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...
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...
Business West, the region’s largest business organisation, today called on Chancellor Philip Hammond to “be brave, but invest in the long term” in Wednesday’s Budget. The group, which runs the Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative, said businesses’ patience was wearing thin with a government that was failing to set the foundations of a post-Brexit economy. ...
Swindon’s ethical organisations – large and small – are being invited to enter the annual South West Fairtrade Business Awards. Now in their sixth year, the awards recognise the contribution that businesses, organisations and institutes in the region make in support of Fairtrade by buying certified Fairtrade products for the workplace and raising awareness...
The South West division of housebuilder David Wilson Homes has appointed Ian Menham as managing director. Ian, pictured, joins the firm – a division of Barratt Developments, the UK’s largest housebuilder – after more than two years as managing director at from sister business Barratt Homes Southern Counties, based in Guildford. Ian has spent...
Challenges linked to infrastructure, apprenticeships and Brexit were among the topics discussed by businesses when they met Chippenham MP Michelle Donelan at a roundtable staged by business services organisation Business West. With uncertainty still hanging over the government’s Brexit negotiations, businesses at the event emphasised the importance of agreeing a meaningful transitional deal with...
The West of England’s property and construction industry must speed up career progression for women and bring in more flexible working practices if it is to create a truly diverse and sustainable workforce, according to new research. Without doing this it runs the risk of making ‘fake’ progress, the report Building: A Better Workforce,...
Chartered surveyor and property consultancy Sanderson Weatherall has further strengthened its presence in the South West market with the appointment of Jo Williams as partner. Jo, pictured, who will be based in Sanderson Weatherall’s Bristol office, will also head its building consultancy offering across the South West. She has more than 22 years’ experience...
Action is needed to free-up development land and attract new businesses to Swindon, according to the new chairwoman of SNAP, the town’s influential property forum. Gemma Featonby, pictured, believes that red tape is frustrating the planning system and holding back the town’s much-needed growth as a business hub. Gemma, a property litigation...
Firms across Swindon and Wiltshire are looking for Chancellor Philip Hammond to deliver a shot in the arm and lift confidence in next month’s Budget following today’s rise in inflation, according to the region’s largest business group. The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose to 3% in September, according to today’s official figures – taking...
