The West of England’s small and medium-sized law firms are among the most profitable in the UK having achieved an average 26% increase in their margins last year, new research has revealed. The continued expansion of the region’s legal sector now places it second only to London for profit growth, according to the report...
Profits at Bath Building Society grew by more than 10% last year and its reserves by nearly 14% despite historic low interest rates. The mutual society’s mortgage book increased by nearly 4% to a record high of £226.9m with gross mortgage lending up £3.5m at £40.9m. Assets rose by 4.8% to £292.6m, with reserves...
Support for Brexit has increased markedly among South West business leaders over the past year, according to a new survey, leaving the region’s bosses sharply divided on the vital issue of EU membership. The business poll, conducted by growth capital firm BGF (Business Growth Fund), shows 52% of the region’s business leaders believe British...
Bath-based Epoch Wealth Management has been shortlisted for a prestigious industry award. The firm is one of only nine national finalists competing for the hotly contested title of Adviser Firm of the Year at the Money Marketing Financial Services Awards 2016. The top category in the awards, it only goes to the very best...
Accountancy and advisory firm BDO has promoted Shirley Whittle to the post of head of its medical services team in the region. Shirley, pictured, who has nearly two decades’ experience in the medical services sector, advises clients across the South West and Wales. She joined BDO in 2013 when it merged with mid-tier rival...
Bath’s former Grade I listed Carfax Hotel has been acquired by the owners of the city’s Abbey Hotel and will now be transformed into a luxury boutique hotel. The acquisition by Ian and Christa Taylor, who also own Villa Magdala, ends speculation over the future of the 31-bedroom the Georgian building on Great Pulteney...
Volunteers are being sought from Bath businesses to support schools careers and enterprise strategies across the West of England. The West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is taking part in the first wave of a new government-led national programme to unlock the potential of young people aged between 12 and 18. The LEP,...
Estate agency and property group Andrews has paid out a record £633,000 in dividends to the three charitable trusts that own it. The trusts will use the payments to fund a range of community projects, with a number aimed at young people. The Keynsham-based group, which has branches stretching from Kent, Sussex and Surrey...
More than 20% of West of England firms still have no plans in place for the auto enrolment of staff in workplace pension schemes, according to new research. This is despite the risk of being fined if they fail to provide a scheme. The latest position was revealed by The Pensions Regulator at a...
West of England chartered accountancy firm Monahans, which has six offices in the region including Bath, Chippenham and Trowbridge, will have a new managing partner from next month. Simon Tombs will take over from Mike Shawyer, who is returning to his specialisms of VAT consultancy and issues affecting rural clients. Simon, who joined Monahans...
