City council appoints North to deliver Smart Waste Solution for Edinburgh

The UK’s leading IoT service and solutions provider, North, has been appointed by IT and business consulting firm, CGI, to support the City of Edinburgh Council’s vision to become one of the world’s leading Smart Cities.  

A five-year contract has been agreed to support the Council’s plans to ‘transform the capital into one of the world’s leading Smart Cities’. 

The deal is supported by a European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) grant as part of the ‘Scotland’s 8th City – the Smart City’ programme. City of Edinburgh Council will deliver three projects budgeted at £6.4m, of which £2.5m is part of the ERDF grant. Funding secured by the Council from Zero Waste Scotland through its Recycling Improvement Fund will also be used towards the scheme.  

The development of a Smart City Operations Centre will transform and enhance city management and the citizen experience by utilising data captured through a range of emerging technologies to drive transformational change’. 

Driven by CGI’s industry-leading Smart City Platform, North was selected by CGI to provide the Smart Waste sensors and to provide connectivity for the solution through the IoT Scotland network, the most advanced Internet of Things (IoT) network in the UK. 

Intelligent sensor data will now be used to develop and drive improvements for better waste management, transmitted using North’s IoT Scotland network, allowing the City of Edinburgh Council to improve services across the city. 

The project will see North provision 11,000 smart waste sensors in waste containers throughout the city. The state-of-the-art technology will enable clever waste management by detecting waste levels and predicting usage trends, enabling the Council to optimise waste collection and manage routes more efficiently.

The smart technology will assist in creating a cleaner and greener city and will help reduce the Council’s environmental impact.  

The IoT Scotland network will also be used to transmit data for other critical services to enhance the council’s digital vision.  In parallel with the waste project the council will roll-out a digitally enabled proactive service for Social Housing across the city, using the IoT Scotland network.  

This solution will capture insightful data through real-time management and monitoring of the conditions in social housing properties.  The proactive approach for the maintenance of properties and asset management will deliver efficiencies for the council while enhancing the living conditions of their residents and improving wellbeing. 

Commenting on the partnership, City of Edinburgh Council Deputy Leader, Cammy Day, said: “Edinburgh has big ambitions for becoming a world-leading Smart City – a digitally inclusive, sustainable and connected Capital with services easily accessible by all of our residents no matter where they are.  

“The use of intelligent sensors will help us to deliver a more digitally-enabled proactive service and address many of the challenges a rapidly growing city like Edinburgh faces and will support our work towards providing clean and green communities, meeting our net zero targets and improving living conditions and wellbeing for all.” 

Scott McEwan, Chief Commercial Officer at North, said: “Edinburgh is one of seven Scottish cities working collaboratively on a Smart City programme. The introduction of the Smart City Platform will enable the Council to reach its ambitions efficiently and North is proud to accelerate this vision. 

“The use of technology to introduce intelligent waste management services will create a cost-efficient solution to everyday duties, whilst improving the streetscape and health of communities, and increasing sustainability.  Working with CGI, the roll-out of the smart waste scheme is an important step that will help Edinburgh reach its ambitions.” 

Tara McGeehan, UK & Australia President at CGI, said: “Edinburgh is a vibrant and diverse capital city that is home to more than 518,000 citizens and CGI has been the primary provider of transformational ICT services to the City of Edinburgh Council since 2015. 

“We very much look forward to taking Edinburgh’s vision of a Smart City and making it real through our innovative use of technology, analytics and data. Together, we will turn Edinburgh into one of the world’s leading Smart Cities.” 

Serious assault in city centre: Police release CCTV images

Police Scotland has released images of a man they believe may hold information which might assist in relation to a serious assault that occurred at South St Andrew Street, Edinburgh around 12.50am on Friday, 27 August, 2021.

The man pictured is described as white, aged 18-25, of slim build with medium length light brown hair. He is wearing a distinctive black tracksuit top with three white vertical stripes down the centre and a large gold emblem on the back with jeans and grey trainers.

Detective Sergeant James Berry said: “I would urge the male, or anyone who has information relating to the male, depicted in the images to make contact with the police.

