Key points from the 2020 Budget so far . . . Growth forecasts updated to 1.4% for 2020 and 1.6% for 2021 Planned rise in alcohol duties cancelled Fuel duty frozen Government to abolish business rates for small shops this year levy on electricity frozen and increased on gas Tax on plastic packaging to...
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...
Bristol’s innovative manufacturing firms are being invited to take part in a trade mission to South Korea to explore collaborating with some of the country’s most pioneering businesses. Part of the government’s Global Business Innovation Programme, the mission will bring together small cohorts of innovative UK small and medium-sized businesses looking to grow and...
The South West has emerged as the UK’s best region for women’s economic empowerment – outperforming other parts of the country for female participation at work and narrower pay disparities between the sexes. According to the latest Women in Work Index, produced by accountancy giant PwC, the region also has the second-lowest female unemployment...
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...
Event professionals have described MEET South West – the region’s only trade show dedicated to their industry – as an invaluable opportunity to learn, connect and network. The show, which took place in Bristol two weeks ago, brought together more than 350 people from all parts of the sector for a full day of...
The CBI has urged the Chancellor to take bold action on skills, innovation and infrastructure in his Budget to ‘power-up’ the South West’s economy. The seven-point plea was made before Sajid Javid resigned as Chancellor and was replaced by Rishi Sunak – throwing into doubt whether the Budget will go ahead, as planned, on...
Creative agency director Lee Nathan has been chosen as the new South West chairman of the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses). The 35-year-old, who moved from Devon to Bristol last year, has become the youngest FSB regional chair in the country. Lee, pictured, who has worked at Bristol and Plymouth-based Studiovine for nearly eight...
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...
The South West Fair Trade Business Awards are returning for an eighth year, with The Great British Bake Off star Briony Williams lined up to host the presentation ceremony. The awards, which celebrate ethical organisations of all sizes and from any sector across the region, have recognised hundreds of organisations that support Fair Trade...
