From Thailand to Wales: A Cheeky Look at UK's Public Sector

Greetings, governance gladiators! Welcome to Public Sector Focus/Pulse, where we monitor the heartbeat of public service (no stethoscope required).

Today’s Agenda includes :

• The UK and Thailand just inked a fancy new trade deal called the Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP). It's like they're taking their economic relationship to the next level – cue the romantic music!🎵

• 💰The UK and Welsh governments are teaming up to pour a whopping £1 billion into Shotton Mill in North Wales. It's like they're giving this old industrial site a fancy makeover, turning it into the UK's biggest recycled paper manufacturer. Talk about a glow-up for Deeside!

• Looks like Argyll and Bute's growth deal just hit a speed bump! 🚗💨 The UK government has put the brakes on a £50 million investment package, leaving local projects in limbo. It's like someone cancelled the area's economic glow-up appointment! 💅❌

The UK and Thailand just inked a fancy new trade deal called the Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP). It's like they're taking their economic relationship to the next level – cue the romantic music!🎵

Here's the lowdown:

• 💼 Economic Potential: Thailand is the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia, with UK-Thailand trade currently worth £5.9 billion annually.

• 🚗 Automotive Sector Benefits: UK car manufacturers can now export to Thailand without retesting emissions, saving time and money.

• 🍽️ Simplified Food Exports: Exporting British food and drinks to Thailand has been streamlined, reducing paperwork.

Who knew international trade could be so exciting? It's like watching "The Bachelor: Economic Edition" – will the UK and Thailand find true (trade) love? Stay tuned! 📺💖

💰The UK and Welsh governments are teaming up to pour a whopping £1 billion into Shotton Mill in North Wales.

Summary :

• 🏗️ Job Bonanza: They're safeguarding 147 jobs and creating 220 more. Looks like

  paper pushing is back in fashion in Wales!

• Green Machine: Shotton Mill is going eco-friendly, recycling wastepaper that would've been shipped overseas or buried. It's like a spa treatment for trash!

• Export Excellence: The mill is expected to boost Welsh and UK paper exports. Time to start writing those international pen pals, folks!💌

Who knew the paper industry could be so exciting? It's like watching paint dry, but with more jobs and a better plot twist!

Looks like Argyll and Bute's growth deal just hit a speed bump! 🚗

3 Key points to take away :

• 💰 Deal on Ice: The UK government's £25 million contribution is now frozen faster than a Scottish winter. ❄️ They're waiting on a financial review before making any moves.

• 🏗️ Projects in Peril: From fancy Pavilion makeovers to Sea Sports facilities, several cool projects are now twiddling their thumbs. 🏊‍♂️🎭

• 🏠 Island Dreams Delayed: Mull and Islay's housing plans are left hanging like a kilt in the wind.

Looks like Argyll and Bute might need to break out the lucky rabbit's foot for this one. Here's hoping their economic fortunes turn around faster than you can say "Loch Lomond"! 🍀🏞️

The heavyweight champion of procurement values 🥊💼

• 🎉 Drumroll, please! Jacobs U.K. Limited has snagged the golden ticket in Hertfordshire's highways and environment services lottery! They've won a contract worth up to a whopping £290 million - that's enough to pave a road to the moon, or at least to the nearest pub!

• 🗓️ Mark your calendars, folks! This epic journey begins on October 1, 2024, and will cruise along for five years. But wait, there's more! If Jacobs plays their cards right, they might enjoy an extended joyride for up to nine more years. Talk about a long-term relationship - it's practically a marriage!

• 💼 Small businesses, rejoice! This contract is SME-friendly. So, if you've got a shovel and a dream, there might be a piece of this infrastructural pie for you too!