The corporate deals market has bounced back in the South West and is on course for its strongest year since 2010, according to an analysis of recent mergers and acquisitions published by accountancy firm Grant Thornton. Some 142 deals – ranging from acquisitions to management buyouts and flotations – are projected to complete this...
Regional law firm Thrings, which has its largest office in Swindon, has handled the sale of a Bristol-based builders’ merchants to one of the industry’s largest operators. Thrings company commercial partner Alex Pyatt and solicitor Sarah Ellis advised Ashmead Building Supplies managing director Tony Swain and his team on all strategic and legal matters...
Francis George, founder Swindon law firm Francis George Solicitor-Advocate, has joined the panel of the Somerset & Wiltshire branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) as a legal advisor. Francis, pictured, will advise small businesses and start-ups on issues such as leases, contract law and commercial relationships. The FSB is the UK's largest...
Swindon firms are being urged to check whether they have to pay for their staff’s travel time to and from customers’ business premises after the latest ruling from the European Court of Justice. The move confirmed the Advocate General’s earlier opinion that employees with no fixed place of work – such as carers, cleaners...
The CBI welcomed the spending review’s commitment to longer-term investment in the economy but said there was a sting in the tail in the size and scope of the £3m apprenticeship levy. Director-general Carolyn Fairbairn said: “Businesses will be pleased to see the Chancellor staying the course on deficit reduction, his commitment to an...
Swindon business experts have given a mostly positive reaction to this week’s Autumn Statement and Spending Review. Ian Larrard, director of the Swindon and Wiltshire Initiative – part of Business West – said it contained some good news for the region. “Once again the ‘builder’ Chancellor has used the tools at his disposal to...
Chancellor George Osborne today delivered his Autumn Statement and Spending Review. These are the main points: Chancellor says five years ago UK economy was in crisis. Debt will fall this year. £12bn of welfare savings will be delivered in full. Britain has grown faster than any other G7 countries since 2010. Economy is predicted...
Christine Bunting, director at Swindon-headquartered specialist law firm Hyphen, has received one of Prime Minister David Cameron’s Points of Light awards, which recognise outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring others. Christine gained the accolade through her work with Cerebra, a unique national charity for families that include children...
Swindon law firm Francis George Solicitor-Advocate is embarking on ambitious expansion – including taking on additional staff – as it prepares to celebrate its eighth anniversary. The firm, which specialises in litigation, pre-litigation and non-contentious work, is looking to recruit five new team members to take its total staffing up to 24. It will...
With just two days to go, the Festival of Female Entrepreneurs is shaping up to be one of the biggest business events in the West this year. Hundreds of business owners – men and women – will descend on the Colston Hall in Bristol this Thursday for the one-day entrepreneurial extravaganza. Tickets to the keynote...
