Archive - August, 2010

The Coalition’s first 90 days – good for business?

August 16, 2010 in Policy & Legislation with Comments Off

GWE Business West’s assessment of the Coalition Government’s first ninety days in power – has it been good for business? Set against the British Chambers of Commerce twelve clear policy challenges how well have the government performed?

Overall we would say that there has been mixed progress – with excellent results in some areas, whilst other key barriers to business growth have not been addressed and remain a concern to our members:

  • Need for greater clarity on local planning – in order to ensure that businesses are not faced with further barriers to growth in the future
  • Need for a clear commitment from Government to strengthen UKTI, rather than weaken it through cuts
  • Need for clear commitments to roll out high-speed broadband in underserved areas, with clear timescales and a longer-term vision for technological change
  • Need to maintain, and even grow, investment in productivity-boosting infrastructure – clarity on the state of Britain’s business infrastructure, transport, energy, and digital, is critical for long-term investment planning.

Phil Smith, Managing Director of GWE Business West says, “The Coalition’s overall progress after ninety days has been encouraging. Early action on deficit reduction and burdensome employment regulation has been strongly welcomed by business – and many of the measures in the Chancellor’s emergency Budget struck the right balance.

“However, business wants to see more progress in areas such as international trade and reform of the UK’s planning system. Many of the Coalition’s proposals on planning have been disappointing, including the decision to abolish the Infrastructure Planning Commission. We are concerned about the gap between national and local planning, its implications for future growth and our ability to plan for longer term strategic growth.

“We challenge the Government to build on the good progress it has made over its first ninety days, and to look again at areas where it can do more to remove the barriers to private sector jobs growth.”

Click here to see the British Chambers of Commerce Report

The Business Show Bristol 2010 explores the impact of a new government & what it means for business

August 12, 2010 in Bristol, Event, Policy & Legislation with 1 Comment

Delegates can look forward to an extensive seminar programme at The Business Show Bristol 2010, on 15th September at Leigh Court.

The programme will include a review on ‘A new Government and a new Economy: what does this mean for UK business?’ with Steve Hughes who leads the British Chambers of Commerce’s policy work on economic affairs, tax and regulation.

This will explore how business was affected during the recession, how the downturn has fundamentally altered the trading environment, the Coalition Government’s attempts to drive recovery through policy and the economic landscape for the next few years. 

The BBC’s Politics Show West also aim to attend the show to take the temperature among the business community on the government and what it is doing to help or hinder business.

10 seminar topics are available to pre-book, ranging from social media to effective leadership skills, the latter subject focused via two key seminars, with William Montgomery on ’10 Key Actions of Effective Leaders’ and with Ruby Wax, the programme’s keynote speaker, on  ’Leadership through Communication’.

The show offers a showcase of 100 exhibitors from a wide range of business sectors, free speed networking sessions and a conference café for networking and refreshment. To view the full programme, book a stand or to register to attend, visit www.businessshowbristol.co.uk

Mediation in Business – turning differences into common ground

August 11, 2010 in Employment with Comments Off

GWE Business West, in partnership with ADRGroup, has formed Mediation in Business (MiB). The new joint venture company draws upon GWE Business West’s links, relationships and understanding of business in the South West. And ADRGroup’s 21 year’s of pioneering work in the mediation field.

Mediation is now an accepted process recommended by the courts, codified through statutes (most recently the employment act of 2008/9) and supported by ACAS. It has been commonly used to solve international diplomatic and trade disputes, as well as complex domestic and business affairs.

Mediation gives businesses the chance to reach a confidential early settlement before they are committed to either escalating legal fees or uncapped tribunal exposure. It means that vital relationships can continue to work and that reputation can remain in tact.

Where MiB differs is that it focuses on you – the end user. We deal with the disputant direct (as well as their legal advisors). A direct route to resolution.

Full members of GWE Business West’s Chambers of Commerce – the Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire and S Glocs Chambers – are entitled to a 15% introductory discount on mediation services provided by MiB in its first six months of operating.

For further information, visit: http://www.mediationinbusiness.co.uk/common-disputes.html

Or meet the Mediation in Business Team at The Business Show Bristol 2010 on 15th Sept at Leigh Court, Abbots Leigh – exhibition stand no. 72. www.businessshowbristol.co.uk for details.

Summer offer on serviced office space at Park House Business Centre, Swindon

August 9, 2010 in Swindon, Workspace with 1 Comment

Special offer on serviced office rental at Park House in Swindon – sign a license agreement to rent an office before 31 August 2010 and receive the 3rd and 6th months of occupancy rent-free!

Park House is a Victorian Grade II listed premises situated in Swindon’s Railway Village – within easy walking distance of the Designer Outlet Village, railway station and Town Centre. Suitable for professionals who want to portray a prestigious image, but affordable. Terms are monthly, on an easy-in/out basis. For further information, visit: http://www.parkhouseswindon.co.uk

or tel.: 08458 50 50 66.

Virtual office services and meeting room hire are also available.

Recognising Excellence Merges with GWE Business West

August 6, 2010 in Training with Comments Off

Recognising Excellence Limited is pleased to announce that a merger has been agreed between itself and GWE Business West Ltd. This will create a larger and stronger organisation offering an enhanced range of business services across the South West.

Established in 1993, Gloucester based Recognising Excellence is a leading advice and assessment centre offering a range of quality standards, such as Investors in People, ISO, Lexcel, SFEDI and Committed to Equality. The company started investigating merger opportunities early in the New Year and saw GWE Business West as a natural choice that would provide opportunities, flexibility and operational freedom.

The merger was approved by both Boards of Directors with the Recognising Excellence Managing Director, David Tew, remaining in position.

“This merger puts Recognising Excellence in a winning position by enabling us to offer even greater value to our clients and partners,” said David. “Both companies will benefit from a greater and a more varied service portfolio, shared talents and resources, and a wider customer base – it’s a win-win situation! We recognise the strong synergies between our skills, experience, values and ambitions, and the benefits of combining these.”

Phil Smith, Managing Director of GWE Business West said, “It was a natural fit. Both organisations have a high profile in the South West and work closely with key partners. Our brands are well-known and trusted, and we are both committed to delivering added-value and excellent customer service. The merger will make it easier for businesses to access a broader range of quality services. We welcome Recognising Excellence to the GWE Business West family!”

Over the last few weeks the Boards of both companies have been working through the technical and legal aspects of the merger which are now completed. Recognising Excellence and GWE Business West will continue to operate as usual.