The South West is England’s top region for business innovation, according to a new report by the CBI – but it faces challenges over its low productivity and skills gap. The CBI report also reveals that low levels of unemployment and short commuting times compared to other parts of England gives the South West...
A £12.7m Wiltshire battery storage project planned for construction alongside one of the UK’s largest solar parks has new owners. The 50MW Sandridge Battery Storage project between Melksham and Bromham has been bought by JLEN, the listed environmental infrastructure fund, and Foresight Solar Fund, which owns the neighbouring 200-acre Sandridge solar park. The lithium-ion battery energy...
Small business confidence has staged a dramatic recovery in the South West, according to the results of a new survey, as firms look head to life after lockdown. The latest quarterly survey by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), conducted among its members last month, reveals levels of optimism not seen for nearly seven...
Time is running out to register for Swindon Business News’ exclusive webinar aimed at helping business owners and leaders thrive during these uncertain time. Staged with business development and growth consultants Tinderbox , Brave New World – Leading Through Uncertainty will be a one-hour interactive and thought-provoking presentation. It takes place this Thursday, April 29, from 9:30am to 10:30am....
Family-owned firms based in Swindon can get free advice and support on using digital technology to improve and streamline their business processes. The three-month programme, called Evolve Digital, will enable family businesses to identify key areas such as moving into online sales, electronic invoicing or working remotely the where digital technology can benefit them. It...
Exports by South West businesses have slumped to historic lows as they are hit by higher trade barriers due to Brexit, according to a major new survey. Manufacturers have been impacted most, the research by the British Chambers of Commerce South West shows. Some 53% of exporters said they had been impacted by the...
Swindon Business News has teamed up with business development and growth consultants Tinderbox to host an exclusive virtual event aimed at helping business owners and leaders thrive during these uncertain times. A Brave New World – Leading Through Uncertainty will be a one-hour interactive and thought-provoking presentation. Expert presenters from Tinderbox will discuss the tactics needed...
Logistics group Wincanton is expanding its eCommerce capacity to meet soaring demand as it continues to benefit from changes in shopping and distribution due to Covid-19. The Chippenham-based group is to lease a 528,000 sq ft, state-of-the-art, automated eFulfilment facility in Northamptonshire – its second following the acquisition of one in Warwickshire last year. ...
The South West continues to be the best place in the UK for gender equality at work, according to research by accountancy group PwC. The firm’s latest annual Women in Work Index places the region in the top spot for the second year in a row. It has also extended its lead over second-ranked Scotland...
Honda’s giant Swindon car plant, where production ends this summer, has been sold to an industrial property developer in a move that could create thousands of jobs. The new owner Panattoni, Europe’s largest developer of industrial and logistics facilities, said it will invest £700m into the sprawling 370-acre site on the outskirts of the...
