Swindon firms considering doing business in China this year – or those already trading there – are being urged to take part in the region’s largest Chinese New Year reception and banquet. Organised by the Bristol & West of England China Bureau, the event brings together business leaders, key figures from the Chinese business...
R3, the insolvency and restructuring trade body, has appointed accountant Louise Durkan as the new chair of its South West and Wales region. Louise, pictured, an insolvency practitioner with more than 20 years’ experience in restructuring, is the financial advisory and restructuring director at accountancy group Deloitte’s Bristol office, where she leads a team...
The CBI has appointed Susan Davy, chief financial officer of environmental infrastructure group Pennon Group, as the next chair of its South West region. Susan, pictured right, will replace Andrew Livingston, CEO of Yeovil-based DIY and building equipment supplier Screwfix, who is leaving the post early. Andrew, pictured below, took over the role for...
Swindon’s economy could benefit from aspects of the government’s long-awaited Industrial Strategy, announced this week, two key figures in the town’s business community have said. But there was also disappointment at the lack of detail in some of initiatives and a need for more engagement with the business community. Ian Larrard, director of the...
Well, nobody could accuse the Chancellor of setting the world alight. But perhaps we should at least be grateful that most of us haven’t had our fingers burned with this Budget, anyway. The good news for aspirational young house owners – and their parents, who as part of the Bank of Mum and Dad...
Chancellor Philip Hammond’s support for the tech sector – a vital part of Swindon’s economy – in the Budget have been welcomed by regional business figures. Institute of Directors South West chair Nick Sturge, pictured, said: “We need to build on the strong network of clusters that are already working well in the regions, accelerating growing businesses by...
Philip Hammond was a “cautious Chancellor doing his best in a tight spot” in the Budget, according to Phil Smith, managing director of Business West – the region’s largest business organisation which runs the Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative. He described Mr Hammond as playing a “weak hand with reasonable competence”, providing enough for his...
CBI director-general Carolyn Fairbairn described it as a Budget that balanced support for people on squeezed incomes with vital action to help grow the UK out of austerity. But delivery will be everything. “Against a sombre economic backdrop, the Chancellor gripped the steering wheel on the UK economy. Action on business rates, R&D tax...
Swindon businesses could be forgiven for feeling a little left out of the Budget as investment was steered more towards big cities and other regions, according Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative director Ian Larrard. But the town should benefit in the longer term from measures to improve education, skills and the digital economy, he said....
Chancellor Philip Hammond has presented the 2017 Budget. Here are the main points: Economy is ready for challenges that lie ahead Growth forecast is now 1.5% this year, 1.4% next year and 1.3% in 2019/20 against 2% this year, 1.6% next year and 1.7% in 2019. Inflation peaking at 3% in this quarter before...
