Branding, exporting and the challenges of being a woman boss in the male-dominated world of professional football are among the issues that will be showcased at this year’s Festival of Female Entrepreneurs in Bristol. The event, staged by small business support group Enterprise Nation on October 20, has become the largest of its kind...
Business West, the region’s largest business organisation, has appointed one of the South West’s top marketeers as its new chairman. Iain Wolsey, pictured, said he wanted Business West to ensure the region “punched a bit above our weight” and competed against the likes of the Northern Powerhouse and the Midlands Engine. “If we...
By Donna Kehoe, Bank of England agent for the South West of England I always enjoy the conversations I have each day with those running businesses, charities and other organisations here in the South West. These discussions provide an up-to-the-minute insight into what’s really happening in the economy across the UK. And at the...
Swindon’s best tech businesses are being invited to enter a national awards scheme that celebrates innovation and growth among the sector’s fastest-growing firms. The 2017 Deloitte UK Technology Fast 50 Awards showcase the country’s dynamic technology ecosystem and the most exciting hi-tech companies. Now in their 20th year, the awards rank the UK’s...
Automotive learning and development company RTS Group has strengthened its foothold in China by opening an office in Beijing. The move comes three years after the firm, which specialises in helping automotive manufacturers create world-class retailers by developing frontline staff, started trading in the country. RTS also has businesses across Europe, the Middle...
Confidence among West of England firms has plummeted to its lowest level since the depths of the recession in 2009, according to the latest survey of its members by Business West, the region’s largest business organisation. The number of businesses describing themselves as confident about their future slumped by 22% compared to the same...
Workers at BMW’s Swindon plant are cheering the German car giant’s decision to build the electric version of the Mini in the UK. The new car, which will enter production in 2019, will be based on the existing Mini three-door Hatch model – body panels and other parts for which are made at the...
Swindon’s forward-looking employers now have more time to enter a top awards scheme that champions the happiest workplaces in the West following a decision by organisers to extend the deadline for entries. Staged by Bristol-based and interior design consultancy Wylde IA, the Happiest Workplace competition recognises firms that go the extra mile to ensure...
Exporting firms based in the South West received support worth £3.2m from the government’s export credit agency UK Export Finance (UKEF) over the past year – helping them achieve overseas sales of more than £41m. The figures emerge from UKEF’s latest annual report. The agency works alongside the Department for International Trade (DIT) to...
Swindon-based industrial fastening firm Young Black has been acquired by international specialist engineering group Indutrade in a move that will help to secure its future. Young Black, which employs around 30 people at its base on Radway Road, Stratton St Margaret, will become part of Swedish group Indutrade’s special products division. Swindon-headquartered regional law...
