Engineers at Rolls-Royce’s Bristol plant have started to make the world’s largest fan blades for the next generation of low-emission aero-engines. As a set, the composite blades have a diameter of 140 inches – almost the size of a narrow -body aircraft fuselage. They are being manufactured in the...
The CBI has urged the Chancellor to take bold action on skills, innovation and infrastructure in his Budget to ‘power-up’ the South West’s economy. The seven-point plea was made before Sajid Javid resigned as Chancellor and was replaced by Rishi Sunak – throwing into doubt whether the Budget will...
Business organisations have slammed the decision by North Somerset councillors to reject Bristol Airport’s expansion plans. The CBI in the region described the move “a real blow to Bristol and the wider South West” while the Federation of Small Businesses echoed the airport’s own claims that it would force...
Bristol Airport has accused councillors who rejected its controversial expansion plans of “putting the brakes” on the region’s economic growth by stifling international trade and tourism. It also said the move, which it is expected to appeal against, would deter airlines from using the airport – forcing passengers to...
Bristol green energy group OVO has been told to pay £8.9m by the industry regulator for overcharging thousands of customers. Ofgem investigated the firm, the UK’s largest independent energy supplier with 1.5m customers and about 2,000 staff – around half of them in Bristol – after a series of...
Entrepreneurial Bristol businesses ranging from a maker of biodegradable glitter to a designer specialising in digitally printed luxury silk scarves were among the winners in a business awards scheme that showcases the region’s ‘ones to watch’. Some 27 outstanding individuals and firms went head-to-head in nine award categories aimed...
The region’s largest business organisation has called on the government to ensure firms get essential support and guidance for life outside the EU as the UK today marks its official departure from the world’s biggest trading bloc. While the UK is leaving the European Union at 11pm after 47...
The South West Fair Trade Business Awards are returning for an eighth year, with The Great British Bake Off star and Bristol resident Briony Williams lined up to host the presentation ceremony. The awards, which celebrate ethical organisations of all sizes and from any sector across the region, have...
Bristol’s Oscar-winning animation studio Aardman has teamed up with Greenpeace to launch a powerful film highlighting the plight of the world’s oceans. Turtle Journey, made by Aardman director and designer Gavin Strange, tells the heart-breaking story of a turtle family heading home through an ocean that is under increasing...
Some of Bristol’s most dynamic entrepreneurs are among the shortlisted entries for a major new awards scheme celebrating the West of England’s inspirational small businesses. The inaugural Enterprising West of England ‘Ones to Watch’ awards take place next week to champion the region’s most exciting entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs. ...
With just a week to go to MEET South West 2020 – the region’s only trade show dedicated to the events industry – its organisers are highlighting its sustainability credentials. When the inaugural event took place last year one of the key objectives was to make it as sustainable...
The region’s top annual business award scheme recognising excellence and enterprise in the boardroom has been launched. The Institute of Directors’ (IoD) South West Director of the Year Awards 2020 aim to champion outstanding leaders and entrepreneurs while also focusing UK-wide attention on success in the region. Nominations – which opened...
Bristol vertical and indoor farming innovator LettUs Grow has secured £2.35m in seed funding to scale-up delivery of its game-changing technology to farmers across the UK. LettUs Grow’s award-winning indoor farming system for greenhouses and vertical farms aims to address global food security and sustainability concerns. These indoor farms...
