Growth capital investment group BGF’s South West team backed fast-growth businesses to the tune of £40m during the first half of this year as the region continued to provide fresh opportunities for funding. Capital investments were made across a diverse range of sectors including technology, healthcare, engineering and manufacturing. Among the deals were Bristol-based healthcare...
Specialist engineering firm SEA’s support for ex-military personnel has earned it the highest badge of honour under a scheme that recognises the role businesses play in supporting the Armed Forces. The firm, which has its head office in Beckington, near Frome, was presented with the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award, having previously held a...
Small and medium-sized firms in Bath with growth potential can apply to a new £200m fund aimed at boosting innovation and prosperity across the South West. Launched by the British Business Bank yesterday, the South West Investment Fund (SWIF) will increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for new and growing smaller firms....
Workforce issues, including pressure to increase wages, remain the biggest headache for business based in Bath and across the West of England, with many raising their prices to fund pay awards. Combined with wider concerns over inflation, this has led to a slump in confidence – with levels now lower than they were immediately...
US military chiefs have ordered another batch of state-of-the-art helmets from defence manufacturer Avon Protection in a $38m (£30m) deal announced today. The Melksham-based group, which specialises in protective gear, masks and breathing equipment for the military and first-responder markets, will supply the US Army with more of its Next Generation Integrated Head Protection System...
The oldest known surviving crane built by historic Bath engineering company Stothert & Pitt has been officially handed over to Bath & North East Somerset Council. The 6-ton hand operated crane, which was built around 1864 and was used in quarries near Bath, has been restored and installed at Newark Works Yard in Bath...
The University of Bath’s commitment to fostering innovation and enterprise in the city will step up a gear next week when it hosts a major business show. The two-day Bath & North East Somerset Business Show takes place in the university’s new School of Management next Tuesday and Wednesday, 27-28 June. will feature exhibitions, workshops,...
The government and the Bank of England must do more to curb interest rates and lower inflation to avoid firms in Bath being “pushed to the brink”, the area’s largest business organisation has said. Following the Bank’s decision yesterday to hike the base rate from 4.5% to 5% – its highest for 15 years...
Business West, one of the UK’s largest chambers of commerce, is celebrating 200 years of leading and supporting businesses with a campaign entitled 200 Years of Future Thinking. Marking two centuries since the Bristol-based Chamber of Commerce was founded, the campaign coincides with a new-look brand image, pictured, below, on a banner with members of the...
The University of Bath is to work with a firm developing zero-emission aircraft engines as it continues to strengthen its reputation as a major centre for research into the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel. The three-year project is linking academics from the university with hydrogen-electric aircraft powertrain manufacturer ZeroAvia, which is looking to...
