A family-owned Wiltshire garden centre group which celebrates its half-century this year is continuing to trade through the coronavirus crisis after securing funding from Barclays under the government’s business support scheme. Whitehall Garden Centres, which has its headquarters at Lacock, near Chippenham, was forced to close its three outlets at what would have been...
Business organisations have welcomed new measures by the government to help small firms survive the coronavirus pandemic, reflecting the fact that around half are being rejected for loans under the existing scheme. Business West, the organisation that runs the Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative, said Chancellor Rishi Sunak, pictured, had listened to complaints from struggling...
Fewer than one in six West of England firms believe they will be able to cope if the coronavirus crisis lasts for more than six months, according to the results of the first major survey highlighting the impact of the pandemic on the region’s businesses. More than 70% of firms have already suffered a...
Private equity provider YFM has appointed David Wrench as an investment director with a particular focus on the South West market. David, pictured, has joined the team to invest in growth capital and buyout opportunities. His appointment follows the recent raising of a new £80m YFM buyout fund. David previously worked for accountancy firm...
More than 40,000 businesses have sought advice and guidance on how they can survive the coronavirus pandemic from a special service set up by Business West, the organisation behind the Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative. Trading Through Coronavirus, which went live exactly a month ago, provides expert information and guidance to businesses as well as...
Nearly nine out of 10 South West manufacturers expect the coronavirus pandemic to hit their sales over the next six months, with half saying they will need to axe staff to stay in business. And despite action by the government to support businesses during the crisis, three-quarters of manufacturers in the region believe it...
The people of the UK are making extraordinary efforts to limit the health impact of Covid-19. NHS staff, aided by carers and volunteers, are doing sterling work in the face of unprecedented pressures. Families, friends, and neighbours are rallying round those who are ill or isolating themselves. And thousands of businesses are safeguarding the...
Three-quarters of South West firms were hit by the coronavirus pandemic in the first two weeks of March, according to a new survey which also shows the outbreak has triggered a marked fall in businesses confidence in the region. Lloyds Bank’s Business Barometer – a monthly survey of more than 1,000 companies carried out...
Warnings about future profits made by South West companies listed on the London Stock Exchange have soared by 75% compared to this time last year – with most of them blaming the coronavirus pandemic. The latest analysis from international accountancy group EY shows there have been 14 profit warnings issued in the region so...
The latest moves by the government to support businesses, including relaxing the insolvency laws and removing some red tape, have been given the thumbs up by the region’s largest business organisation. Business West described the measures, announced by Business Secretary Alok Sharma on Friday evening, as sensible steps that would help protect companies weakened...
