UK logistics group Wincanton’s £753.5m acquisition by global operator GXO could be subject to an in-depth investigation by the competition watchdog following fears it could lead to higher costs in the sector. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) today said there was risk that the deal, approved by the government in April, could reduce competition...
Hospitality businesses from Bath will line up against the cream of the West of England’s tourist attractions next month when the region’s most prestigious awards scheme for the sector returns for another year. The Bristol, Bath, and Somerset Tourism Awards celebrate excellence in an industry that has continued to face huge challenges over recent...
The sweeping fiscal changes announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in her Budget will hit SMEs and business owners hard as the government seeks to plug a ‘£22bn black hole’ in the public purse. In one of the most hotly anticipated Autumn Budgets in recent years, the Chancellor announced the government’s plan to achieve its...
A country house hotel near Bath is aiming to become a ‘destination spa’ following the appointment of a new director to play a pivotal role in leading its transformation. Pippa Hartwell joined Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa as spa director from Celtic Manor Resort, near Newport, South Wales, where she served as head of spa...
Tax rises in the Budget aimed at companies could slow much-needed economic growth and undermine investment decisions, the region’s largest business organisation fears. Business West, the organisation behind Bath Chamber of Commerce, said it recognised that the Chancellor faced a tight fiscal position and had to make hard decisions. But it added that it was...
Chancellor Rachel Reeves started her Budget speech by saying the country voted for change on 4 July. As a result, the Labour government could now “fix the foundations”. The way to ensure growth was to “invest, invest, invest”, she added. In total, the Budget will raise taxes by £40bn. The key points from the Budget...
People against Poverty (PaP) has just held its 2023-24 AGM and annual celebration for supporters at which it presented a bold strategy for growth for 2025. Despite being small charity, PaP supports 18 projects across six countries – the UK, Haiti, India, Malawi, Romania and Tanzania – and has helped thousands of people on...
Plans to transform a major brownfield site near Bath city centre with a mixed-use development of homes and business space are to be submitted for planning approval. The derelict 4.5-acre former Homebase site on Pines Way was acquired by London-based Developer HUB and Bridges Fund Management, a London-based fund manager specialising in sustainable and...
Business confidence in the South West has improved and remains firmly in positive territory amid strong domestic sales growth, according to new research. Published less than a week before one of the most important Budgets for a generation, the quarterly survey of chartered accountants in the region paints a more upbeat picture than many...
The Bath area’s standing as the UK’s top location for quality breaks outside London has been reinforced with seven of its hotels gaining recognition in a prestigious new Michelin award scheme. Michelin Keys, which were launched earlier this month, showcase the best hotels in the same way that Michelin Stars have championed the most...
