One of the government’s boldest and most effective interventions during the coronavirus has been the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (or furlough scheme). It is also, undoubtedly, one of the most important for businesses. Many businesses have suffered a massive shock to income, and furloughing has offered an ability to...
Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s decision to extend the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to October will be a “huge relief” to firms in the West of England, according to the region’s largest business group. Business West, which runs Bristol Chamber of Commerce, said its research showed the scheme, launched by...
Strong trade links with the US could help the West of England’s small firms recover from the impact of coronavirus, the region’s leading business group has suggested. Business West, which runs Bristol Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the start of formal post-Brexit talks between the UK and US on a...
The devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic on businesses in the West of England has been highlighted again in the results of two more surveys this week – with one showing two-thirds of firms suffered a fall in orders while the second reveals productivity is down at 80% of...
Innovative Bristol recruitment firm ISL has appeared in a prestigious table of the UK’s best places to work for the third time in four years. ISL, which employs 25 people, was first ranked in the Best Workplaces list compiled by Great Place to Work in 2017. It reached fourth...
Gil Lemon, partner, restructuring and recovery services at Smith & Williamson in Bristol, anticipates government changes to insolvency laws intended to help businesses in financial trouble – and explains why individual directors need to be careful. Last week Business Secretary Alok Sharma announced further changes to insolvency law designed...
Business owners in Bristol can find out more about the support measures on offer from the government via an easy-to-follow way interactive guide on financial and professional services firm Smith & Williamson’s website. The guide, accessed from the site’s homepage of the website, can be used by both employers...
Business organisations have welcomed new measures by the government to help small firms survive the coronavirus pandemic, reflecting the fact that around half are being rejected for loans under the existing scheme. Business West, the organisation that runs Bristol Chamber of Commerce, said Chancellor Rishi Sunak, pictured, had listened...
Five Bristol firms ranging from an ethical bank to an exhibition business and a youth empowerment organisation, have been awarded coveted Queen’s Awards for Enterprise. The accolades won by Triodos Bank, Ignition, Babbasa, CameraForensics and Unify Communications, are the most prestigious for UK businesses in the country and are...
The government’s decision not to help business owners who take dividends rather than draw a salary has been questioned by one business owner who took part in the Business West survey on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Lucy Bristow, managing director of Bristol recruitment consultants Lucy Bristow Appointments,...
Fewer than one in six West of England firms believe they will be able to cope if the coronavirus crisis lasts for more than six months, according to the results of the first major survey highlighting the impact of the pandemic on the region’s businesses. More than 70% of...
A taskforce bringing together businesses, universities and the West of England’s local authorities is being set up to ensure the region’s economy recovers as quickly as possible from the impact of the coronavirus crisis. The new group will also represent the region in discussions with central government to make...
The government’s £1.25bn funding package to support innovative start-ups and research-intensive firms impacted by the coronavirus pandemic has been welcomed by business and civic leaders in the West of England. The measures include a Future Fund – a new £500m loan scheme for high-growth firms – and £750m of...
