The world’s first solar hybrid balloon, now under development in Bristol, will make its maiden flight at the city’s iconic international balloon fiesta next month. The innovative balloon, produced by Cameron Balloons, was showcased this week to coincide with the announcement of St Austell Brewery as the official sponsor...
Bristol takes its place among the world’s most ethical cities this weekend as it hosts around 250 delegates from 20 countries across the world for the 9th International Fair Trade Towns Conference. The event will explore ‘Fair Trade for Sustainability’ as part of the Bristol’s European Green Capital events...
Business West, the organisation behind Bristol Chamber of Commerce, has called on the Chancellor to strike a balance between eliminating the deficit and stimulating growth in next week’s Budget. And while George Osborne is likely to focus on the cuts and reform, he must also concentrate on infrastructure, boosting...
Bristol-based entrepreneur Rob Law, the inventor of the Trunki ride-on child’s suitcase, has received an honorary degree from the University of Bath. Rob – who was famously turned down on Dragons’ Den – received his Doctor of Engineering degree in recognition of his exceptional achievements, including building a company...
Bristol Pound, already one of the world’s largest local currency schemes, has become the first to partner with an energy company. It has teamed up with renewable electricity firm Good Energy to allow customers to pay their energy bills using Bristol Pounds. The Chippenham-based firm, which supplies 100% renewable...
The funding holding arm of regional alternative finance lender South West Investment Group (SWIG) has appointed Malachy McReynolds as its new chairman. Malachy, pictured, who spent 12 years as managing director of Bristol-based chocolate manufacturer Elizabeth Shaw, joined the SWIG board in January. He takes over as chairman from...
Bristol’s status as a laboratory for green ideas will be strengthened when it hosts three sustainable conferences in the space of a week. The 52nd International Making Cities Liveable (IMCL) conference (June 29 – July 3), the National Sustainable Schools conference (July 2) and the 9th International Fair Trade...
More than 80% of West of England firms fear leaving the EU would pose a risk to the UK economy, according to results of a survey among nearly 1,000 businesses in the region. Two thirds also believe it would be bad for their own business. The survey by Business...
The founder of international microfinance charity Deki, the CEO of Opus Recruitment Services and the boss of family-owned Jeff Way Electrical Services were among the Bristol winners at this year’s coveted South West Director of the Year Awards. Deki director Vashti Seth secured the South West Third Sector Director...
Everyone involved in climate change and sustainability – from scientists to politicians and business leaders – needed to go out and get ‘dirt under their fingernails’ to understand the key issues, Eden Project co-founder Sir Tim Smit said during a speech in Bristol. Because of this lack of understanding,...
By Barbara Davies, chief executive, West of England Local Enterprise Partnership. Our newly refreshed LEP board met for the first time on June 17. There are some new faces following the local elections and a business-led selection process. Great news that Colin Skellett has been reappointed as chair of...
Accountancy and investment management group Smith & Williamson has launched a free tax calculator to enable businesses to work out how much tax they could be saving on their research and development (R&D) costs. The online tool has been set up in the light of research suggesting that thousands...
Bristol’s economy will get a £12m boost this year from its biggest-ever Harbour Festival, organisers said this week as they unveiled more details of the ever-popular event. The festival, which takes place from July 17 to 19, is forecast to attract more than 250,000 visitors to the city –...
