Optimism among UK businesses reached its highest level since 1992 in January, pointing to rapid economic growth over the coming six months, according to a major new survey today. Manufacturers are particularly upbeat about their prospects and the overall high confidence levels among businesses are likely to lead to...
Key innovations that are putting Bristol at the leading edge of global robotics research will be demonstrated to the Duke of York when he visits Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL) on Monday. BRL is the UK’s leading and largest academic centre for multi-disciplinary robotics research and home to a vibrant...
Bristol’s reputation as an innovative centre for advanced computing has been strengthened by microchip giant Intel’s decision to select the University of Bristol as its first UK centre for parallel computing. The US tech group is establishing a network of Intel Parallel Computing Centers (IPCCs) across the world with...
Half-year profits at West advanced engineering group Renishaw plunged by 65% to £25.6m yesterday due to lower orders in the Far East. Revenue was also down from £174.2m to £164.0m. The Wotton-under-Edge-based group, one of the region’s most successful manufacturers, said the figures for the six months to December...
Plasterboard manufacturer and supplier Siniat has opened a £250,000 state-of-the-art laboratory at its flagship Portbury manufacturing plant. The lab – the latest step in a long-term vision to improving the site, formerly owned by Lafarge Plasterboard – provides a modern, high-spec environment for Siniat’s production, maintenance and quality assurance...
Accountants PwC have launched their annual search for the region’s best companies with the 2014 West of England Business of the Year Awards – the region’s most prestigious business accolades. Previous winners of the awards, now in their 26th year, read like a who’s who of the West’s most-respected...
GKN Aerospace, the advanced engineering firm, is to increase its intake of apprentices as production is stepped up at its two major plants in Bristol. The firm, which produces wing parts for aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus and Lockheed Martin at the plants at Filton and Western Approach, Severnside,...
Owners and directors of small and medium-sized manufacturers are being invited to a free workshop in Bristol to gain expert advice on a range of financial issues. Staged by the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) in partnership with business and financial advisors Grant Thornton, the event on January 28 will...
European aerospace giant Airbus could find itself in second place again behind US rival Boeing for aircraft deliveries and orders in 2013 when it releases its annual figures on Monday. Earlier this week Boeing revealed record deliveries and orders for last year, putting it on track to claim the...
Some of Bristol’s best-known business figures have been recognised in the New Year’s Honours list. Peter Hargreaves, the co-founder of Bristol-based investment services provider Hargreaves Lansdown, has been awarded the CBE for services to business, innovation, financial services. Don Cameron, founder of Bristol-based Cameron Balloons and figurehead for the...
Airbus has landed a significant pre-Christmas boost for its long-established A330 long-haul aircraft with a firm order for 25 from fast-growing low-cost carrier AirAsia X. The £3.67bn contract, the largest one-off order for A330s order received by Airbus, is good news for the 5,000 workers at Airbus’s Filton engineering...
Business confidence is running at its highest level for more than three years as the recovery gathers pace and firms put austerity behind them at last. Manufacturers in particular are upbeat about their prospects going into the new year, according to the latest Business Trends report by accountants BDO....
Ideas on the best way to create sustainable jobs and growth across the West of England are being invited from Bristol firms. The Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) today launches a six-week public consultation on its Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) – a blueprint for growth over the next six years....
