Health Secretary Sajid Javid has been urged to block the £1bn takeover of specialist inhaler firm Vectura by tobacco giant Philip Morris International (PMI). Directors at Vectura, which has its roots in a spin-out from the University of Bath, last night recommended the Marlboro cigarette maker’s offer, unleashing a storm of protest from dozens of...
Low-cost airline easyJet has teamed up with Bristol Airport to use it as a test-bed to trial ways of decarbonising its operations and reduce waste. The airline, the airport’s largest operator accounting for about half of all its flights, said the partnership would involve a series of trials using the latest cutting-edge technology and...
More empty shops are being repurposed as part of a project to breathe new life into Bath city centre as the retail sector continues to grapple with the twin impacts of the pandemic and the rise of online shopping. Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Vacant Units Action Project finds new uses for void...
Nearly 70% of South West firms see climate change as a core business factor for them, according to a landmark survey of companies’ attitudes to the key issue – but, alarmingly, 21% have so far taken no action despite mounting concern over its impact. Just under half (46%) of the businesses that consider climate...
Bath’s innovative Share And Repair Shop has relocated to a larger site in the city centre – a move that will enable it to expand its services. Share and Repair aims to improve the environment for everyone by changing behaviours. At the same time it is seeking to build a community that offers opportunities...
Bath boutique comms agency Second Mountain Communications has marked its first birthday by becoming a gold member of the Business against Poverty movement and pledging funds to sink a borewell in India. The consultancy, which was established during the first national lockdown and launched last August, specialises in helping purpose-driven companies and ethically-focused businesses with...
Professional criminals took advantage of the unprecedented conditions caused by the pandemic to con businesses and individuals across the South West out of millions of pounds, new figures show. According to accountancy group KPMG latest Fraud Barometer, cases reaching the region’s courts in the first half of this year soared by more than three...
Work on transforming Bath’s former Royal Mineral Water Hospital into a luxury hotel with spa facilities is to start soon following council approval of revised plans for the high-profile site. Singapore-based hotel investor Fragrance UK, which acquired the Grade II* listed building in 2018 for £21.5m, said its 160-bedroom scheme would support biodiversity on...
Artisan makers and independent caterers from across the South West are being invited to apply for pitches at Bath’s iconic Christmas Market – which for the first time in its 20-year history will run for 25 days. Pitches with options on 11, 14 and 25-day trading are available while the market’s organisers are also offering...
The transformation of a former 1960s council office building into high-end apartments has been shortlisted for a second prestigious property award in as many months. Riverside View, pictured, in Keynsham had been derelict for three years when Bath & North East Somerset Council’s specialist housebuilding company Aequus took possession following the relocation of council staff. The...
