Bristol-based bar chain Loungers has put 99% of employees on furlough, slashed its directors’ salaries in half and is aiming to raise more than £8m by issuing new shares as it takes action to protect the business during the coronavirus pandemic-induced lockdown. With all the group’s 167 Lounges and...
A single source of information and guidance tailored specifically to Bristol city centre firms has been set up by the area’s Business Improvement District (BID). The Covid-19 hub includes a live webinar series covering everything from retail, rent and landlord issues, insurance, risk management and business interruption relating to...
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...
More than 100 new plant species could be introduced to the former Gardiner Haskins site in Old Market by developer First Base to underline its commitment to supporting Bristol’s ecological emergency. The London-based developer, which announced the plan to coincide with Earth Day, said it aims to provide a...
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...
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...
The Bristol studio of international architecture and engineering practice BDP is helping convert a conference centre on the city’s outskirts into an emergency Nightingale hospital as part of the NHS’s effort to tackle the coronavirus emergency. Working with contractor Kier, BDP is providing the design and engineering expertise and...
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...
