Chancellor Philip Hammond’s support for the tech sector – a vital part of Bath’s economy – and his commitment to devolve more funding for infrastructure and skills to the West of England in Wednesday’s Budget have been welcomed by business figures. However, there was criticism that his measures lacked the dynamism and vision needed...
Philip Hammond was a “cautious Chancellor doing his best in a tight spot” in Wednesday’s Budget, according to Phil Smith, managing director of Business West – the region’s largest business organisation which runs Bath Chamber of Commerce. He described Mr Hammond as playing a “weak hand with reasonable competence”, providing enough for his supporters...
Chancellor Philip Hammond has presented the 2017 Budget. Here are the main points: Economy is ready for challenges that lie ahead Growth forecast is now 1.5% this year, 1.4% next year and 1.3% in 2019/20 against 2% this year, 1.6% next year and 1.7% in 2019. Inflation peaking at 3% in this quarter before...
Business West, the region’s largest business organisation, today called on Chancellor Philip Hammond to “be brave, but invest in the long term” in Wednesday’s Budget. The group, which runs most chambers of commerce across the West of England – including in Bath – said businesses’ patience was wearing thin with a government that was...
Craft brewery The Wild Beer Co has invested more than £500,000 in a state-of-the-art canning line as it prepares move to its new ‘destination brewery’ at the Bath & West Showground. The new equipment has coincided with a branding overhaul for its cans to bring them into line with its bottled beers. It also comes...
Bath’s ethical organisations – large and small – are being invited to enter the annual South West Fairtrade Business Awards. Now in their sixth year, the awards recognise the contribution that businesses, organisations and institutes in the region make in support of Fairtrade by buying certified Fairtrade products for the workplace and raising awareness...
Bath Festivals, storyteller Jennifer Lunn and Read for Good – a charity that helps children develop a love of reading – have collaborated to publish a book of stories written by young patients at Bristol children’s hospital. Entitled Once Upon A Time…, the book was launched in the hospital with storytelling and performances of...
West of England firms’ domestic sales and orders have grown at their fastest rate for two years, while business confidence is at its highest since before the Brexit referendum, according to the latest survey from Business West. The organisation, the largest business membership group in the region, said the findings showed local businesses had...
Bath’s Circle Hospital has been named as the South West’s happiest workplace for its ‘truly-inspiring’ ethos and environment. The Peasedown St John independent hospital beat a strong challenge from shortlisted workplaces across the region to claim the coveted award. The competition, now in its third year, was launched by workplace and interior design consultancy...
Bath’s top coffee spots have been revealed today in the latest edition of the South West and South Wales Independent Coffee Guide. And once again it shows the city punching well above its weight when it comes to indie cafes serving top-notch coffee. Bath boasts nine coffee shops in the guide – making it...
