South West tech firms are poised to grow at four times the rate of the economy this year, according to new research. Some 58% of the firms quizzed as part of Barclays’ Fast Growth Tech survey said they expect their business to grow by up to 10%, with 19% forecasting growth of between 10%...
Firms in the Bristol area are being urged to enter one of the region’s top award schemes showcasing excellence and enterprise in business. The prestigious Institute of Directors’ South West Director of the Year Awards 2015 seek to recognise outstanding business people and focus UK-wide attention on success in the region. Award nominations are...
Highly-acquisitive Chippenham-based speciality pharmaceutical company Alliance Pharma has hit the takeover trail again, snapping up eye care products firm MacuVision Europe for £5.5m. MacuVision sells MacuShield, a once-a-day capsule eye care treatment taken by sufferers of dry age-related macular degeneration and other eye conditions. In the year to March 31 Solihull-based MacuVision made earnings...
Chris Blackwell, the chief executive of Chippenham-based drug development firm Vectura, is to step down after 12 years in the job. Dr Blackwell, pictured, joined the firm before its Initial Public Offering (IPO) and has led the company to its current position as a leader in the treatment of airways diseases. The firm, which...
Bath businesses are being urged to explore the benefits of doing business in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by taking part in a trade mission to the fast-growing country. UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) South West will be leading a visit to the capital Dubai from March 13 to 20 to enable businesses to...
Half of firms in the South West plan to take on more staff this year, with the number of permanent jobs outstripping temporary work, according to the results of a survey today from the CBI. Job prospects for young people in the region – who have been hardest hit in the downturn – have...
Vastern Timber, which operates a sawmill at Studley, near Chippenham, has promoted Tom Barnes from director to managing director as the family-owned firm adopts a more formal management structure ready for anticipated growth. Established in in 1904, Vastern Timber is owned and run by three members of the Barnes family – Peter, Jon and...
Trowbridge-based health diagnostic company Atlas Genetics has received a $20m (£13.3m) investment to expand the range of its latest innovative infectious disease testing devices and launch in the US. The firm, which was set up in 2005, has developed pioneering ultra-rapid point-of-care (POC) tests for STI (sexually transmitted infections). Its latest system – called...
Manufacturing firms in the West of England are backing expansion at Heathrow Airport, with results of a new survey showing they believe it would be best for their sector and lead to a better balanced economy. The report by EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, comes ahead of next Tuesday’s deadline for the Airports Commission’s final...
Global manufacturer Avon Rubber is predicting a positive 2015 as it continues to win new orders for its innovative products. In an update to the London Stock Exchange the Melksham-headquartered group said trading in the first quarter had continued in line with expectations – with its dairy business performing particularly well. As a result,...
