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...
Invoice financier Advantedge Commercial Finance has appointed Ruth Bethel as its business development manager for the South West. Ruth, pictured, has re-joined the business having previously spent three years with it as regional sales manager before leaving four years ago. In her new role she will be responsible for leading the continued development of the...
Nine new directors and a new partner have been appointed by global accountancy group PwC’s West & Wales region as it heads into its new financial year. New audit partner Stuart Couch, pictured, joined PwC in the region as a director in 2014, having been with the firm in London since 2001. Born and educated...
R3, the restructuring and insolvency trade body, has launched a free guide for company directors on how to spot signs of financial distress, options open to them to resolve it and where to get expert advice. Called Get Back to Business: A guide to dealing with corporate financial distress, it is available to download from www.backtobusinessuk.com The guide: ...
