The Chancellor had heeded business’s call for a ‘steady-as-she-goes’ Autumn Statement rather than a grab bag of electoral giveaways, said Business West, the organisation behind Bristol Chamber of Commerce. But managing director Phil Smith said he should have been bolder over business rate reform and added: “While Britain’s economy...
The CBI welcomed much of today’s Autumn Statement but said Chancellor George Osborne had missed the opportunity to tackle the impact of soaring energy prices on business. It also said the Mr Osborne could have done more to encourage housebuildng. CBI director-general John Cridland said: “We have always advocated...
The property industry expressed concern over plans to charge capital gains tax on foreign residential investors from April 2015, but has welcomed the Chancellor’s decision to at least consult on the proposals before their introduction. The British Property Federation (BPF) had warned the Treasury that the tax hike would...
The Chancellor confirmed in his Autumn Statement that the State pension age will rise to 68 in the mid-2030s and 69 in the late 2040s. Mark Packham, head of pensions for accountants PwC in Bristol, said: “Linking the State pension age to life expectancy means we could easily see...
Chancellor George Osborne extended small business rate relief in his Autumn Statement today and capped next April's rate rise at 2%. He also introduced a re-occupation relief for vacant town centre shops and a £1,000 rates discount for small shops, pubs and restaurants. “We are backing British businesses all...
Key points in Chancellor George Osborne’s Autumn Statement: Next year's fuel duty rise will be cancelled Big expansion of start-up loans which will help create 50,000 new businesses Film tax relief will be extended Investment in social enterprises will be encouraged Office of Budget Responsibility says 3.1m more jobs...
Bristol Business News will provide up-to-the-minute coverage of Chancellor George Osborne’s crucial Autumn Statement later today, including instant reaction from regional business figures.
The Chancellor needs to do more to support commercial property developers as demand for business space increases in Bristol, according to a market expert. Jeremy Richards, head of the Bristol office at international consultancy Jones Lang LaSalle, who has spent many years covering the city’s property scene, said: “The...
The employment team at TLT, the Bristol-headquartered national law firm, is expanding with the arrival of partner Esther Smith. Esther, , who joins from Southampton firm Thomas Eggar, is the third partner hire for the growing national team in a month. Partner and head of TLT's employment, pensions &...
Business West, the organisation behind Bristol Chamber of Commerce, is urging Chancellor George Osborne to reform business rates in his Autumn Statement today. Business rates have emerged as the key issue identified by business groups for reform, which they argue would deliver a much-needed boost to firms as the...
Bristol Airport is to re-introduce direct flights to Shannon in South West Ireland – a route expected to be popular with tourists and rugby fans. The daily Aer Lingus Regional service, which will be operated by Aer Arann, will operate alongside the airline’s existing Dublin service, which links Bristol...
Energy management firm Orchard Energy has appointed Imran Ghauri as interim South West regional manager based at its Bristol office. Prior to joining Orchard Imran worked in business development roles with Energy Team and UES Energy. Yorkshire-based Orchard works with its clients to find the best supplier for their...
Innovative ways that Bristol businesses use to encourage staff to travel more sustainably have been celebrated at the annual Travelwest Sustainable Business Travel Awards. The awards showcase organisations that go the extra mile to help tackle the city’s transport problems. Bristol health insurer Simplyhealth won the Best Newcomer category...
