Strong trade links with the US could help the West of England’s small firms recover from the impact of coronavirus, the region’s leading business group has suggested. Business West, which runs Bath Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the start of formal post-Brexit talks between the UK and US on a future free trade agreement and...
The devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic on businesses in the West of England has been highlighted again in the results of two more surveys – with one showing two-thirds of firms suffered a fall in orders while the second reveals productivity is down at 80% of the region’s small manufacturers. Unsurprisingly, confidence levels...
Debbie Boulton, a director at Bath accountancy firm Richardson Swift, looks at the need to start planning for the post-lockdown period as many decisions will need to be made before it ends. It would appear from the government’s daily briefing that we are slowly beginning the descent from the peak. However, it appears that some...
Business organisations have welcomed new measures by the government to help small firms survive the coronavirus pandemic, reflecting the fact that around half are being rejected for loans under the existing scheme. Business West, the organisation that runs Bath Chamber of Commerce, said Chancellor Rishi Sunak, pictured, had listened to complaints from struggling small...
It seems that everyone is talking about ‘furlough’ at the moment. But for employers, understanding the finer detail of what can and can’t be done is adding pressure to an already difficult situation. Mogers Drewett partner and head of its employment and HR department Sean McDonough answers some frequently asked questions. Q: What is...
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 firms have already suffered a...
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 sure its needs are heard...
Three firms from the Bath area ranging from an eyewear frames manufacturer to a consultancy using artificial intelligence to transform businesses and an internet services company have been awarded coveted Queen’s Awards for Enterprise. The accolades won by Inspecs Group, Kaiasm and Netcraft are the most prestigious for UK businesses in the country and...
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 targeted support for small and...
More than 740 businesses in the Bath area have received urgent support grants from Bath & North East Somerset Council totalling £11m to help them stave off the impact of the coronavirus crisis. The council’s Invest in Bath business support team worked throughout the Easter weekend to continue processing applications for the central government-funded...
