Green power supplier Good Energy looks to have repelled the latest takeover approach from arch-rival Ecotricity after it emerged that holders of just 1.8% of its shares have accepted the offer. Ecotricity already had 4,169,948 shares in Chippenham-headquartered Good Energy - equivalent to a 25.1% stake – before pouncing for a fourth time in...
Optimism among South West firms in the economy is increasing as the region continues to recover from the pandemic, according to a new survey, but businesses have become less confident about their own prospects. The latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking shows confidence levels among firms in the South West dropped month-on-month by four...
Directors in the Swindon area are being invited to enter the top regional awards scheme recognising excellence and enterprise in the boardroom. The annual Institute of Directors’ Director of the Year Awards seek to champion outstanding leaders and entrepreneurs in both the public and private sectors. Award nominations are open to anyone working at director level in...
The Covid-19 pandemic prompted a wave of innovation among businesses in Swindon and across the South West, with nearly half saying they pivoted their operations to survive. According to a new Lloyds Bank survey, 46% of firms in the region they were forced to become more creative and innovative in finding new areas of growth. ...
Global accountancy group PwC has promoted Paul Atkinson to head of financial services for the West & Wales as it continues to build its presence in an industry worth more than £10bn to the regional economy. Paul, pictured, replaces PwC global insurance operations leader Will Conner in the role. He has a long track record...
National accountancy firm RSM is to almost double its annual summer trainee intake this year as it looks to fulfil a key ambition to grow from within its own ranks. The firm, which supplies audit, tax and consulting services to mid-tier businesses, is recruiting 27 trainees this month for its offices in Swindon and Bristol...
Professional criminals took advantage of the unprecedented conditions caused by the pandemic to con businesses and individuals across the South West out of millions of pounds, new figures show. According to accountancy group KPMG latest Fraud Barometer, cases reaching the region’s courts in the first half of this year soared by more than three...
Global accountancy group EY has made a series of senior appointments in its regional office, including a partner and three associate partners, as it continues to invest in the South West and Wales. Robin Enstone has been promoted to equity partner while there are also promotions to associate partner for Elsa Littlewood, Ed Bujok-Stone and David Potter. ...
The South West team of LDC, the leading mid-market private equity firm, is predicting significant growth and investment opportunities for small and mid-sized businesses over the coming year as the regional economy recovers from the pandemic. The team completed three deals in the first half of this year with a combined enterprise value of...
Philip Morris International, the US tobacco group behind the Marlboro cigarette brand, is to buy Chippenham-based specialist pharmaceutical firm Vectura for just over £1bn after outbidding global private equity giant Carlyle. Vectura, which has its roots in a spin-out from the University of Bath, had agreed to Carlyle’s £958m approach but withdrew support after receiving...
