Small Swindon graphics agency Rendermedia is showcasing its ground-breaking virtual reality (VR) prowess alongside the giants of Silicon Valley at one of the world’s biggest tech industry shows. Rendermedia founder Mark Miles is at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas where his firm’s VR work for aerospace group Airbus is on display....
Swindon’s iconic 1980s Spectrum Building, designed by renowned architect Lord (Norman) Foster as a warehouse and showroom for French car giant Renault, is back in use as a tyre distribution centre. The yellow building, pictured – famously used as a backdrop in the 1984 James Bond film A View To A Kill – is occupied...
More firms across the South West are unlocking growth funding by claiming research and development (R&D) tax relief, according to new figures. But the region still lags many other parts of the UK in accessing what is widely viewed as a key way of boosting innovation. Latest figures from HMRC show claims for R&D tax...
By Ian Larrard, director of Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative at Business West Making predictions about what the next 12 months will have in store is always a tricky business. But if one thing’s for certain about 2017, it will be a bellwether year for the local economy. This, of course, is all down to...
A new inhaler developed by Chippenham firm Vectura to treat lung disease has been shown to be an effective alternative to traditional devices in a large-scale trial. Patients using the Ultibro Breezhaler in the trial improved lung function and COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) symptoms after switching from their previous treatment, Vectura said in...
Investment and growth in the local economy are the top priorities of newly appointed chairman of Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) John Mortimer. John, pictured, also said he would be a champion for the area and wants businesses to get in touch with collaborative ideas to boost productivity. He has been vice-chairman...
Business organisation the CBI “warmly welcomed” Chancellor Philip Hammond’s commitments to boost research and development, housing and infrastructure. But it said these must be acted on. Director-general Carolyn Fairbairn, pictured below, said: “The Chancellor has prioritised a pragmatic down payment on future productivity growth. “His emphasis on R&D, housing and local infrastructure will help...
Swindon businesses will welcome Chancellor Philip Hammond’s focus on investment in the Autumn Statement, particularly in areas where growth pressures are highest, according to the Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative. Director Ian Larrard, pictured, described the statement as “a sombre, not flashy, affair” which reflected the national mood of economic and business uncertainty. But he...
Chancellor Philip Hammond his presented his first Autumn Statement: Here are the main points, as announced: Office for Budget Responsibility says growth this year will be 2.1%, 1.4% next year (down from 2.2%), 1.7% in 2018 (down from 2.1%), 2.1% in 2019/20 (down from 2.1%) and 2% in 2020/21, (down from 2.1%). As expected, the...
The year-long celebrations to mark the 175th anniversary of Swindon as a railway town continued last week when law firm Thrings hosted the Autumn Hooty Party. The event, held in the Caerphilly Hall of Swindon’s STEAM Museum, was attended by members of the Swindon business community. Regional law firm Thrings, which has its head...
