Advanced manufacturing

‘New opportunities’ for historic specialist printing plant following takeover by world-leading firm

February 7, 2025
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‘New opportunities’ for historic specialist printing plant following takeover by world-leading firm

The future of an historic Bath paper mill that started production more than 225 years ago has been secured following its acquisition by a major German company. Portals Paper, which operates Bashford Paper Mill, said the takeover by Drewsen Spezialpapiere provided it with new opportunities for growth by widening its product range and generating...

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Customer success director with strong track record in service delivery joins biotech pioneer

February 6, 2025
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Customer success director with strong track record in service delivery joins biotech pioneer

Biotechnology firm Advetec has appointed a customer success director as it seeks to strengthen client relationships, drive value and pursue further growth. Will Garrard has joined Advetec, based near Trowbridge, from KEW Technology, a Midlands-headquartered developer of sustainable energy systems, where he was operations director.  Will, pictured, has held several senior management and operational...

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Year of two halves for private equity deals – with the Autumn Budget triggering a late flurry of activity

February 6, 2025
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Year of two halves for private equity deals – with the Autumn Budget triggering a late flurry of activity

Private equity investment in the South West increased marginally last year to £6.2bn as a near 33% increase ahead of the Autumn Budget overcame a slow first half. Deal volume in the region also remained stable, edging down slightly from 104 to 100 year-on-year, according to a survey by global accountancy firm KPMG.  This...

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Big increase in optimism among firms in the South West as they look forward to a year of growth

January 31, 2025
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Big increase in optimism among firms in the South West as they look forward to a year of growth

Business confidence has risen sharply in the South West as the region’s firms shrug off suggestions that UK economic growth is stalling. According to the latest Business Barometer from banking group Lloyds, optimism among South West companies climbed by 13 percentage points in January.   Confidence in their own business prospects was up 20 points...

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Mixed fortunes for Alliance Pharma’s top brands but it forecasts healthy outlook under new owners

January 31, 2025
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Mixed fortunes for Alliance Pharma’s top brands but it forecasts healthy outlook under new owners

Strong performances by its scar treatment, eye health and multivitamin brands helped international healthcare group Alliance Pharma overcome weaker sales of some of its other products last year. The Chippenham-headquartered firm, which owns a portfolio of products ranging menopause relief to anti-dandruff shampoo, said the resulting 1% drop in revenue did not reflect its...

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Defence group Avon Technologies targeting long-term growth after new contracts boost its order book

January 31, 2025
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Defence group Avon Technologies targeting long-term growth after new contracts boost its order book

Recent contracts wins in the UK and US have strengthened specialist defence manufacturer Avon Technologies’ long-term order book and boosted its growth plans, shareholders were told today. The Melksham-based group, which specialises in protective gear, masks and breathing equipment for the military and first-responder markets, said first quarter trading had been in line with...

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BGF regional office benefits from engineering firm sale but ‘economic uncertainties’ hit investment deals

January 30, 2025
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BGF regional office benefits from engineering firm sale but ‘economic uncertainties’ hit investment deals

Investment into small and mid-sized business by growth finance group BGF’s South West office fell last year by around £10m as it came up against what it called “several economic uncertainties”. BGF, the largest and most experienced investor in the UK and Ireland, completed deals totalling £60m during 2024 against £70m the previous year. ...

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New festival will look at how devolution to cities and regions can boost the national economy

January 24, 2025
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New festival will look at how devolution to cities and regions can boost the national economy

The role that cities and regions can play in driving the government’s growth agenda will be explored at a major event next week. Festival of Flourishing Regions will bring together policymakers, regional planners, economic development experts, academics and business and community leaders to explore and promote strategies for regional prosperity.  Sessions will cover university...

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‘Transformative role’ of British Business Bank in region highlighted by 10-year economic impact report

January 23, 2025
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‘Transformative role’ of British Business Bank in region highlighted by 10-year economic impact report

Nearly 200,000 jobs in 19,000 South West businesses have been supported by investments made through the British Business Bank over the past10 years, according to a new report. Some 16,000 more jobs are expected to be created as the firms it has backed over the past decade continue to expand, generating an additional £7bn...

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Senior investment manager joins Foresight Group as it prepares to open a base in the region

January 23, 2025
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Senior investment manager joins Foresight Group as it prepares to open a base in the region

Investment group Foresight has appointed an experienced senior investment manager in its South West-based private equity team ahead of opening an office in the region this year. Olly Cox, pictured, brings more than 12 years’ deal experience to the role, in which he will support the deployment and management of the recently launched Foresight South...

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