“Members of the public can contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting reference 0187 of 27 August, 2021. Alternatively, calls can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Supporting participation: Open Government Action Plan published

Public to participate in decisions on health and climate change

Openness, transparency and citizen participation are at the heart of a new National Action Plan to strengthen co-operation between government and wider society.

Scotland’s Open Government Action Plan 2021-25, has been drawn up with Scotland’s Open Government Network – a coalition of citizens and civil society organisations.

It will focus on involving people in decisions on making data open and accessible across key areas of government and understanding how public finances work.

It will also allow people to participate in decision making on tackling the climate emergency and improving health and social care.

A key first step in this Action Plan is the publication of the Institutionalising Participatory and Deliberative Democracy (IPDD) Working Group report.

It was set up to respond to the need for new infrastructure and processes to make sure people can routinely be involved in government decisions and to set up new Citizens’ Assemblies.

The Working Group recommendations include identifying how participatory processes have impact, independence and accountability; and providing guidance on how to design and run Citizens’ Assemblies.

Minister for Parliamentary Business and Co-Chair of the Open Government Steering Group, George Adam said: “This Action Plan sets out our most ambitious commitments yet to create an open, transparent and accountable government, strengthening public trust in our institutions, producing better public services and a better quality of life for everyone.

“I am confident the commitments in the plan will continue to drive improvement to ensure decision-making is open and accessible to the people of Scotland and that we enable meaningful public scrutiny.

“Tackling the climate emergency and improving health and social care are huge challenges faced by government and I believe that working in partnership with wider society and the people of Scotland will help improve these vital programmes of work.

“I also welcome the publication of the IPDD Working Group report, which will help us deliver on this Action Plan and other commitments we have made to putting people at heart of everything we do. We will now carefully consider its recommendations before publishing our response in due course.”

Civil society Co-Chair of the Open Government Steering Group, and member of OGP International Steering Committee, Lucy McTernan said: “Accountability and trust in our government has never been more important, as we see it undermined around the world.

“I am delighted the Scottish Government and COSLA officials, civil society partners and people across Scotland have contributed to the development of this plan.

“Retaining this spirit of collaboration and partnership working throughout the delivery of the plan will be crucial to its success and we look forward to developing these relationships over the next four years.”

Willie Sullivan, Senior Director of Electoral Reform Society Scotland, said: “Scotland is already pioneering important ways to give people more of a say in the decisions that affect them, such as through citizens’ assemblies.

“We are part of a small group of countries leading the way in exploring how to move beyond the creaking democratic institutions of the 20th century and how to break through into a new era of revitalised and invigorated democracy. 

“This report sets out the plan to lay strong foundations for the future of Scotland’s democracy; for the old to give birth to and nurture the new.”

The Scottish Government’s Open Government Action Plan 2021-25.

Channel 4 The Simpler Life – the location behind hit TV show

The true star of the show: the stunning Devon farm you can visit for a holiday

The home of the hit TV show, “The Simpler Life” is a beautiful farmstead, Libbear Barton, in North West Devon that you can visit for a holiday.

The property comprises four luxury, self-catered holiday lets accompanied by a beautiful, heated indoor pool, soft play and playground. Set in 40 acres of the stunning rolling hills of North Devon that viewers fell in love with, the stunning Georgian farmhouse and barn conversion cottages sleep up to 40 people.

Max Manners, Libbear Barton’s General Manager said“Tuesday night’s premier of The Simpler Life on Channel 4 left viewers in no doubt that living in the countryside is not for everyone.

“But even the most city-centric of us still love to occasionally escape there on holiday. We specialise in family friendly holidays for those who enjoy the outdoors but want to know that there is plenty to do indoors too should the weather not be perfect…which it occasionally is not!”

But if you are looking for the “simpler life” experience you won’t find it here. Having undergone a recent refurbishment, viewers would have difficulty recognising the accommodation.

Gone are the sparse, candlelit bedrooms and stripped back furnishings you would find in an Amish community. Instead, you can expect to find stylish, modern, country homes offering the highest level of comfort.

Despite the departure from the Amish tradition of eschewing modern life, Max and Alex Manners, who run the site, still aim to create a business that is as sustainable as possible. Solar powers a large proportion of the sites’ energy requirement with the rest supplied through green renewables.

