Merger and acquisition activity in the South West climbed by 4.3% in the first half of this year as the economy continued to recover and cash-rich businesses hit the takeover trail. However, the total value of 267 deals was down 15% at £3.08bn against the same period in 2015. And some experts are warning...
The region’s largest business organisation, Business West, has called for “stability, clarity and action” from the Government after official figures showed a small rise in unemployment across the South West and fears grow of an economic slowdown. The number of people out of work and claiming benefit edged up by 8,000 – or 0.2%...
The bitter EU referendum campaign and fears over its outcome hit Bath firms’ confidence and impacted on the wider economy even before the result to leave was announced, according to the latest survey by Business West, the region’s largest business organisation. On all major indicators, the poll of more than 550 businesses across the...
Property services firm Ian Williams and bakery Ministry of Cake are the winners of the region’s most prestigious business awards. The firms came out top at accountants PwC’s annual West of England Business of the Year Awards, which were announced at a gala dinner this week. Chipping Sodbury-based Ian Williams provides a range of...
Curo, the Bath-based housing and support organisation, and Corsham-based pharmaceutical manufacturing company Bath ASU will next week find out whether they have won the region’s most prestigious business awards. The firms are competing against some of the South West’s top companies in accountants PwC’s annual West of England Business of the Year Awards, which...
Key facts of the West of England devolution deal approved by the area’s three councils this week: The deal would secure £900m of investment over 30 years, with the potential to leverage in additional funds, such as transport funding linked to the emerging Joint Transport Plan. So it is expected to be worth more...
Business leaders have welcomed the £1bn West of England devolution deal approved by councillors this week, calling it a “strong signal of long-term confidence and investment into this area”. Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES), along with Bristol City and South Gloucestershire councils, agreed the package, which transfers funding and powers from Westminster in...
Bath business leaders have called on councillors to back the £1bn devolution package for the West of England when it goes before a special council meeting this evening. The deal, announced by Chancellor George Osborne in this year’s Budget, would bring essential funding and additional powers for key areas such as transport, housing, employment...
Firms across Bath and the West of England are already cutting jobs, hiking prices and freezing investment as a result of the fall-out from the Brexit vote, according to a snap poll by Business West, the region’s largest business organisation. One company said it was considering moving overseas while others have stopped taking on...
Firms from Bath and across the West of England are being asked for their views on the likely impact of Brexit ahead of a series of crunch meetings between business leaders and senior government figures. The first takes place today when Business Secretary Sajid Javid, pictured, hosts a round table with more than 20 representatives...
