The Bank of England has cut interest rates to 0.1% – their lowest level ever – as it attempts to deal with the economic fall-out from the coronavirus pandemic. The move is the second emergency cut in just over a week prompted by the outbreak – last week the rate was reduced from 0.75%...
A training programme staged by Business West, the region’s largest business organisation, has been nominated alongside the likes of Apple and Google at a prestigious national awards scheme. Pathways to International Trade, which is in its sixth year, involves talented undergraduate students undergoing an intensive four-day training course in international trade and exporting before...
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has unveiled an emergency £330bn package to support businesses during the coronavirus crisis. Mr Sunak, pictured, said the move was equivalent to 15% of the UK’s GDP and added that if demand was greater than the initial £330bn he would go further and provide as much capacity as required. Measures include:...
Bath-headquartered specialist media group Future has postponed two public events as the coronavirus outbreak continues hit businesses across the city – but it said overall the impact on its day-to-day financial performance had been limited. The group has due to stage The Photography Show and The Homebuilding & Renovating Show at the NEC in...
The director of a Frome-based manufacturing firm with major interests in China has spoken about the impact of coronavirus on the business. Sino Manufacturing Solutions’ factory in Shenzen, which employs more than 100 people, was not operational for five weeks earlier this year after enforced closure following the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak. The facility specialises...
The battle of the bats returns to the West of England in May when the region’s third Ping Pong Fight Club takes place – and Bath businesses are being urged to sign up to enter teams for the unique, all-action event. This year the popular table-top challenge moves to the larger venue of Walkabout...
Bath advisors have welcomed a number of measures in the Budget, although the decision to cut, rather than scrap, Entrepreneurs’ Relief received a mixed response. Entrepreneurs’ Relief (ER) – a reduced Capital Gains Tax rate aimed at incentivising the building of successful businesses – has been criticised in some quarters for mainly benefiting wealthy business owners rather...
Business West, the region’s largest business organisation, has welcomed Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s response to the coronavirus crisis in his Budget – but warned that its commitment to funding big-scale ‘levelling-up’ infrastructure projects through borrowing could unravel if the economy goes into recession. Managing director Phil Smith, pictured, said a strong statement of intent from...
The CBI described Rishi Sunak’s first Budget as “bold” in combining the much-needed immediate response to the coronavirus crisis with longer-term measures to boost the economy. Director-general Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, pictured, said the Chancellor had worked against the clock in deeply challenging times to deliver two Budgets in one – the first for national...
Key points from the 2020 Budget so far . . . Growth forecasts updated to 1.4% for 2020 and 1.6% for 2021 Planned rise in alcohol duties cancelled Fuel duty frozen Government to abolish business rates for small shops this year levy on electricity frozen and increased on gas Tax on plastic packaging to...
