccine was available free of charge for those up to the age of said: "Our data demonstrates that the number of children receiving two doses of a measles containing vaccine is reassuringly high. "However, we know that some families have chosen not to have their children vaccinated against measles and we would like to take this opportunity to strongly encourage them to take up this offer. "This is particularly important with the circulation of measles in neighbouring jurisdictions, and the possibility that many people are travelling over the summer break."
South Wales Argus
25-06-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
RSPCA: Hedgehogs most likely to need help in summer
The RSPCA revealed the finding as part of its 2025 Animal Kindness Index, which also showed that more than half of people in Wales are unsure what to do if they find injured or sick wildlife. In response, the charity has launched a new 'Local Animal Hero' guide and training video, featuring RSPCA animal rescue officer Emma Baker, to help the public assist small wildlife and pets safely. Dr Mya-Rose Craig, RSPCA supporter, ornithologist and environmentalist, said: "The RSPCA's Animal Kindness Index shows that while many people in Wales want to do their bit, many would struggle to know what to do if they came across an animal in need. "By learning to become a Local Animal Hero, anyone can find out what to do if they find a sick or injured animal who needs help. "Learning how to safely handle small wildlife or pets and building a rescue box to keep in your car can make a big difference for animals." Last year, the RSPCA cared for more than 47,000 animals, including 9,546 hedgehogs, 6,521 wood pigeons, and 3,806 mallard ducks.
Leader Live
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Leader Live
Silent protest greets Bishop at centre of catholic super-school plans
Protestors from St David's School Action Group originally planned to picket the meeting - which Bishop Peter Brignall was expected to attend - at St David's Church Hall in Mold. Late last week the venue for the meeting of the Safeguarding Trustee Sub-Committee was changed to Buckley's Our Lady of the Rosary Church. Nevertheless 12 parents and their children stationed themselves outside the church hall in Buckley to express their opposition to plans to close four catholic schools in Flintshire - St David's, St Anthony's in Saltney and St Mary's and St Richard Gwyn in Flint - and replace them with a single super-school for pupils aged three-18. Parents and supporters of St David\'s Catholic Primary School - including chair of governors Emma Baker (right) - conducting their silent protest against plans to close St David's to build a super-school in Flint. (Image: St David's School Action Group) They brandished placards with slogans opposing the school plans and explained their position when asked by members of the committee as they went into the meeting. One pupil was even filmed handing a leaflet explaining parents' opposition to the scheme to the Bishop himself - although he did not stop to speak to the protesters. Silent protest greets Bishop at centre of catholic super-school planshttps:// #Catholicsuperschool #schooclosure #dioceseofwrexham /p> "With the meeting location changed late in the day thankfully we were able to get some of the group to Buckley," said St David's Action Group member Sarah Cunningham. "There was a lot of interest from those attending the meeting, asking why we were there. Surprisingly a number were not aware of the super-school plans and were shocked when we explained what they were. "A number of individuals, including members of the clergy, pledged their support to us. Hopefully it was raised in the meeting too." Read more: The action is the latest in a series of efforts by parents at St David's and St Anthony's to save their schools from closure and force the Diocese and Flintshire County Council to reconsider the plans. According to the proposal 85% of the cost of the £55 million super-school will be funded by the Welsh Government through it's Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme with the remaining 15% coming from the Diocese of Wrexham. The Diocese's contribution will be made by giving up the land at St David's and St Anthony's for development. If the plans go ahead St Anthony's will close in September 2026 with the other three schools closing once the new school is built on the site of St Richard Gwyn and St Mary's. The Diocese of Wrexham was approached for a comment. A public consultation on the plans will be opened on or before June 3 for 42 days.
