Bristol-based independent insurance broker Hayes Parsons Insurance has maintained its ambitious growth strategy by recruiting two insurance professionals. Nigel Rawlings has joined as compliance and training manager – a new position to help develop and deliver ongoing CPD and training and achieve chartered broker status. Alex O’Donnell, previously a...
Pensions and employee benefits specialist Mark Flaskett has joined the Bristol office of accountancy and investment management group Smith & Williamson, bringing with him more than three decades of industry experience. Mark, pictured, becomes associate director in the firm’s employee benefits team, where he will be advising directors and...
Lloyds Bank has strengthened its global transaction banking business in the South West by appointing Mark Parsons as regional head of its new trade and working capital team. Mark, pictured, who previously headed Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance’s mid markets division in the South West, will be responsible for providing...
Eight business leaders have been appointed to the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership’s board to help drive its growth ambitions. Five new representatives join three reappointed members on the newly formed LEP board, which meets for the first time on June 17. LEP board members are drawn from...
Innovative Bristol firm YellowDog, which believes it can create the world’s fastest super-computer by using spare computing power from PCs and laptops, is looking to raise £150,000 in crowdfunding. The firm, based in the Engine Shed innovation hub, is already using the system to help animators who need extra...
Bristol investment specialist Alpha Portfolio Management has recruited Tony Mann from rival WH Ireland to spearhead expansion of its private client offering. Mr Mann, described by Alpha as a “seasoned professional”, will be joined by his assistant Jane Mann and his son and fellow longstanding WH Ireland employee, wealth...
Bristol firms are being encouraged to establish closer trading partnerships with their counterparts in the South West’s sister region in China following the signing of a major new agreement. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Guangdong Provincial Government and the Bristol & West of England China Bureau is...
The Bristol-based Festival of Female Entrepreneurs (FFE), which supports women in business, is to be expanded following a link-up with small business network Enterprise Nation. Launched four years ago by Joni Farthing, founder and director of Women Outside The Box, the event has carved a reputation for inspiring speakers,...
A team from the Bristol office of accountancy firm Bishop Fleming will do battle with colleagues from its Bath base in the first marathon to be staged jointly by the two cities. Having already signed up as sponsors for the Bristol & Bath Marathon, the two Bishop Fleming offices...
Business Secretary Sajid Javid drew on his childhood in Bristol to make his first major speech in the role – returning to the city to launch the Government’s new Enterprise Bill. Speaking to local business leaders and entrepreneurs, he used his experience helping out in his parents’ women’s clothing...
By Bob Brassington, employee benefits and pensions specialist in Smith & Williamson’s Bristol office As the labour market tightens and recruitment becomes more challenging, employers will want to ensure their employee benefits are competitive and generating the maximum value for the business as well as its staff. Many employers...
The South West’s biggest free business event gets underway today with organisers saying it looks set to be a flyaway success. Up to 3,000 delegates are expected to attend the Business Showcase South West 2015, which returns to returns to Bristol’s Colston Hall today and tomorrow. Star attractions include...
The CBI today called on the new Tory Government to set out clear plans for the next Parliament within the first 100 days. With the in-out referendum on EU membership, which has been promised with two years, grabbing political attention, the business organisation wants swift action on a number...
