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...
The risks to society posed by digital technology are to be explored by academics from Bath as part of a major new research collaboration. The University of Bath’s newly launched Institute for Digital Security and Behaviour brings together behavioural and social scientists to help people and organisations navigate the digital revolution, including artificial intelligence (AI),...
Future, the Bath-headquartered specialist global media group, has named an executive who has worked at the business for more than 20 years as its next CEO. Kevin Li Ying, pictured, currently executive vice-president (EYP) of its B2C arm, will take over from current chief executive officer Jon Steinberg at the end of March. Shares in...
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. ...
Private equity investor LDC has strengthened its support for management teams in the South West with the appointment of a new value creation partner. Prashant Selvaratnam, pictured, joins as VCP director, data strategy & AI, based in the firm’s Bristol office. In his new role he will help the management teams of LDC’s portfolio companies...
Three Bath firms are to develop new ideas and products after being selected for funding under a new regional creative industries scheme. Stormjar, which describes itself as an immersive horror studio, has received £26,921 to help create the next generation of immersive, location-based and digital hybrid horror experiences. It was founded by experienced designers...
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...
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...
Bath-based office design company Interaction has helped co-working operator BLOCK launch its first hub in Bristol as the trend for flexible city centre workspace shows no sign of slowing. BLOCK, which already has sites in Taunton and Plymouth, has opened the new 8,300 sq ft base, pictured, on the 12 floor of The Fairfax, the...
The West of England was today named as a priority region for the creative industries by the government as it looks to ‘turbocharge’ economic growth by building on the UK’s world-leading role in the sector. The region is one of 11 which will receive investment from a new £60m fund to go to businesses...
