Before the Budget Business West – the organisation that runs Bath Chamber of Commerce – called for a focus on infrastructure, exports and the skills gap. Managing director Phil Smith said today: “Our nation’s roads and apprentices got a cordial mention , international trade was almost utterly absent. “Also missing was a...
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...
Financial services company Hartsfield is hosting a free seminar to help people find out how to pass on more of their hard-earned wealth to their loved ones – and less to the taxman. The firm has teamed up with insurer Canada Life to stage the event, which takes place from 2.30pm-4.30pm on July 16...
West Country accountants and financial planners Old Mill has become one of only 19 firms in the UK to meet an internationally recognised standard for providing financial advice. The firm, which has offices in Melksham and Wells, has completed the certification programme for BS 8577 – a framework for financial advice and planning services...
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...
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...
Accountancy firm Bishop Fleming, which has an office in Bath, has boosted its corporate finance team with the appointment of Charles Davey, the former NatWest director of structured finance in the South West and South Wales. Mr Davey joins Bishop Fleming as director of corporate finance after eight years at the bank, where he...
