A wish list of measures to help the West’s mid-sized businesses – regarded as the secret success story of the region’s economy – has been drawn up to further boost their growth. Research by accountants Grant Thornton, which compiled the recommendations, shows mid-tier firms are strongly outperforming both smaller...
Bristol-based student accommodation specialist Unite is to raise around £100m through new shares to speed up its development programme in key UK university cities. The firm said half the new funding would be used in this way to take advantage of cyclically-low development costs. The other half will be...
Bristol-based investment specialists Alpha Portfolio Management has recruited Mark Sevier in a move that re-unites him with ex-colleague and fellow Rowan Dartington co-founder Andrew Morris. Alpha was launched last year by Bristol investment management firm RC Brown as a third party discretionary service led by Andrew Morris, who has...
Increasing demand for outsourced services has fuelled expansion at accountants Smith & Williamson’s Bristol-based HR consulting team. The firm’s specialist team of HR consultants provides the full spectrum of people management services, from ‘pay-as-you-go’ advice and support to small and medium-sized businesses to working with boards and senior management...
Buying Fairtrade products can be a tiny decision for a business yet it can have a huge impact on people’s lives. This message was brought home to businesses this morning as Fairtrade Fortnight got underway with a launch breakfast at Bristol law firm Burges Salmon. Margarita Espinoza, a Fairtrade...
Bristol specialist insurance broker Brightside’s new chief executive took up his post today with a pledge to maintain the group’s rapid growth. Paul Williams joins from Towergate, Europe’s largest independently-owned insurance intermediary, where he was a director on its retail executive committee responsible for all insurer and market relationships...
Bristol businesses will next week get a rare chance to meet trade experts from the British Embassies in the US and Canada to explore transatlantic export opportunities on a one-to-one basis. The event, at the Mercure Holland House Hotel in Redcliffe Hill, on Wednesday, March 5, is the latest...
West firms of all sizes are being urged to enter their directors in the region’s top award scheme recognising excellence and enterprise in the boardroom. The South West Institute of Directors (IoD) Awards 2014 celebrate the achievements of the region’s outstanding business people and their contribution to the its...
Bristol entrepreneurs who want to turn their business ideas into reality can get advice when a free roadshow backed by Sir Richard Branson stops off in the city. The Virgin StartUp HotHouse tour is traveling across the country over the next few months and will arrive at Leigh Court...
Commercial property owners and investors could lose out on hundreds of thousands of pounds of tax relief under new capital allowance rules that come into force in April. The changes will restrict an owner’s ability to claim relief on the cost of the fixtures and fittings of a commercial...
West firms are being urged to tell the Treasury how it could change the business tax system to make the UK more competitive. The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) is seeking ideas for an initial report on tax simplification to be presented ahead of next month’s Budget. Andy Richens,...
Inflation in January fell to 1.9%, official figures released this morning show – the first time it has been below the important 2% level since 2009. The rate, as measured by the consumer prices index, was down from 2% in December. The surprise fall – most economist expected it...
Bristol-based property refurbishment and maintenance firm Matrix Solutions UK has gone into administration after a significant drop in business. Accountancy firm Grant Thornton, which has been appointed administrator, today warned of ‘numerous’ redundancies among Matrix’s 30-strong workforce. Grant Thornton said it waspotentially looking to sell the firm, which dealt...
