The CBI described today’s 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: “Firms will welcome measures to...
Many of the measures in Chancellor George Osborne’s Summer Budget got a warm welcome from Bath business figures – particularly support for small businesses. Dominic Bourquin, corporate tax partner at Bath accountancy firm Monahans, said the Budget had been good for business and had taken away some of the uncertainty for employers, business owners...
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 and to Midlands as well...
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 Bath Chamber of Commerce, said the findings showed the need for the new Government to act to encourage sustainable growth. There was also a danger of further uncertainty...
Business West, the organisation behind Bath 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 exports and tackling the skills...
Somerset-based fashion brand Mulberry has been recognised as one of the UK’s most responsible businesses for the second consecutive year in a prestigious awards scheme run by Business in the Community (BITC). The firm, which has its global headquarters and a factory at Chilcompton, was reaccredited for the Inspiring Young Talent category in the...
The recent 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 sponsors HSBC Stephen Jackson of...
Specialist drug development group Vectura has appointed a senior director of pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca as it new chief executive, replacing Chris Blackwell, who steps down next week after 12 years in the role. James Ward-Lilley joins Chippenham-based Vectura, which licences its innovative technology for the treatment of airways diseases to other pharmaceutical companies, on...
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 published today. Two thirds also believe it would be bad for their own business. The survey by Business West, the organisation...
The largest fully refurbished industrial/warehouse building in Chippenham – the former DTR VMS building on the Bumpers Farm industrial estate – has come onto the market. The 90,000 sq ft building, pictured below, now rebranded as The Hub, has been empty since the automotive components manufacturer relocated to a larger site in Trowbridge. Owner...
