West of England businesses are warning that the economic recovery from the pandemic is at risk due to growing inflationary pressures and worker shortages. A third of the 250-plus firms taking part in the latest quarterly survey by regional business group Business West said they had to increase their prices due to rising input costs. ...
Small businesses in Bath and across the West of England are being offered help to improve their digital presence to enable them to grow. The Tech for Growth programme will match businesses with a consultant and support them with up to four days of hands-on assistance to develop and adopt technology. The support is...
A boost in digital advertising and more successful acquisitions will mean yet another year of strong growth for Bath specialist media group Future, the firm said this week. Ahead of full-year results due next month, Future’s directors said they expect its annual adjusted operating profit to be at the top end of expectations. Future...
The founder of a Bath-based specialist communications consultancy launched during the first national lockdown has won Gold in a prestigious PR awards scheme. Ben Veal was named ‘Independent PR Practitioner of the Year’ at the annual PRide Awards for the South of England and Channel Islands, hosted by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations. Ben,...
The Prime Minister announced last month that National Insurance contributions (NICs) and the three dividend tax rates will all increase by 1.25% from next April to pay for the social care system in England, writes Pearson May partner Jacqui Bowden. From April 6, the basic rate of dividend tax increases to 8.75% (up from...
Business West, the region’s largest business group, has been certified as a B Corporation, joining an elite, forward-looking global community that balances profit with people and the planet. The B Corp movement encourages organisations to take an ethical approach to business to make a positive difference in the world. To gain its certification, businesses...
More than £1m has been pledged by businesses and organisations across the West of England from their unused apprenticeship levy funds to help people in the region develop new skills. The funds have gone to the Share to Support scheme, which was launched earlier this year to create vital apprenticeships for individuals and boost...
The South West’s key sectors could suffer irreparable damage unless the government starts to tackle the shortage of workers by easing EU visa restrictions, the region’s business leaders today warned. But even providing temporary visas for jobs such as drivers and food workers would only be a short-term measure and ministers must also come...
Small firms based in the Mendip area that have been hit by the pandemic or Brexit are being urged to apply for revitalisation grants of up to £20,000 before the deadline in less than two weeks. The grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 are available to businesses in the area covered by Mendip District...
A programme designed to break down barriers and support more disabled people into work is being launched in Bath and across the West of England. Some 100 businesses will receive tailored, targeted disability inclusion training to help them create a more diverse workforce. The project, part of the Workforce for the Future programme, is...
