The first direct flights between Bristol and Nantes – officially two of Europe’s greenest cities – started this week as airline bmi regional launched its latest service from Bristol Airport. The twice-weekly service – flights are on Saturday and Tuesday – has highlighted the similarities between the two cities...
Before the Budget Business West – the organisation that runs Bristol Chamber of Commerce – called for a focus on infrastructure, exports and the skills gap. Managing director Phil Smith said: “Our nation’s roads and apprentices got a cordial mention , international trade was almost utterly absent....
The CBI described the Budget as double-edged for business and branded the Chancellor’s flagship introduction of a National Living Wage of £7.20 next April as “a big gamble”. It also called the apprentice levy “a blunt tool” to force more businesses to take on trainees. Director-general John Cridland said:...
Many of the measures in Chancellor George Osborne’s Summer Budget got a warm welcome from Bristol business figures – particularly support for small businesses. Jeremy Richards, head of office at property agency JLL’s Bristol office, said: “The Chancellor’s continued focus on investment in improving the M4 and the electrification...
Key points from the Budget: New National Living Wage of £7.20 for all workers aged over 25 to be introduced next April and to reach £9 an hour by 2020 Cuts in National Insurance for small firms to help them pay for living wage More devolution to Northern cities...
Confidence among West of England firms remains fragile despite a period of strong growth, according to the latest survey by Business West. The organisation, which runs Bristol Chamber of Commerce and the Bristol Initiative, said the findings showed the need for the new Government to act to encourage sustainable...
Bristol’s reputation as a world-class creative and green hub has been underpinned by specialist film producer and distributor Green.TV’s decision to open a base in the city. The firm – the world’s first production and distribution house dedicated to the sustainability, conservation and clean-tech – has also recruited one...
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...
