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Successful delivery of nextgeneration secure cross-domain solutions to the UK MoD ISG
Leading information technology solutions provider , CDW , partnered with UK-based SME , Parico , to deliver next-generation cross-domain interoperability solutions for the UK Ministry of Defence ( MoD ).
The project was part of a technical servicesbased contract within the MoD Interoperability Services Group ( ISG ) to deliver secure , featurerich sharing of information and safe lines of communications , facilitating interoperability between countries working to solve ongoing global challenges .
The collaboration between CDW and Parico led to the successful delivery of the solution ’ s Initial Operating Capability , providing next-generation information exchange service to the MoD . The partnership is in line with the MoD ’ s SME Action Plan , bringing together the best-of-breed British SME expertise at Parico to safeguard the national interests of the UK with the world-class technical expertise of CDW . This provides a service that connects disparate systems across multiple domains and organisations through a single pane of glass .
Millions to benefit from UK ’ s new Flexible Working Bill
Millions of workers across the UK now have increased flexibility over where and when they work , following the Flexible Working Bill which came into effect on April 6 .
Workers now have the right to request flexible working from the first day of a new job , with employers legally required to consider requests and provide reasons for rejection .
This comes after a wave of wins for workers after a record increase in national minimum wage and improved employee protection for parents and unpaid careers .
A report from Slack in January showcased a strong want among employees across the UK for flexible working , with 55 % of workers planning to request these arrangements .
Seventy percent of workers are more likely to apply for a job based on the company ’ s flexible working policy – particularly increasing to 76 % for ages between 18 and 34 .
Blackfinch Ventures accelerates tech growth with over £ 12 million invested as tax year concludes
The 2023 / 24 financial year saw Blackfinch Ventures investing over £ 12 million in a diverse group of early stage and growth stage companies , reinforcing its commitment to the UK ’ s expanding tech economy .
Rounding up the tax year , Blackfinch ’ s Spring Venture Capital Trust has had a record breaking fundraise , growing 91 % year-on-year , investing into 15 start-ups , while the Blackfinch EIS Portfolios have funded 13 companies .
Notably , the investments have introduced four new ventures into Blackfinch ’ s growing portfolio , with standout company , Kelpi , securing a combined total of £ 1.07 million . Additionally , 11 existing companies within the portfolio have received follow-on investments to continue their growth journey .
Dr Reuben Wilcock , Head of Ventures at Blackfinch , expressed enthusiasm about the firm ’ s latest achievements : “ We ’ re immensely proud to support some of the UK ’ s brightest entrepreneurial talents . Our record year of VCT investments not only reflect our commitment to tech-led , diversified portfolios but also the vibrancy and potential of UK tech regions on the world stage .” �
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