Chippenham-based specialist IT group SCISYS has completed the acquisition of German media software firm Annova Systems in a move that it called a “step-change” in its growth prospects. SCISYS, which has an established media & broadcasting division, paid €11.35m (£9.64m) upfront in cash for Munich-headquartered Annova. The firm, which had earnings of €1.1m on €7.5m...
More firms across the South West are unlocking growth funding by claiming research and development (R&D) tax relief, according to new figures. But the region still lags many other parts of the UK in accessing what is widely viewed as a key way of boosting innovation. Latest figures from HMRC show claims for R&D tax...
By Ian Larrard, director of Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative at Business West Making predictions about what the next 12 months will have in store is always a tricky business. But if one thing’s for certain about 2017, it will be a bellwether year for the local economy. This, of course, is all down to...
Swindon Business News wishes its readers, subscribers and advertisers a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year. We will continue to provide the area’s most authoritative business news, information and analysis throughout the festive period. Our next Swindon Business News e-bulletin will be published on Thursday, January 5.
Green utility Good Energy has won a major award for installing a spectacular rainforest display inside its Chippenham head office to mark the launch of a new eco product. Staff and visitors to the office were stunned when set designers transformed the building into a rainforest on the day the firm unveiled its eco-friendly...
Investment and growth in the local economy are the top priorities of newly appointed chairman of Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) John Mortimer. John, pictured, also said he would be a champion for the area and wants businesses to get in touch with collaborative ideas to boost productivity. He has been vice-chairman...
SCISYS, the Chippenham-based specialist IT group, is to acquire German media software firm Annova Systems for up to €27.83m (£23.8m) in a move that will give a strong international boost to its own media & broadcast division. SCISYS said the acquisition, which it is funding mainly from a new bank loan, was expected to be...
Business organisation the CBI “warmly welcomed” Chancellor Philip Hammond’s commitments to boost research and development, housing and infrastructure. But it said these must be acted on. Director-general Carolyn Fairbairn, pictured below, said: “The Chancellor has prioritised a pragmatic down payment on future productivity growth. “His emphasis on R&D, housing and local infrastructure will help...
Swindon businesses will welcome Chancellor Philip Hammond’s focus on investment in the Autumn Statement, particularly in areas where growth pressures are highest, according to the Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative. Director Ian Larrard, pictured, described the statement as “a sombre, not flashy, affair” which reflected the national mood of economic and business uncertainty. But he...
Chancellor Philip Hammond his presented his first Autumn Statement: Here are the main points, as announced: Office for Budget Responsibility says growth this year will be 2.1%, 1.4% next year (down from 2.2%), 1.7% in 2018 (down from 2.1%), 2.1% in 2019/20 (down from 2.1%) and 2% in 2020/21, (down from 2.1%). As expected, the...