The water supply is delivered from an on-site borehole and windblown trees provide fuel for heating in the winter months.

The couple also aspire to a level of self-sufficiency.

“We have been inspired by what the contributors were able to achieve in a short time”, explains Alex Manners. “We aim to continue to cultivate the land for vegetables and raise our own meat much like they did on the show.

“Holiday guests will be able to collect eggs and pick veg for the table during their stay – hopefully inspiring them to live in a way that minimises their impact as much as possible.”

Government stake in NatWest Group reduced to below 50% for first time since financial crisis

For the first time since the financial crisis, NatWest Group plc (formerly Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc) is no longer under majority public ownership following a £1.2 billion sale of part of the government’s shareholding back to NatWest.

This is the government’s fifth sale of its NatWest shareholding bringing its level of ownership down from 50.6% to 48.1%. This is a landmark in the government’s plan to return to private ownership the institutions brought into public ownership as a result of the 2007-2008 financial crisis.

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury authorised the sale of approximately 550 million shares in NatWest at 220.5p per share raising a total of £1.2 billion. The shares were bought back by NatWest and the process was managed by UK Government Investments.

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury, John Glen said: “This sale means that the government is no longer the majority owner of NatWest Group and is therefore an important landmark in our plan to return the bank to the private sector.

“We will continue to prioritise delivering value for money for the taxpayer as we take forward this plan.”

NatWest chief Alison Rose said the share buyback is an “important milestone” for the bank.

Ms. Rose said: “The deal is a good use of capital for the bank and our shareholders. Reducing government ownership below 50% is an important milestone for NatWest Group and a further demonstration of the progress we are making as we continue to deliver for our customers and shareholders.”

The growing threat of cyber warfare

Cyber security expert explains how to bolster your defences

Worried about cyber warfare? You’re not alone. With the threat of imminent attack from overseas malware and state-sponsored hacks increasing, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is calling for UK businesses of all sizes to “strengthen their cyber resilience” in response to the ongoing situation in Ukraine.

But what does cyber resilience mean, and what actionable steps can businesses take to bolster their defences? Anthony Green, CTO and cyber security expert at FoxTech, discusses:

“Intelligence suggests that cyber warfare will target critical infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and energy supply chains. However, the real risk for the majority of businesses is collateral damage, and it’s never been more necessary for UK services and businesses to make cyber resilience an urgent priority.

“The goal of cyber resiliency actions is to give your organisation the best chance of preventing an attack and making a quick recovery if it does happen. Many organisations don’t even have basic cyber hygiene controls in place, which means that cyber education is vital and could have a potentially huge impact on the UK’s overall resiliency to cyber threats.”

FoxTech has provided its guide to the practical steps that businesses can take from today to strengthen their cybersecurity defences:

Stay informed

Can your IT strategy be summed up with the phrase ‘ignorance is bliss’? Businesses who are not fully aware of the extent of the threat and the actions they need to take will be the most vulnerable to attack. So, it’s vital to get informed.

As part of the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), the NCSC website is frequently updated with the latest guidance, making it one of the best resources for UK businesses to get accurate, up-to-date advice to protect their IT ecosystem from attack. Brief your wider team on the heightened threat to ensure that your whole organisation is on board with the further security actions you may need to take.

Protect your devices

It’s vital to protect all devices that connect to your network, including those that are used remotely.

  • Ideally, make sure your employees are using company devices. If you do not provide company devices, ensure that all personal devices that connect to your network are secured
  • Ask employees not to conduct personal business on their company device
  • Ensure that all users’ laptops, desktops, and mobile devices have been tested and patched (patching is a process that repairs security vulnerabilities)
  • Turn on automatic updates and always install new updates as soon as possible

Practise password security

User accounts are a common entry point for attackers – make sure yours are not an easy target.

  • Install two factor authentication
  • Disable frequent password updates that encourage employees to write down their password as a reminder
  • Protect against password spraying by ensuring users choose uncommon passwords. The NCSC guidance recommends disabling complexity requirements which encourage password re-use, and instead use three random words, such as phoneradiuswhile or yelljamdistance

Secure your third-party software

All your third-party software needs to be secured and any vulnerabilities should be patched. If you don’t have the expertise to do this in-house, it is highly recommended that you consult cyber security experts who can conduct vulnerability scanning and implement remedial measures for you.

