The West of England Business of the Year Awards, the most prestigious business accolades in the region, have been launched by accountants PwC. The awards are now in their 24th year with the roll call of previous winners reading like a who’s who of the West’s best business elite including major companies such as...
Passenger numbers at Bristol Airport rose for the second successive year in 2011 despite challenging economic conditions. The rise was modest – just 0.8% to a total of 5.7m. Overall the airport continued to grow its market share within the region while maintaining its ranking as the UK's fifth largest airport outside London. It is also forecasting...
The UK Met Office has awarded SciSys key analysis and development work in the form of four new contracts worth in excess of £400,000. Chippenham-based SciSys, is a leading developer of information and communications technology services, e-business and advanced technology solutions serving the environment and utilities sectors including major public and private sector clients. Three contracts are for discovery phase...
Swindon-based pen manufacturer Pentel raised more than £46,500 for The Prostate Cancer Charity in 2011 through sales of two of its products and continues to raise money in 2012. The money came from a blue barrelled ballpoint pen called LineStyle, which carries a donation of £0.20 per pen for every pen sold and an...
Trade and investment minister Lord Green has visited the West to urge the region’s businessess to compete for a major award scheme to boost exports – benefiting both themselves and the economy. The Exporting for Growth competition aims to encourage more small businesses to take their products to overseas markets by offering a comprehensive...
Inflation fell sharply last month as lower fuel prices and hefty pre-Christmas discounting on the high street brought some economic relief. The drop – to 4.2% from 4.8% in November – is the biggest fall since April 2009 and supports Bank of England forecasts that inflation will tumble this year as a result of...
Workplace relations advisers Acas has appointed Tony Cooper as its new director of the South West region. Mr Cooper has worked for Acas for 23 years, having had roles in every aspect of the organisation. He has also worked in the retail sector. He succeeds James Crass, who held the post for more than...
Government initiatives to promote innovation and exports to emerging markets coupled with growth sectors like the automotive industry provide real opportunities for West manufacturers, according to accountants and business advisors BDO’s regional office. While recognising that uncertainty in key economies and markets and the lack of access to capital will make 2012 a challenging...
Interest rates have again been pegged at their record low of 0.5% amid growing concerns over weak consumer spending, mixed results from high street retailers and little sign of the expected upturn for manufacturers. The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) have now kept rates at 0.5% since March 2009. While some economists...
The newly-formed Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has appointed businessman Paul Johnson as its first chairman. Swindon-born Mr Johnson recently stepped down as chairman of Melksham-based railway engineering group Knorr-Bremse (UK). His appointment was ratified by an independent panel drawn from the local business community and chaired by the High Sherriff of...
