Before the Budget Business West – the organisation that runs Bath Chamber of Commerce – called for a focus on infrastructure, exports and the skills gap. Managing director Phil Smith said today: “Our nation’s roads and apprentices got a cordial mention , international trade was almost utterly absent. “Also missing was a...
The CBI described today’s Budget as double-edged for business and branded the Chancellor’s flagship introduction of a National Living Wage of £7.20 next April as “a big gamble”. It also called the apprentice levy “a blunt tool” to force more businesses to take on trainees. Director-general John Cridland said: “Firms will welcome measures to...
Many of the measures in Chancellor George Osborne’s Summer Budget got a warm welcome from Bath business figures – particularly support for small businesses. Dominic Bourquin, corporate tax partner at Bath accountancy firm Monahans, said the Budget had been good for business and had taken away some of the uncertainty for employers, business owners...
Key points from the Budget: New National Living Wage of £7.20 for all workers aged over 25 to be introduced next April and to reach £9 an hour by 2020 Cuts in National Insurance for small firms to help them pay for living wage More devolution to Northern cities and to Midlands as well...
Confidence among West of England firms remains fragile despite a period of strong growth, according to the latest survey by Business West. The organisation, which runs Bath Chamber of Commerce, said the findings showed the need for the new Government to act to encourage sustainable growth. There was also a danger of further uncertainty...
By Andrew Cooper, chief executive of Bath Business Improvement District (BID). As the school year ends and students step out into the world, it is important that the business community of Bath extends the hand of opportunity and inspiration to young people looking to take their first steps into the workplace. Helping and inspiring...
Bath’s standing as a world-class tourism destination was strengthened this week with the opening of the UK’s first hotel using natural thermal waters. The 99-room Gainsborough Hotel in Beau Street underpins Bath’s position as one of Europe’s leading spa resorts and also boosts its offering at the luxury end of the tourist market. The...
Bath-based landscape architecture firm Grant Associates has been recognised as an ‘Earth Champion’ for its contribution to protecting the planet’s environment. The firm has received an Outstanding Earth Champions Award in the built environment category by Earth Champions Quest, which was created by the United Nations to champion the local sustainability efforts. The organisation’s...
Recruitment firm CMD has opened an office in Melksham as it continues to expand its services into Bath and across Wiltshire. The firm, which already has offices in Devizes and Calne, has moved into a 1,700 sq ft office on Melksham’s Bowerhill Industrial Estate. It is now seeking six recruitment consultants to work from...
Recently-elected Bath MP Ben Howlett will be the special guest at the second in a series of property and construction networking events in the city. Mr Howlett, pictured, will hold a question-and-answer session with local property professionals at the event to gain a clearer picture of the city’s property and construction sector. The...