  • Check that any third-party software such as browsers, office productivity suites, firmware and cloud-based services are patched
  • Make sure your firewall, endpoint security and anti-virus is properly installed and correctly configured (if it’s configured incorrectly then you may not be protected)

Review what you’re showing the internet

It’s essential to review all your internet-facing data, as you might be displaying more than you realise.

  • Get a low-cost or free attack surface map to discover what you have exposed to the internet
  • Get an expert to conduct vulnerability scanning on your internet-connected services and patch any vulnerabilities
  • Secure your domain registration data by implementing a strong password on your registry account

Protect against phishing

Phishing emails are by far the most common form of attack, with 83% of UK businesses experiencing a phishing attempt every week.

  • Take advantage of the NCSC’s free cyber security training which has a useful module on spotting and reporting phishing emails – remember that employees are the first line of defence against phishing attempts
  • Instil a ‘no blame’ culture to encourage employees to report when they suspect they have clicked a phishing email

Only allow necessary access

Restrict access to your systems to only those who need it and ensure that all access is secured.

  • Delete any inactive accounts
  • Check your administrative access and ensure that only those who need to are enabled to access the network to make changes
  • Anyone not authorised to make changes should be set to view-only
  • Implement strong multi-factor authentication to all administrative accounts
  • Get a handle on any third-party organisations who have access to your IT estate. Understand what they do, who is allowed access and what privileges they have. Remove any access that is no longer required

Create an incident response plan

If the worst does happen, you need to have a comprehensive incident response plan in place. Only 31% of companies have an agreed cyber attack response plan set up, so this step will be an urgent action for many businesses.

  • If you don’t have a cyber security incident response plan, see the NCSC’s guidance on creating one
  • If you do have a plan in place, ensure all information (especially contact details) are correct
  • Make sure that your plan details who has the authority to make decisions, and what will happen if the attack occurs out of office hours
  • Ensure your plan includes information on how you will communicate if your normal systems are down
  • Make sure data is regularly and securely backed up in a safe place that is unconnected to your network

Contact cybersecurity consultants

If you don’t have cyber security expertise in-house, then consulting a cybersecurity expert can help you implement the steps above. They can also carry out more advanced actions to find and fix any other vulnerabilities that are particular to your organisation.

  • Get an expert security assessment to scan for any remaining vulnerabilities in your network, programmes, and cloud-based services
  • Join a security operations centre, which can constantly monitor your system and analyse any abnormalities against the latest threat intelligence to identify and block breaches before the attacker is able to steal anything.
  • Undergo penetration testing (also known as ethical hacking) to understand how an attacker is likely to gain access
  • Get a free CyberRisk score from FoxTech (it operates like a credit score for your cyber security) to get an immediate indication of your security posture.

The consequences of falling victim to a cyber attack can be dire, so in the current threat landscape, cyber security should be at the forefront of any business’ strategy for 2022.

Companies interested in finding out their CyberRisk score can order this for free from FoxTech here: https://www.foxtrot-technologies.com/cyberrisk-score

Further NCSC resources can be found here: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/

HMRC: Less than a week to go for Making Tax Digital

Businesses have less than a week to prepare for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Value Added Tax (VAT) becoming mandatory for VAT-registered businesses on 1 April, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) said today.

MTD helps taxpayers get their tax returns right by reducing common mistakes as well as saving time managing their tax affairs and is a key part of the overall digitalisation of UK tax.

Evidence shows MTD is succeeding in its central aims of reducing errors, while also making it faster to prepare and submit returns, and boosting productivity for businesses.

New research, conducted by HMRC and peer reviewed by independent academics, shows MTD is likely to have generated increased revenue through reducing errors in both 2019 and 2020.

Nearly 1.6 million taxpayers had joined MTD for VAT as of December 2021 with more than 11 million returns successfully submitted. Around a third of VAT-registered businesses with taxable turnover below £85,000 have voluntarily signed up to MTD for VAT ahead of April 2022, and thousands more are signing up each week.

VAT-registered businesses that have not yet signed up to MTD for VAT should do so now. All VAT-registered businesses must use MTD for VAT for their first VAT return starting on or after 1 April 2022.

Businesses should use the time left to choose the software that is right for them, whether that is one of the simple free options available, or a more advanced product for those with more complex affairs.

Lucy Frazer, HM Treasury’s Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said: “Businesses using MTD are saving time on their tax affairs, streamlining their processes and boosting their productivity as a result.

“Our first move towards a modern, digital tax service – MTD makes it easier for businesses to get their tax right first time.”

There is a range of support and information available for those that need it – including accessible online content such as YouTube videos, GOV.UK help pages and HMRC’s Extra Support service.

Agents can sign up on behalf of a business, although businesses remain responsible for meeting their VAT obligations. Those who do not join may be charged a penalty for failure to do so.

There are a range of compatible software products available for MTD for VAT, allowing businesses to choose which tools they use to run their business and tax affairs. A list of software compatible with MTD for VAT, including free and low-cost options, can be found on GOV.UK.

HMRC understands that some businesses will find it easier to comply with MTD than others. For those who need more help and support on signing up for MTD, HMRC is running a series of webinars.

Some VAT-registered businesses may be eligible for an exemption from MTD, if it is not reasonable or practicable for them to use digital tools for their tax. If a business has previously been granted an exemption for VAT online filing, this will carry over to MTD VAT requirements. Go to GOV.UK for more information on whether an exemption may apply.

Example MTD case studies from businesses who are currently benefitting from MTD for VAT can be found on YouTube.

To sign up to MTD VAT, businesses, or an agent on a businesses’ behalf, need to:

Step 1: Visit GOV.UK and choose MTD-compatible software
Step 2: Keep digital records starting from 1 April 2022 or the beginning of their VAT period
Step 3: Sign up and submit their VAT Return through MTD

New programme at Leith’s Dr Bell’s Family Centre

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Our new programme is live

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Starting Monday 25th April. If you live in Leith, have at least one child under the age of 5 you can sign up to some of our fantastic groups. If you would like to know more information or sign up, please drop us an email at info@dbfc.org.uk

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Dr Bell’s Family Centre@drbellsfamily

Our new programme is live Starting Monday 25th April. If you live in Leith, have at least one child under the age of 5 you can sign up to some of our fantastic groups.

If you would like to know more information or sign up, please drop us an email at info@dbfc.org.uk

Adopted Leither starts new chapter on Edinburgh waterfront

A BRAND NEW four-bedroom townhouse on the capital’s enviable waterfront has transformed a man hailing from the west of Wales into a Leith local.

John Evans, stumbled across the Waterfront Plaza development by Cala Homes (East) when out on a walk and decided it was the best location for him to start a new chapter.

John moved to Edinburgh more than 25 years ago and has since fallen in love with Leith and everything it has to offer. He made the move to the highly desired Waterfront Plaza from his previous home in Trinity last year.

The Welshman has grown a close affinity to Leith, starting the charity LeithGives during the first lockdown with the aim of providing support to those in need during the pandemic – through local business, charity and community partnerships.

John said: “I love spending every day in the heart of Leith. I have everything I need around me and wouldn’t change it for the world. It’s so sought after for a reason.

“To now live exactly where I want to live and in the perfect home has been absolutely brilliant. I knew about Waterfront Plaza from my work on the board of the Leith Trust, however I never considered it as a potential home until I stumbled across it on a walk one day.”

November 2021 saw John make the switch from a five-bedroom Victorian house in Trinity to one of Waterfront Plaza’s modern four-bedroom townhouses. The townhouses at the development feature an expansive terrace, well designed interiors and Cala’s signature high specification and contemporary style.

One of the bedrooms in the four-bedroom property has been converted by John to a study from where he works from home and he is also in the midst of transforming his garden space into a bee-friendly area.

John says: “The home has been so easy to change and adapt to exactly what I am after. It’s been ideal to have my own study whilst the world gets used to hybrid working. I’m also keen to start my own bee-friendly garden and Cala were very helpful with all of that.

“There have been loads of other nice touches from Cala along the way. The team on site have gone above and beyond to help us transition into our new home.”

John has two sons who have also been enjoying their new home. Rhys, 21 works at the local pub, The Malt and Hops when he’s home from university and Bryn, 17, has been making full use of Leith’s transport routes to school and the city centre.

The family of three have been making the most of having Leith’s vibrant food and drink scene on their doorstep too – regularly visiting the range of local bars, cafes and restaurants.

John added: “I’m surrounded by options which makes daily life so much better. As well as great food spots like Café Domenico’s and everything Leith Shore has to offer, I’ve become a keen local of The Malt and Hops which has great music during the Leith Jazz and Blues Festival.

“It is a great feeling to be part of such a thriving, vibrant community.”

Ranging from £305,000 — £540,000, there are still a host of different home types available at Cala’s Waterfront Plaza development for homebuyers seeking both life by the water and the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

Ranging from stylishly designed two and three-bedroom apartments to penthouses and spacious townhouses, Waterfront Plaza has a number of options available for homebuyers seeking a capital life in Leith.

To watch John talk about his new townhouse, click here.

To watch John talk about life at Waterfront Plaza, click here.

For more information on Waterfront Plaza please visit: 

https://www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/scotland/edinburgh/waterfront-plaza-leith/

Half of wills in Scotland are out of date

Update Your Will Week (28th March – 3rd April)

Research commissioned by SFE has revealed that almost half (47%) of people living in Scotland who have a will haven’t updated it for more than five years, meaning nearly half of wills made in the area are likely to be out-of-date.

Of those, nearly a third (30%) haven’t updated it for over 7 years, and a fifth (20%) haven’t dusted it off in more than a decade.

Having an up-to-date and well drafted will is crucial in ensuring your wishes are carried out in the way you’d like when you die.

This year, SFE, a membership body representing over 1,600 solicitors specialising in working with older and vulnerable people, has launched “Update Your Will Week” (28th March – 3rd April) in a bid to raise awareness of the importance of updating your will regularly.

Regional SFE Director for Scotland and Head of Personal Law at Gibson Kerr in Edinburgh, Lindsay Maclean recommends that a will be reviewed and updated every five years, or when a major change in your life occurs that impacts you or your loved ones, such as divorce, marriage, a new birth or even death in the family.

SFE’s research has revealed that almost a third (31%) of people in Scotland with a will have had significant changes to their lives and circumstances since they drafted it.

Lindsay Maclean has warned that an unchecked and outdated will could cause severe implications for your loved ones after death – including missed inheritances and higher inheritance tax fees: “Many people assume that once you have drafted a will you don’t ever have to review it, and that your wishes will be carried out as you wish them to be posthumously – but unfortunately, that’s far from true.

“If you remarry, for example, a previous will may remain in place which doesn’t include your spouse. Or if you marry into a family and have stepchildren that you’d like to inherit your assets – this won’t happen automatically unless you stipulate it in a new will.

“All these details are crucial to ensure your assets pass to the beneficiaries of your choice and to try to avoid family disputes – which we know can be very distressing for your loved ones.”

In fact, SFE’s research revealed that:

  • Almost than a third (31%) of people realise stepchildren won’t be included in your will unless you stipulate that separately.
  • 17% of people think you can update your will by making changes on the original document and initialling them.  This may be possible, but a court would need to accept that the changes were validly made by you, and it can leave loved ones having to argue in court.

The findings have also revealed that 52% of people in Scotland don’t have a will in place at all – a worryingly steep figure. Lindsay Maclean has highlighted that one in ten British families (11%) have been caught out by a ‘bad will’ – a will that is out of date or badly drafted – for example missing out on inheritance or their childhood home being sold without their knowledge.

Lindsay Maclean: “It’s great to see that many people living in Scotland have a will in place – but we need to see a higher will uptake, and for those that have a will in place, it’s paramount that they review these regularly.

“I’d strongly recommend that people look for their local SFE accredited solicitor to assist them with their will.”

To find out more, or to find your local SFE accredited solicitor, visit: www.sfe.legal