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...
Bath’s standing as a world-class tourism destination was strengthened this week with the opening of the UK’s first hotel using natural thermal waters. The 99-room Gainsborough Hotel in Beau Street underpins Bath’s position as one of Europe’s leading spa resorts and also boosts its offering at the luxury end of the tourist market. The...
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...
Renewable electricity group Good Energy is to commission two more solar farms. The Chippenham-based firm said it would add the 5MW sites to its existing four solar farms, taking its total generating capacity to 30MW – enough to serve more than 7,000 homes. Planning approvals for the new sites at Lower End, near Devizes,...
Renewable electricity firm Good Energy has become the world’s first energy company to accept a local currency after allowing customers to pay their energy bills using Bristol Pounds. The Chippenham-based firm, which supplies 100% renewable electricity to homes and businesses across the UK, said the move underlined its commitment to sustainability. The Bristol Pound...
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...
Hundreds of small cider producers could be put out of business if they are forced to pay excise duty under a new EU ruling, campaigners claim. Cider makers who produce less than 70 hectolitres a year – around 33 pints a day – and have sales under £10,000 are exempt from paying £2,700 in...
