More than a third of the South West’s small and medium-sized manufacturers are having their growth plans jeopardised by skills shortages, according to a new survey. The annual Manufacturing Survey by MHA – an association of independent regional accountancy firms – reveals that recruitment issues are acting as a “significant barrier” to expansion for...
Intellectual property law firm EIP has been named as a ‘national champion’ for the UK in The European Business Awards 2015/16 in recognition of its growth strategy. The firm, which has a base in Bath, was one of only 54 UK companies and 678 throughout Europe chosen as national champions from more than 32,000...
IT support specialist Systemagic, which has bases in Monkton Combe and Trowbridge, is looking to double in size over the next two years after receiving new investment. Experienced financier Martin Spiller, who works with London-based financial consultancy Jenson Solutions, has pumped an undisclosed sum into Systemagic in a personal capacity to take the business...
Confidence levels for firms across the West of England have fallen on the back of lower sales, fewer new jobs and worsening cashflow, according to the results of Business West’s latest survey. The figures, released this week, show how susceptible the region is to shifts in the world economy, said James Durie of Business...
Bath-based mini-conglomerate CEPS has significantly increased its indirect shareholding in one of its portfolio firms, the fabric and wallpaper pattern books producer CEM Press (CEMP). The deal takes CEPS’ holding from 21.4% to 71.5% and is in line with the group’s strategy of acquiring interests in established, cash-generative businesses. Nottingham-based CEMP makes fabric and...
The Bath Percent Club, which encourages city businesses to donate at least 1% of their profits to local good causes, has been launched with more than 50 firms as founding members. The club is based on an idea by the late Bath self-made businessman and philanthropist Brian Roper, who over two decades donated an...
Chartered accountancy firm Monahans, which has five offices in and around Bath, has started a specialist service for dentists to help them successfully run their practices and develop their careers. After more than 30 years advising dental practices, the firm has decided to formalised the service by starting its Dental Healthcare service. Dentists and...
Rachel Sartin, who works in the Bath office of financial advice firm Chase de Vere, has been ranked among the UK’s top female IFAs (Independent Financial Advisers). Rachel, pictured, appears at 12th place in the Top 25 list produced by Financial Adviser magazine, part of the Financial Times Group. The list is based on...
Bath and Bristol’s future as a vibrant business centre will be debated by three of the region’s leading business women at the UK’s biggest gathering of female business owners next month. They will take as their starting point the creation of a so-called Western Powerhouse to unite the region and claw back vital powers...
Sustainability is firmly on the agenda for 80% of West of England boardrooms with nearly a third considering it one of their business’s top three priorities, according to an exclusive survey conducted by executive search firm Moon Consulting and Bath Business News. Just 5% are not currently engaged in sustainability activities or do not...
