Pubs, cafes and restaurants must close down this evening, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced, as Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled a massive package of measures to support businesses and their workers. The government is to pay 80% of wages for employees not working, up to £2,500 a month, Mr Sunak said. Companies and organisations...
The Bank of England has cut interest rates to 0.1% – their lowest level ever – as it attempts to deal with the economic fall-out from the coronavirus pandemic. The move is the second emergency cut in just over a week prompted by the outbreak – last week the rate was reduced from 0.75%...
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has unveiled an emergency £330bn package to support businesses during the coronavirus crisis. Mr Sunak, pictured, said the move was equivalent to 15% of the UK’s GDP and added that if demand was greater than the initial £330bn he would go further and provide as much capacity as required. Measures include:...
Business West, the region’s largest business organisation, has welcomed Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s response to the coronavirus crisis in his Budget – but warned that its commitment to funding big-scale ‘levelling-up’ infrastructure projects through borrowing could unravel if the economy goes into recession. Managing director Phil Smith, pictured, said a strong statement of intent from...
The CBI described Rishi Sunak’s first Budget as “bold” in combining the much-needed immediate response to the coronavirus crisis with longer-term measures to boost the economy. Director-general Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, pictured, said the Chancellor had worked against the clock in deeply challenging times to deliver two Budgets in one – the first for national...
Key points from Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s first Budget . . Chancellor started speaking at 12:35pm He says public services are well prepared to tackle coronavirus There is likely to be a "significant" impact on the UK economy but it will return to normal There will be a funding "bridge" for business to help them...
With less than a month to go until nominations close, Bristol directors are being urged to enter one of the South West’s top award schemes recognising excellence and enterprise. The Institute of Directors’ (IoD) South West Director of the Year Awards 2020 aim to champion the region’s outstanding leaders and entrepreneurs. The awards, which also...
Business organisations have slammed the decision by North Somerset councillors to reject Bristol Airport’s expansion plans. The CBI in the region described the move “a real blow to Bristol and the wider South West” while the Federation of Small Businesses echoed the airport’s own claims that it would force people to drive out of...
Bristol Airport has accused councillors who rejected its controversial expansion plans of “putting the brakes” on the region’s economic growth by stifling international trade and tourism. It also said the move, which it is expected to appeal against, would deter airlines from using the airport – forcing passengers to travel to Heathrow or Gatwick...
The region’s largest business organisation has called on the government to ensure firms get essential support and guidance for life outside the EU as the UK today marks its official departure from the world’s biggest trading bloc. While the UK is leaving the European Union at 11pm after 47 years, an 11-month transition period...
