IKEA has awarded a four-year contract to logistics group Wincanton to help it develop two new distribution centres in London. The announcement of the deal on the London Stock Exchange triggered a leap in Chippenham-based Wincanton’s share price to a five-year high. Wincanton is to provide operational development and support for the two new warehouses,...
The striking design for Swindon’s hope-for £22m town centre art gallery and museum was unveiled this morning as the body behind the project prepares to re-apply for nearly half the cost from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The iconic design by London-based Make Architects aims at creating a nationally important landmark building on the car...
Investment and growth in the local economy are the top priorities of newly appointed chairman of Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) John Mortimer. John, pictured, also said he would be a champion for the area and wants businesses to get in touch with collaborative ideas to boost productivity. He has been vice-chairman...
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has officially opened Bristol Airport’s new £24m west terminal extension as the airport prepares to handle more than 8m passengers next year. The extension transforms the security search process for passengers as well as creating an enlarged baggage reclaim area, customs facilities, more retail space and a meet-and-greet area. This...
Bristol Airport’s £24m new west terminal extension is due to be officially opened by Transport Secretary Chris Grayling this afternoon as the airport prepares to handle more than 8m passengers next year. The extension will transform the security search process for passengers as well as creating an enlarged baggage reclaim area, customs facilities, more...
Business organisation the CBI “warmly welcomed” Chancellor Philip Hammond’s commitments to boost research and development, housing and infrastructure. But it said these must be acted on. Director-general Carolyn Fairbairn, pictured below, said: “The Chancellor has prioritised a pragmatic down payment on future productivity growth. “His emphasis on R&D, housing and local infrastructure will help...
Swindon businesses will welcome Chancellor Philip Hammond’s focus on investment in the Autumn Statement, particularly in areas where growth pressures are highest, according to the Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative. Director Ian Larrard, pictured, described the statement as “a sombre, not flashy, affair” which reflected the national mood of economic and business uncertainty. But he...
Chancellor Philip Hammond his presented his first Autumn Statement: Here are the main points, as announced: Office for Budget Responsibility says growth this year will be 2.1%, 1.4% next year (down from 2.2%), 1.7% in 2018 (down from 2.1%), 2.1% in 2019/20 (down from 2.1%) and 2% in 2020/21, (down from 2.1%). As expected, the...
The disused former Triumph manufacturing and warehouse site on Swindon’s Groundwell Industrial Estate is to be redeveloped following its acquisition by Howard Tenens, the logistics and property group. Refurbishment work on the 7.2-acre site is due to start shortly as Howard Tenens – one of the UK’s largest privately owned logistics firms – seeks...
Swindon business leaders have called on Chancellor Philip Hammond to go all out to boost confidence ahead of Brexit as he prepares to deliver his first Autumn Statement tomorrow. With the economic climate expected to get decidedly chilly next year as the UK works towards leaving the EU, commentators are expecting the Chancellor, pictured, to boost...
