Before the Budget Business West – the organisation that runs Bristol Chamber of Commerce – called for a focus on infrastructure, exports and the skills gap. Managing director Phil Smith said: “Our nation’s roads and apprentices got a cordial mention , international trade was almost utterly absent....
The CBI described the Budget as double-edged for business and branded the Chancellor’s flagship introduction of a National Living Wage of £7.20 next April as “a big gamble”. It also called the apprentice levy “a blunt tool” to force more businesses to take on trainees. Director-general John Cridland said:...
Many of the measures in Chancellor George Osborne’s Summer Budget got a warm welcome from Bristol business figures – particularly support for small businesses. Jeremy Richards, head of office at property agency JLL’s Bristol office, said: “The Chancellor’s continued focus on investment in improving the M4 and the electrification...
Key points from the Budget: New National Living Wage of £7.20 for all workers aged over 25 to be introduced next April and to reach £9 an hour by 2020 Cuts in National Insurance for small firms to help them pay for living wage More devolution to Northern cities...
Confidence among West of England firms remains fragile despite a period of strong growth, according to the latest survey by Business West. The organisation, which runs Bristol Chamber of Commerce and the Bristol Initiative, said the findings showed the need for the new Government to act to encourage sustainable...
The world’s first solar hybrid balloon, now under development in Bristol, will make its maiden flight at the city’s iconic international balloon fiesta next month. The innovative balloon, produced by Cameron Balloons, was showcased this week to coincide with the announcement of St Austell Brewery as the official sponsor...
Business West, the organisation behind Bristol Chamber of Commerce, has called on the Chancellor to strike a balance between eliminating the deficit and stimulating growth in next week’s Budget. And while George Osborne is likely to focus on the cuts and reform, he must also concentrate on infrastructure, boosting...
Bristol-based entrepreneur Rob Law, the inventor of the Trunki ride-on child’s suitcase, has received an honorary degree from the University of Bath. Rob – who was famously turned down on Dragons’ Den – received his Doctor of Engineering degree in recognition of his exceptional achievements, including building a company...
Alderley Systems, the South Gloucestershire firm supplying metering services to the global oil and gas industry, has renewed a major contract with the operator of one of the world’s largest onshore fields. Under the three-year contract, the firm will be responsible for maintenance at sections of the Karachaganak Processing...
Last week’s ninth annual Institute of Directors Director of the Year awards, staged at Bordeaux Quay, Bristol. Photos by Clint Randall www.pixelprphotography.co.uk All the awards winners with ceremony host Laura Rawlings, centre Director of the Year Award winner Julie Moore with ceremony host Laura Rawlings and Mark Bennett of...
Three of the Bristol area’s most successful firms will go head to head next week in the South West’s most prestigious business competition. Global financial administration company Computershare Investors Services, Loungers – the business behind the successful café/bar chain – and Chipping Sodbury-based Ian Williams, one of the UK’s...
The funding holding arm of regional alternative finance lender South West Investment Group (SWIG) has appointed Malachy McReynolds as its new chairman. Malachy, pictured, who spent 12 years as managing director of Bristol-based chocolate manufacturer Elizabeth Shaw, joined the SWIG board in January. He takes over as chairman from...
More than 80% of West of England firms fear leaving the EU would pose a risk to the UK economy, according to results of a survey among nearly 1,000 businesses in the region. Two thirds also believe it would be bad for their own business. The survey by Business...
