The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) welcomed an extra £4.1m investment announced in the Budget to support its efforts to reduce car usage and improve air quality by getting more people to walk, cycle and use public transport. This new money, for the year 2021-22, comes as WECA continues to develop its West of England Recovery Plan,...
The events of the past year have led the UK to spend more than £280bn protecting jobs and businesses, with this week’s Budget promising a further £65bn of spending through new loans, grants and the extension of several important schemes. The measures confirmed in the Chancellor’s speech will play an integral role in helping...
This week’s Budget was unprecedented, with much-needed spending pledged to aid the UK’s economic recovery and support businesses and individuals through the pandemic, alongside what will clearly be the first of many future tax raises to help repay the country’s escalating national debt. Although some of the Chancellor’s key announcements had already been reported...
Six firms and artists focusing on creative technology projects that aim to promote post-pandemic renewal and recovery have received funding under a special fund set up by Bath Spa University’s enterprise and innovation hub The Studio. They are the first to be awarded grants of up to £5,000 under The Studio Recovery Fund, which...
Emberson Group, the Bath-based network of creative, marketing and lead generation agencies, has appointed Laura Parsonage as finance director. Laura, pictured, joins the group’s board to boost its acquisition strategy and help future-proof its financial growth plans as it moves into a new phase of expansion. She will also be responsible for the execution of...
West of England business leaders have given many of the measures in today’s Budget a warm welcome – especially the previously-trailed furlough extension – but there was also concern over the delayed Corporation Tax increase. Business West, which runs Bath Chamber of Commerce, said businesses would welcome the extension of the full range of...
The CBI said Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s decision to hike Corporation Tax to 25% in one leap – the first increase since 1974 – would “cause a sharp intake of breath” for many businesses. It also warned that the move – which is planned to come into effect in 2023 – sent a worrying signal to those...
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has delivered his Budget this afternoon. The main points are: No rise in VAT, income tax or national insurance Corporation tax to rise from 19% to 25% from 2023 but only 10% largest companies will pay, Chancellor claims ‘Super deduction’ in tax for companies that invest in innovation Eight ‘Freeports’ established to deliver ‘an unprecedented economic...
Architecture firm Stride Treglown, which has an office in Bath, has become the first top 100 UK practice to gain a B Corp certification, reflecting its commitment to people and planet over profit. The firm, which is employee-owned and has 300 staff across its eight offices, said the “challenging and rigorous” six-month assessment process to...
The next West of England mayor must show vision and ambition to spearhead the region’s Covid recovery and build a sustainable, long-term prosperity capable of matching London’s economic strength, according to the CBI. The business group this week launched its blueprint for the West of England’s future, which urges the winner of May 6’s...
