The CBI has appointed Susan Davy, chief financial officer of environmental infrastructure group Pennon Group, as the next chair of its South West region. Susan, pictured right, will replace Andrew Livingston, CEO of Yeovil-based DIY and building equipment supplier Screwfix, who is leaving the post early. Andrew, pictured below, took over the role for...
The University of Bath has appointed two local firms of architects to design its pioneering car-of-the-future research facility due to open in 2020. Stride Treglown, which has an office in the city, is lead consultant on the £60m project and will design the overall building envelope, office spaces and site-wide development, pictured. ...
Bath Ales is to share a new 40,000 sq ft storage and distribution depot in Avonmouth, near Bristol, with parent group St Austell after running out of space at its expanding Hare Brewery. St Austell, the Cornish brewery and pubs group that acquired Bath Ales last year, already has a 14,000 sq ft distribution...
Good Energy, the Chippenham-based renewable energy firm, has made its first move into the fast-growing battery storage market through a partnership with the Eden Project. The firm said the move, which will bring environmental and financial benefits to the ‘green’ Cornish tourist attraction, will take it one step closer to its purpose of “powering...
Budget measures affecting the housing market, business rate reform, infrastructure and city development gave the region’s property sector plenty of food for thought – with many commentators saying the Chancellor could have done much more. David Westgate, pictured, chief executive of Keynsham-based estate agency and property group Andrews, welcomed the stamp duty changes –...
Bath architecture firms Grant Associates and Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios have teamed up with Bristol Zoological Society to help save critically endangered wildlife on Madagascar. Bristol Zoological Society (BZS) operates a field research centre and eco-tourist camp in the heart of Ankarafa Forest on the African island – home to the blue-eyed black lemur,...
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...
Chancellor Philip Hammond pledged more than £80m to invest in new transport infrastructure across the West of England in the Budget. The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) said it has been told it will receive the funding for schemes to improve connectivity, reduce congestion and encourage new technology – creating jobs and boosting...
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...
