West food businesses must embrace innovation and explore new markets for export if they are to succeed, a major conference was told. The topics formed the two key themes at the Future of Food event staged by accountants Smith & Williamson at yogurt maker Yeo Valley’s headquarters in Blagdon, near Bristol. Food production is...
Industrial Phycology, the innovative Bath firm that recently won a major national business competition, has been awarded a coveted place on one of the world’s most prestigious accelerator programmes and the chance to break into the lucrative US market. The firm, based at Bath’s SETsquared innovation hub, is taking part in MIT’s (Massachusetts Institute...
Specialist software and IT group SciSys has landed a €1.2m (£980,000) contract to work on the next generation of planetary rovers and robots for future space missions. The Chippenham-based group, whose roots are in the space industry, is to work with the European Space Agency on the Harwell Robotics and Autonomy Facility (HRAF) Pilot...
The Pitch, one of the UK’s longest-running competitions for small business owners, has opened for applications for the seventh year. Founded in by West-based BusinessZone.co.uk and UK Business Forums, it has helped thousands of entrepreneurs secure top-class business support and access to investors. Having been launched as a local event in the city, it...
Invest Bristol & Bath, the inward investment body for the West of England, has helped 30 companies locate or expand in the area in its first year of operation. These businesses, from a mix of sectors including creative, low carbon, hi-tech, and advanced engineering and aerospace, have the potential to create more than 530...
Pre-tax profits at specialist West Wiltshire manufacturer Avon Rubber have risen by 43% after it won a series of major orders. The Melksham-based group, whose products span respirators for the army and emergency services to equipment for the dairy industry, said recent investment in new technology and products had also contributed to the 43%...
The economic recovery is on a “firm footing” and Bath businesses are reaping the benefits, according to Business West, the organisation that runs the city's Chamber of Commerce. Its managing director Phil Smith said Tuesday’s official figures showing the UK economy grew by 0.8% in the first three months of this year were reflected...
Specialist engineering firm Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems is take on more than 20 permanent workers at its Melksham factory as demand for its innovative products increases around the world. The firm employs 360 people at the site making a wide range of train parts such as advanced braking, monitoring and control systems for railway operators...
BGF, the independent company established to help Britain’s growing businesses, has promoted two members of its West-based investment team. Ned Dorbin has been promoted to investment director and Edwin Davies to investment manager. The BGF investment team in Bristol, which covers the South West of England and South Wales and is led by regional director...
Around 300 businesses attended events across the South West last week to learn about international business opportunities and the support available to reach new customers around the world. A series of nine UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) events were held across the region as part of Export Week. Building on previous events, Export...
