Workers at major Swindon employer Halcrow who own shares in the business could receive cash windfalls worth thousands of pounds after its directors agreed to a £124m takeover. Engineering consultancy Halcrow, which employs 500 staff at Burderop base, is being acquired by major US group CH2M Hill. The deal is subject to the approval...
A high-flyer from the aerospace sector has been appointed by EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, to head up the support it provides to industry across the South West. As the organisation’s new region director, Paul Knight will be responsible for the services delivered to member companies but he will also represent the needs of manufacturing...
Swindon lawyer Paul Trincas has been chosen as one of the athletics officials for the London 2012 Olympic Games. Paul, a partner and head of corporate services at Charles Lucas & Marshall, found out today that he has been selected after being short-listed for interview at the end of June. He will be part...
The UK’s first open access hydrogen vehicle refuelling station has been officially launched in Swindon – putting the town at the centre of innovation for what many believe will be the motoring technology of the future. The station, at Honda’s South Marston car manufacturing site, will be open to anyone developing or using hydrogen-powered...
Swindon bus passengers have given Thamesdown Transport’s electronic fares system the thumbs up, with 20,000 smartcards issued since they was introduced in 2006 – half of those since the beginning of this year when the old magnetic cards were withdrawn. The smartcard system allows passengers to pay as they go electronically using SmartFare,...
Securing a mortgage is not impossible if you look beyond the high street. That’s the message from Dick Jenkins, chief executive of the Bath Building Society which in recent months has increased its lending book and launched a series of new mortgage products designed to help new entrants get on the housing ladder. According...
South West manufacturers have achieved healthy growth figures despite the increasingly fragile nature of the wider economic recovery. The upbeat picture emerges from a major survey by EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, and accountants BDO. It shows 45% of the region’s manufacturing firms taking part in the survey reporting higher output and 41% saying they achieved...
Swindon could get a direct high-speed rail link to Heathrow Airport under a scheme being considered by the Government. Transport Secretary Philip Hammond, pictured, is understood to have drafted fresh plans to build a spur line from the Great Western main line at Reading Station into the airport, possibly straight to Terminal 5. The...
How can parents support their children through university and also save tax? It's a question many are facing for the first time as the 2011/12 university year begins. The Clifton office of national accountancy firm Saffery Champness suggests that investing in residential accommodation for student children could allow parents to minimise income tax, generate capital...
Around two-thirds of divorces in the South West are being put on hold due to the tough financial climate, according to a new survey from accountants and business advisers Grant Thornton. The firm’s annual matrimonial survey reveals that a lack of value or liquidity of assets has caused 67% of divorces to be delayed...
