Bristol-based UK invoice finance firm Optimum Finance, whose founder has sharply criticised the government’s approach to helping business during the coronavirus crisis, has launched its own small firms support package. The range of measures has been tailored to be easily accessible via remote, online applications through a specially designed...
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...
Bristol-headquartered national law firm TLT’s clean energy lawyers have completed another major deal in the high-growth market. The team has advised investment group Guinness Asset Management on the sale of a portfolio of mixed clean energy projects to Albion Community Power. Operated by three companies, the projects include three...
Private equity provider YFM has appointed David Wrench as an investment director with a particular focus on the South West market. David, pictured, has joined the team to invest in growth capital and buyout opportunities. His appointment follows the recent raising of a new £80m YFM buyout fund. David...
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...
More than 2,900 businesses in Bristol have received urgent support grants from the city council totalling nearly £40m to help them stave off the impact of the coronavirus crisis. The council has received around £88m from central government to pay small business grants. However only 35% of an estimated...
A Bristol business developing a reusable manufacturing satellite that will enable materials to be developed in space has secured £250,000 in funding from a group of established city-based entrepreneurs. The finance will enable Space Forge, which started in a garage in Bradley Stoke, to expand into laboratories in Bristol...
Bristol-based gift card business Gift Up! is providing a lifeline to thousands of firms that have been forced to stop trading due to coronavirus-linked lockdowns around the world. The online platform is offering its innovative service free of charge to enable companies to continue to bring in revenue amid...
More than 40,000 businesses have sought advice and guidance on how they can survive the coronavirus pandemic from a special service set up by Business West, the organisation behind Bristol Chamber of Commerce. Trading Through Coronavirus, which went live exactly a month ago, provides expert information and guidance to...
Small charities in Bristol have received much-needed finance from an emergency fund set up by region’s community foundation to help them cope with spiralling demand as a result of the coronavirus crisis. Quartet Community Foundation, which covers Bristol, South Gloucestershire and across the West of England, has distributed more...
