The West’s small to medium-sized manufacturers are set to go on an investment spree to meet the expected increase in demand sparked by the economic recovery, a new survey shows. Four in five firms in the sector plan to buy new capital equipment over the next year, with the average spend likely to be...
Manufacturers from Swindon and across the West of England are being urged to have their say on the highly-topical issue of European Union reform. EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, has set out some radical plans for the EU which keeps Britain at the heart of Europe – something it says is crucial to the future...
West businesses will hear how to unlock their potential by looking east for trade opportunities at an event in the region later this week. The UK Asia Business Council (UKABC) brings its regional roadshow to Bristol on Friday, giving an oversight of South East Asia’s markets and rounding off Export Week. Organised in conjunction...
Tickets are still available for The Business Showcase South West 2014, the region’s newest and most-exciting business event, which takes place tomorrow. The unique showcase at Bristol’s historic Colston Hall celebrates the best of the region’s innovation, creativity and sustainability through speeches, discussions, exhibitors and networking opportunities. The powerful line-up of speakers includes Karren...
Exporting in the digital age and advice for female entrepreneurs considering growing their business overseas are among the topics to be covered in the West as part of Export Week. Starting on Monday, the week aims to encourage firms to consider trading internationally or, for existing exporters, to look at new markets. UK Trade...
An ambitious economic blueprint to make Swindon and Wiltshire one of the most innovative areas in the country has been submitted to the Government by the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The LEP’s Strategic Economic Plan urges ministers to invest public money in Swindon and Wiltshire to secure growth as the area grapples with key...
Director of The Initiative in Swindon & Wiltshire Ian Larrard said his organisation, part of lobbying and advice group Business West, will work with Honda to help it maintain manufacturing in the town. He also said support would be given to workers losing their jobs, particularly those looking to start their own business. “We...
The Unite union, which represents workers at Honda’s Swindon plant, described today’s news as a “devastating blow to UK manufacturing” and warned total job losses could be four times as high when it hits firms in the supply chain. The union called for urgent talks with Honda and for the Government to step in...
Swindon’s MPs today pledged to do all they can to help Honda workers affected by the latest job cuts and to act to ensure the car giant remains committed to the town. Robert Buckland, MP for South Swindon, said he had spoken to Prime Minister David Cameron about the Honda job losses and had...
Full text of Honda statement Honda Motor Europe has today announced that its Swindon manufacturing facility, Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd (HUM), will move from a three-shift to a two-shift pattern. In addition, production will be consolidated onto one line, to improve production flexibility and efficiency, and will remain so whilst production volumes...
