The CBI welcomed the spending review’s commitment to longer-term investment in the economy but said there was a sting in the tail in the size and scope of the £3m apprenticeship levy. Director-general Carolyn Fairbairn said: “Businesses will be pleased to see the Chancellor staying the course on deficit...
Bristol business experts have given a broadly upbeat reaction to this week’s Autumn Statement and Spending Review. James Durie, pictured below, chief executive of Bristol Chamber of Commerce & Initiative – part of Business West – said it contained some positive news for the city-region. “Once again the ‘builder’...
Bristol’s Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone is to be made bigger to help pay for the much-needed upgrade of Temple Meads station. The extension of the 70-hectare (173-acre) zone, which has already attracted around 2,000 jobs to the area, was included in the announcement of 26 new enterprise zones by...
Chancellor George Osborne has delivered his Autumn Statement and Spending Review. These are the main points: Chancellor says five years ago UK economy was in crisis. Debt will fall this year. £12bn of welfare savings will be delivered in full. Britain has grown faster than any other G7 countries...
Property consultancy Alder King has bought two electric bikes for use by staff as part of its legacy from Bristol’s year as European Green Capital. Employees at its Clifton head office will use the cycles as an alternative to their cars for local appointments and property viewings, helping reduce...
An innovative crowdfunding project to raise more than £1m for projects and businesses with positive social and environmental impacts will be launched in Bristol next week. The Better Bristol fund is being set up by Bristol Green Capital Partnership (BGCP), the organisation that helped Bristol win its European Green...
Chancellor George Osborne will deliver his much-anticipated Autumn Statement next Wednesday – and once again Bristol Business News will be the number one media outlet for authoritative live news, analysis and comment. Our team of experienced business journalists will highlight the key measures that are likely to impact on...
Love the Future of Fashion, staged in The Lantern, Colston Hall, challenged the idea of consuming for consuming’s sake. Offering gorgeous alternatives to fashion as we know it it also served as a after party for TEDxBristol, which took place earlier in the day in the main auditorium. It...
Bristol Energy Cooperative has launched a £5m fundraising campaign for its largest portfolio of solar projects so far. The projects will include two community solar farms and installations on 20 more community building across the Bristol city-region. The co-op has used the money raised in its previous share offers...
Devolving power over transport, housing and taxes from Westminster to the West of England would boost the economy and help Bristol firms thrive, according to survey results released today. Some 69% of the region’s business leaders backed the idea of giving responsibility for these services to local authorities. Fifty-three...
OVO, the Bristol-based energy supplier, is to boost its community links by becoming the latest business to join the social platform run from the city by pioneering firm Neighbourly. The highly innovative platform links community projects with companies that want to make a difference. Neighbourly will now help OVO...
Blue Badge Company, the Bristol firm that designs and makes a range of stylish living aids, has been shortlisted for its first national awards. Director Ellen Green has been selected in two categories of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards in recognition of the firm’s products, which are transforming the...
Firms that support fair and ethical business practices are being urged to enter a unique business awards scheme. Now in their fourth year, the highly successful South West Fairtrade Business Awards champion firms that put ethical responsibilities at the heart of their business. Last year 76 businesses from across...
