By Donna Kehoe, Bank of England agent for the South West of England I always enjoy the conversations I have each day with those running businesses, charities and other organisations here in the South West. These discussions provide an up-to-the-minute insight into what’s really happening in the economy across the UK. And at the...
The roll-out of a next-generation news management system by the BBC to thousands of its journalists has boosted Chippenham-based specialist IT group SCISYS following its acquisition of the German firm behind the technology. Munich-headquartered Annova had a 12-year contract with the BBC to supply its OpenMedia software when SCISYS paid €11.35m (£9.64m) upfront in...
Swindon’s best tech businesses are being invited to enter a national awards scheme that celebrates innovation and growth among the sector’s fastest-growing firms. The 2017 Deloitte UK Technology Fast 50 Awards showcase the country’s dynamic technology ecosystem and the most exciting hi-tech companies. Now in their 20th year, the awards rank the UK’s...
Confidence among West of England firms has plummeted to its lowest level since the depths of the recession in 2009, according to the latest survey of its members by Business West, the region’s largest business organisation. The number of businesses describing themselves as confident about their future slumped by 22% compared to the same...
Swindon’s forward-looking employers now have more time to enter a top awards scheme that champions the happiest workplaces in the West following a decision by organisers to extend the deadline for entries. Staged by Bristol-based and interior design consultancy Wylde IA, the Happiest Workplace competition recognises firms that go the extra mile to ensure...
Wiltshire manor house-turned-business centre Hartham Park has been given a new look as it expands its offering to embrace more flexible ways of working. The Georgian building, pictured below, set in 50 acres of parkland near Corsham, called in workplace designers Wylde IA to refurbish its restaurant, formerly called Jack’s, replacing it with a...
Wiltshire-based Avon Tyres has become the official shirt sponsor of Sky Bet Championship side Derby County – a promotion for the firm following its position as the club’s back-of-shirt sponsor last season. Melksham-based Avon, which described the new agreement as “multi-year”, initially teamed up with The Rams in February last year when it became...
Ten firms have been named as finalists for the coveted PwC West of England Business of the Year Awards – the region’s most prestigious business accolades. Among the contenders are Bath-based Independent Vetcare (IVC) – the UK’s fastest-growing veterinary group – and Bodywise (UK), which manufactures and sells organic and natural feminine hygiene and baby care...
Legal experts from the Swindon head office of regional law firm Thrings have helped complete the sale of mail order and online gift business Qwerkity to discount retailer The Book People. The complex deal, which was completed by the Thrings team to a tight deadline, widens The Book People’s offering to include Qwerkity’s wide...
The unexpected outcome of the General Election and the resulting hung Parliament has sent shock waves through businesses and the organisations representing them. Carolyn Fairbairn, director-general of the CBI, said it was a serious moment for the UK economy. “The priority must be for politicians to get their house in order and form a functioning government,...
