Hopes that small business confidence levels in the South West are bouncing back have been dashed by the results of a new survey, reflecting firms’ concerns over the economic outlook. But while there has been a fall in confidence among the region’s smaller companies, some positive signs have emerged over their own growth aspirations....
In last year’s Autumn Statement, the Chancellor confirmed that the Inheritance Tax (IHT) thresholds would be frozen until at least 5 April 2028. The current Nil Rate Band (NRB) therefore remains at £325,000 for the foreseeable future, with the Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB) offering up to an additional £175,000 relief from IHT, writes Pearson...
A social enterprise is offering Bath firms the chance to take part in outdoors team-building days while also helping local communities and the environment thrive. Charity Your Park Bristol & Bath has launched the team days in response to the shift to hybrid working by many businesses, which has created a need for them...
Bath-based utility group Wessex Water has outperformed all other water and sewerage companies when it comes to helping customers, according to a survey by industry regulator Ofwat. Its annual Customer Measure of Experience (C-MeX), which takes in satisfaction ratings given by customers who have contacted their company in the past year, put Wessex Water...
More than 350 businesses from across the South West have already expressed an interest in applying for finance from a new £200m regional investment fund just weeks after its launch. The government-backed South West Investment Fund (SWIF), which was unveiled last month by the British Business Bank, aims to increase the supply and diversity...
Rising interest rates and falling house prices have raised fears of another property market crash. There’s been much debate about whether this represents the ‘new normal’ after years of rock-bottom mortgage rates. As someone who has spent more than 30 years working as a solicitor in Bath, I am more optimistic about the future...
