Firms are being warned they could risk unlimited fines or even jail if they don’t take action over the new Bribery Act, which comes into force today. The Act makes it illegal to offer or receive bribes and to fail to prevent bribery. Individuals convicted under the Act can be jailed for up to...
Over half of the UK’s largest logistics companies are now foreign-owned, with more likely to fall into overseas hands over the next few years, according to new research from Barclays Corporate and accountants Grant Thornton. During the past five years, foreign ownership of firms making up the top 50 UK logistics companies has increased...
Swindon's economic development and regeneration company, Forward Swindon, is inviting local businesses to find out about trading in China at a unique event, on Wednesday, July 6th at Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, 5.30-7.00pm. China has a formidable economic track record, for example during 2009 it grew by 8.7%, exceeding all other major global...
Fast-growing insurance broker Brightside has been named the 2011 West of England Business of the Year. The Bristol-based group, which was formed just 10 years ago with two staff, now employs more than 600 people in its head office and a string of call centres. Last year its turnover climbed by 48.1 per cent...
The investment interest in Market House, Old Town, has been sold to a local investor for more than £550,000. Commercial agents Loveday and Loveday secured the sale of the property, which has around 16,000 sq ft of retail and office accommodation. Bradley Forbes of Loveday and Loveday said “We are delighted that we have...
Employers could face steep fines if they file late tax payments for staff under new HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) rules. The penalty regime imposed by HMRC, which started on April 6, applies to the late payment of PAYE/NIC on employees’ wages. Richard Mathews, director at Swindon-based Banks Chartered Accountants, said: “The penalties...
A training programme that can halve psychological sickness absence and how to tackle uncertainty in the workplace are the themes for July's meeting of the Swindon Mindful Employer Network, which aims to build healthier businesses in the town. Jonathan Naess, director of Stand to Reason, which works with and for people with mental ill...
Costa Coffee is to open its second UK Drive Thru outlet in Swindon tomorrow, creating 20 jobs and promising what it calls ‘great coffee for people on the go’. The shop, at Lydiard Fields, is the first in the South West and one of six planned across the UK by the end of next...
Employment figures released today had the Government claiming strong new private sector jobs growth at the same time as experts were warning that a shock rise in the number of benefit claimants could herald tougher times ahead. In Swindon, unemployment edged down by 0.3% – or 450 people – in May to 3.4%, compared...
Telecommunications company Excalibur Communications has expanded into new premises in Swindon to accommodate its growing business. The firm has relocated from the Orbit Estate in Bridgemead to larger premises at the nearby Stonehill Green office campus. Excalibur secured the new five-year lease on 2,251 sq ft in Dauntsey House, which was let to them...
