The UK Government has launched a new £4 million for funding competition for businesses to help them explore ways to make it easier and quicker for mobile network operators to use publicly-owned buildings and curb-side infrastructure (lampposts, traffic signals, CCTV poles etc) to host 5G radio equipment. Applications close on 18 November 2021.

The Welsh Government and Ford have launched the £1.8 million Ford Low Carbon Vehicle Transformation Fund, which aims to encourage businesses to move beyond manufacturing internal combustion engines in favour of producing low carbon vehicle technologies. Applications open on 20 September and close on 1 November 2021.

The Medium Capital Grants Scheme, from Community Led Local Development in Cornwall, is providing grants of up to £50,000 for SMEs and micro-firms in Cornwall to help them invest in new machinery, expansion, equipment, refurbishment, or other capital investments that will support business growth and employment opportunities.

The £1.2 million Green Entrepreneurs Demonstrator Fund from the University of Derby and Derbyshire County Council is providing grants for Derbyshire-based entrepreneurs to help them establish and demonstrate green, alternative energy or low carbon initiatives to provide community heat and power schemes. Grants of up to £200,000 are available.

The Collaboration 4 Growth scheme from Lincoln Business Improvement Group is providing capital and revenue grants of between £2,000 and £7,000 for SMEs based in Lincoln, North Kesteven and West Lindsey to help them create and implement new systems and purchase new equipment.

The British Business Bank has approved Arkle Finance for accreditation to lend under the Recovery Loan Scheme. The lender provides corporate, small business and consumer asset finance, and also offers specialist funding for renewable energy installations and ocean-going vessels. The Recovery Loan Scheme now has 68 approved lenders.

The Scottish Government's plans to introduce vaccine certificates to be used for entering events such as nightclubs, music festivals and some football grounds, have been approved by the Scottish Parliament. The new measures will take effect from 1 October 2021, while staff at affected venues will be able to download a 'verifier app' to a smartphone or device to check the validity of certificates.

The UK economy grew by just 0.1% in July 2021, even as COVID restrictions were being lifted across England. This is down from 1% in June, and was likely caused by the large number of workers that were required to self-isolate due to alerts from the NHS COVID App, as well as supply chain issues.

Major airlines have been accused by Which? of giving out inaccurate information about COVID testing requirements, which could result in passengers being turned away from flights. Currently, passengers travelling to countries such as Portugal need to take a PCR test, regardless of vaccination status, but much of the advice being given by airlines does not reflect this.