Advanced manufacturing

Far-reaching LEP plan puts West of England’s innovation at heart of growth agenda

November 22, 2013
By
Far-reaching LEP plan puts West of England’s innovation at heart of growth agenda

An ambitious plan is being drawn up to harness Bath and the West of England’s creativity and innovation to potentially create more than 100,000 jobs over the next 17 years. The emphasis will be on five key sectors spanning digital to aerospace, and in which the area is already strong, to drive growth and...

Read more »

Avon Rubber bounces back with strong recovery in annual profits

November 20, 2013
By
Avon Rubber bounces back with strong recovery in annual profits

Bosses at Wiltshire manufacturer Avon Rubber today said their strategy to accelerate investment in new products, technologies, systems and people was paying off as they unveiled significant increases in revenues, operating margins and profits. Annual pre-tax profits at the Melksham-based group, best known for its respirators, increased to £14m from £11m on revenues up...

Read more »

Don’t miss out on the taxman’s generosity over R&D spending

November 15, 2013
By
Don’t miss out on the taxman’s generosity over R&D spending

Bath area firms are being advised to check whether they qualify for valuable tax credits under the Government’s research and development (R&D) scheme. West accountancy firm Milsted Langdon, which has an office in Bath, says many firms are unaware they are eligible for the scheme which increases tax relief against taxable profits. To qualify,...

Read more »

Expanding BMT gets shipshape in new office after landing Norwegian Navy contract

November 13, 2013
By
Expanding BMT gets shipshape in new office after landing Norwegian Navy contract

Bath-based BMT Defence Services has expanded into a second office in the city as it continues to win work in international markets. The firm, part of the BMT group, works primarily on major naval projects. Its success in securing a prestigious design contract for the Norwegian LSV (Logistics and Support Vessel) project has resulted...

Read more »

Car industry big hitter joins Grant Thornton’s automotive team

October 29, 2013
By
Car industry big hitter joins Grant Thornton’s automotive team

One of the UK car industry’s most respected figures, former General Motors UK chairman Bill Parfitt, has joined accountants Grant Thornton’s automotive advisory team as a consultant. Mr Parfitt, pictured, is now working with team members including director and automotive manufacturing specialist Neil Barrell, who is based in the firm’s regional office in Bristol. The...

Read more »

Hi-tech diving equipment firm lands orders for new owner Avon Rubber

October 29, 2013
By
Hi-tech diving equipment firm lands orders for new owner Avon Rubber

Avon Rubber, the Melksham-based specialist manufacturer best known for its respirators, has won two major contracts as a result of its £3m acquisition earlier this year of VR Technology Holdings. Avon bought VR, a market leader in electronics, computers and life support systems used by professional divers, in April to broaden its reach in...

Read more »

Bath University on road to becoming world-class vehicle research centre

October 16, 2013
By
Bath University on road to becoming world-class vehicle research centre

Bath University is to develop a world-class research facility for low-emission vehicles following the award of funding worth £3.2m. The centre, which will lead research into alternative fuels, electric and hybrid electric vehicles, will be the only one of its kind in the UK. The investment, from a number of sources including the university...

Read more »

Gym equipment company powers ahead with Barclays loan

October 16, 2013
By
Gym equipment company powers ahead with Barclays loan

Manufacturing company Watson Gym Equipment is expanding into new premises after a securing a commercial mortgage with Barclays. The £328,000 loan has helped the Frome-based firm, which specialises in handmade bespoke professional gym equipment, move into a 6,400 sq ft site on the town’s Commerce Park Industrial Estate to support its growth strategy. Launched in...

Read more »

Upbeat West businesses start to see early signs of recovery

October 8, 2013
By
Upbeat West businesses start to see early signs of recovery

West firms are showing some significant signs of recovery as the economic upturn gains traction, according to the upbeat results of a new survey. Domestic sales for the region’s manufacturing and services sectors have climbed strongly over the past three months while other measures including employment and business confidence, are equally positive, some showing...

Read more »

Avon Rubber predicts bright end to year on spate of defence order wins

October 7, 2013
By
Avon Rubber predicts bright end to year on spate of defence order wins

Strong trading in its protection & defence division is expected to lift manufacturer Avon Rubber’s full-year profits higher than current market expectations, the group has told shareholders. The boost has come from orders from the UK Government and customers in the Middle East, together with a high level of operational flexibility, which has allowed the Melksham-based group to deliver products...

Read more »

ADVERTISE HERE

Reach tens of thousands of senior business people across the Bath area for just £75 a month. Email info@bath-business.net for more information.