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...
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...
Key points from Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s first Budget . . . Chancellor started speaking at 12:35pm He says public services are well prepared to tackle coronavirus There is likely to be a "significant" impact on the UK economy but it will return to normal There will be a funding "bridge" for business to help...
Bath-based organisations are being offered a unique opportunity to support their aspiring leaders through a pioneering leadership development programme designed by the city, for the city. Now in its fifth consecutive year, Bath Bridge aims to make the city a more dynamic place to live and work through a world-class programme for its future...
Efforts to boost business productivity and increase innovation among West of England manufacturers have been highlighted by the area’s Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) at its AGM. The meeting, which went under the banner of ‘Our West, Our Future’, heard how the LEP is now delivering its Local Industrial Strategy to spur clean growth that will benefit...
With less than a month to go until nominations close, Bath area directors are being urged to enter one of the South West’s top award schemes recognising excellence and enterprise. The Institute of Directors’ (IoD) South West Director of the Year Awards 2020 aim to champion the region’s outstanding leaders and entrepreneurs. The awards, which...
The charity chalets at Bath’s Christmas market last year collectively raised more than £26,000 for their causes, organiser Visit Bath has announced. The destination marketing organisation added a second chalet for 2019 to take account of an increase in the number of applications – a move that allowed it to double the number of...
The South West has emerged as the UK’s best region for women’s economic empowerment – outperforming other parts of the country for female participation at work and narrower pay disparities between the sexes. According to the latest Women in Work Index, produced by accountancy giant PwC, the region also has the second-lowest female unemployment...
Each week Bath accountancy firm Pearson May and Bath Business News team up to bring you the top national finance stories. This week we look at . . . Predictions for Spring Budget 2020 A round-up of the best rumours for individuals and businesses. Click here to find out what they are. The end of...
Regional accountancy firm Bishop Fleming has again achieved sizeable reductions in its use of paper, energy and company cars despite the business’s continued growth. The firm, which also gained ‘plastic-free champion’ status last year, has now saved the annual equivalent of 155 trees by cutting the use of paper compared to where it stood...
