Swindon-based construction firm Beard has officially opened its new Bristol office to coincide with the end of its 125th year of business. Beard, which also has offices in Oxford and Guildford, acquired Langford Lodge, a Victorian building in Clifton, two years ago. Previously occupied by international management and construction consultants Gleeds, Beard has completely...
The South West will be one of the UK’s fastest-growing regions over the next three years, according to new research. The region, with a growth rate of 1.7%, will lag behind the South East (2%) and the West Midlands (1.8%), but will still outperform Northern regions, Wales and Scotland. The analysis by accountancy firm...
The digital innovator credited with the success of Moneysupermarket.com is to join Chippenham-based renewable energy group Good Energy as an independent non-executive director. Tim Jones, chief information officer of Moneysupermarket.com Group, has more than 20 years’ experience in using digital to drive change in organisations. He is widely regarded as one of the UK’s top...
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...
A £12m bid to build an iconic new art gallery and museum in Swindon town centre – and trigger development of a new cultural quarter – has been submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund. Swindon Museum and Art Gallery Trust, which is leading the bid process, has compiled nearly 800 pages of evidence to...
One of the UK’s largest battery-based electricity storage sites could be developed in Swindon under plans drawn up by local firm Public Power Solutions (PPS). The company, wholly owned by Swindon Borough Council, has submitted a planning application to build the facility on the former Mannington Depot. It said the scheme would provide the...
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...
Good Energy, the Chippenham-based renewable energy firm, has made its first move into the fast-growing battery storage market through a partnership with the Eden Project. The firm said the move, which will bring environmental and financial benefits to the ‘green’ Cornish tourist attraction, will take it one step closer to its purpose of “powering...
Branding and design agency Bravedog is to become the first tenant to move into Swindon’s Carriage Works, the town’s long-awaited innovation hub for tech and creative businesses. The Carriage Works is being developed in phases in former railway workshops on Sheppard Street. The refurbishment of an initial 7,000 sq ft, which is taking place...
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...
