Gaps in Bath and the West of England’s digital infrastructure are to be identified in a major new study aimed at improving its digital connectivity and boosting the economy. The project, to be launched in the autumn, will also identify the skills gaps in the digital sector that are holding back the region’s high-growth...
Keynsham-based timber and sheet materials specialist Avon Plywood has been acquired by larger competitor Sydenhams in a deal handled by legal experts from Bath-headquartered law firm Royds Withy King. Avon Plywood, which was established in 1983 as an importer of wood-based materials and timber into Bristol, is now one of the UK’s largest suppliers...
By Donna Kehoe, Bank of England agent for the South West of England I always enjoy the conversations I have each day with those running businesses, charities and other organisations here in the South West. These discussions provide an up-to-the-minute insight into what’s really happening in the economy across the UK. And at the...
Up to 3,000 people across the West of England will get help to increase their skills and opportunities as a result of £3.9m government devolution funding. The investment, from the Department of Work and Pensions, will pay for a two-and-a-half-year Innovation Pilot starting next January which aims to support tenants in social housing into...
Bath’s best tech businesses are being invited to enter a national awards scheme that celebrates innovation and growth among the sector’s fastest-growing firms. The 2017 Deloitte UK Technology Fast 50 Awards showcase the country’s dynamic technology ecosystem and the most exciting hi-tech companies. Now in their 20th year, the awards rank the UK’s...
West of England business and local authority leaders have been urged to “stop dithering” and help develop a stronger regional economy that builds on its position as one of the UK’s leading centres for innovation and creativity. The recently formed West of England Combined Authority (WECA) is drawing up a new economic blueprint for...
The chief executive of Bath specialist engineering group Rotork has quit with immediate effect after nine years in the job as the firm announced a change in strategy to return to stronger growth. In an unexpected statement to the London Stock Exchange on Friday, Rotork, a world-leader in the design and manufacture of...
Confidence among West of England firms has plummeted to its lowest level since the depths of the recession in 2009, according to the latest survey of its members by Business West, the region’s largest business organisation. The number of businesses describing themselves as confident about their future slumped by 22% compared to the same...
Accountancy firm Grant Thornton has appointed Alistair Wardell as head of restructuring for the South of England – a role in which he aims to help Bath area businesses reach their full potential. Alistair, pictured, brings more than 20 years’ experience to the job, most recently as practice leader in Grant Thornton’s Cardiff office. ...
The West of England could benefit from billions of pounds of work linked to the expansion of Heathrow Airport by becoming one of its four regional logistic hubs. The move was announced today by Metro Mayor Tim Bowles as he launched a new economic blueprint for the area, which includes Bath & North East...
