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One week to go until The Business Show Swindon

January 25, 2012 in News, Events, Opportunities, Swindon, Wiltshire with Comments Off

Excitement is building with only one week to go to the Business Show Swindon.  The show returns on 1 February 2012 at STEAM organised by GWE Business West and sponsored by Team South West, Relays (Regional Educational Legacy in Art and Youth Sport), County Marquees and Manor Printing. The show is an ideal opportunity for Swindon businesses to showcase themselves and will feature over 80 exhibitors from all across the region.  It’s free to attend and will run from 9am to 4pm.

There are only four remaining stands available, prices ranges from £200- £600.  Visit www.businessshowswindon.co.uk for further information.

James Averdieck, founder of luxurious dessert company Gü is set to give a fascinating keynote speech at 12.30pm.  James will share his secrets for success on how he started Gü in 2003 with just £150,000 taking the company to sales of over £30m before selling in 2010.

The show will also feature the innovative LinkedIn Espresso Bar which is exclusively for members of Business West’s LinkedIn group – the largest business group in the South West with over 3500 members.  Organisations can join the group and come along between 11am-12pm or 1.30pm – 2.30pm to enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee and extend online connections offline. Businesses can visit www.bwlinkedin.co.uk to join.

HM Revenue & Customs will be exhibiting at the show. Their specially trained Business Education and Support Teams will be on hand to help you understand your tax responsibilities and give you the confidence to get it right first time. Their services are free of charge and are designed for everyone in business, especially new businesses or new employers.  Drop by stand 36 to find out more about Research and Development (R&D) Relief for Corporation Tax.

Robert Gardner, Chief Economist, Nationwide Building Society has been confirmed as The Swindon Strategic Economic Partnership (SSEP) Annual Conference speaker.  The conference will run in the morning and will provide an update on current activity, including links with the newly formed Local Enterprise Partnership.

To add to the sense of occasion County Marquees will be showcasing their products at the 2012 Show providing a marquee with some stunning extra floor space.  By creating the right ambience for networking opportunities it will allow attendees to meet up with existing or new clients in comfortable and stylish surroundings.

Ian Larrard, Director of The Initiative in Swindon and Wiltshire, GWE Business West said: “The Business Show Swindon 2012 is a great opportunity for businesses to connect with companies in Swindon and beyond, to network, exchange ideas and make new business contacts.  The show provides a platform to connect with hundreds of local businesses in one arena and is an opportunity not to be missed.”

The show is easily accessible from the M4 and Swindon railway station. To register to attend visit www.businessshowswindon.co.uk

Connect with hundreds of organisations at The Business Show Swindon

January 19, 2012 in News, Events, Opportunities, Swindon with Comments Off

Excitement is building with only two weeks to go to the Business Show Swindon.  This show returns on 1 February 2012 at STEAM organised by GWE Business West and sponsored by Team South West, Relays (Regional Educational Legacy in Art and Youth Sport) and County Marquees. The show is an ideal opportunity for Swindon businesses to showcase themselves and will feature over 80 exhibitors from all across the region.  It’s free to attend and will run from 9am to 4pm.

There are only a few remaining stands available, prices range from £200 – £900.  Visit www.businessshowswindon.co.uk for further information.

James Averdieck, founder of luxurious dessert company Gü is set to give a fascinating keynote speech  at 12.30pm.  James will share his secrets for success on how he started Gü in 2003 with just £150,000 taking the company to sales of over £30m before selling in 2010.

Take part in a free speed networking session; fast, furious and fun.  A great way to increase your network of business contacts through this popular, fast-paced networking opportunity.  There are only four sessions remaining, with spaces filling fast, book your slot at www.businessshowswindon.co.uk

HM Revenue & Customs will be exhibiting at the show. Their specially trained Business Education and Support Teams will be on hand to help you understand your tax responsibilities and give you the confidence to get it right first time. Their services are free of charge and are designed for everyone in business, especially new businesses or new employers.  Drop by stand 36 to find out more about Research and Development (R&D) Relief for Corporation Tax.

Robert Gardner, Chief Economist, Nationwide Building Society has been confirmed as The Swindon Strategic Economic Partnership (SSEP) Annual Conference speaker.  The conference will run in the morning and will provide an update on current activity, including links with the newly formed Local Enterprise Partnership.

The show is easily accessible from the M4 and Swindon railway station. To register to attend visit www.businessshowswindon.co.uk

Three remaining West of England Transport Schemes get Government go-ahead

December 14, 2011 in Bath, Bristol, Transport with Comments Off

The Department of Transport has today given the go-ahead for the remaining three rapid transit schemes for our region – North Fringe to Hengrove BRT (Bristol), Bath Transportation Package and Weston Package.

Commenting on the news Phil Smith, managing director at Business West said: “This announcement means that the West of England has successfully secured all five transport schemes for our region.  As a result, £136 million of government funding will now be coming here, bringing the total investment in our local transport infrastructure to £244 million.

“We are delighted that these remaining three schemes have been approved.  This demonstrates the government’s confidence in our area, the work of our LEP and the long-standing successful partnership working between our four unitary authorities and business.”

The schemes announced today are:

  • North Fringe to Hengrove BRT (Bristol). Bus rapid transit scheme from the north of the city (including Bristol Parkway) via the city centre to Hengrove in the South. (£51.1m DfT contribution towards a total cost of £92.9m).
  • Bath Transportation Package. Park and ride site expansions and bus priority measures plus improvements to local bus stops. (£11.7m DfT contribution towards a total cost of £28.6m).
  • Weston Package. Package of transport improvements in and around Weston Super Mare including improvements to M5 junction, enhancements to Worle station and access improvements to development areas. (£10.4m DfT contribution towards a total cost of £15.0m)

This news follows quickly on from the announcement in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement which gave the go-ahead for the South Bristol Link Scheme and the Bristol Temple Meads to Ashton Vale Bus Rapid Transit Scheme.

James Durie, Director of Bristol Chamber of Commerce & Initiative said: “This is very good news for our local economy and will help build confidence at a time when we are all focused on creating the right conditions for growth.

“Good local transport is vital for business.  Our members and the business community can feel proud that these transport schemes,  which they have helped us to lobby for over many years, have now come to fruition.  These schemes will deliver substantially improved public transport connections.

BRISTOL BUSINESS COMMUNITY LAUNCHES 2050 VISION

December 8, 2011 in Bristol, Economy, Environment, Ethics, People, HR, Policy, Legislation, Transport with Comments Off

A blueprint for Bristol’s development over the next 40 years has today been published.  The publication is the culmination of a two-year project known as Bristol 2050 and is thought to be the first of its kind in Europe.

Bristol 2050 has brought together business leaders from across the region, led by Business West.  Together they have looked past Bristol’s current overall prosperity and have discarded the very English penchant for the status quo – to test the boundaries, think boldly and keep growth concerns at the absolute forefront of future policy thinking.

The findings of the project have today been published in a hardback book, known as ‘High in Hope’, authored by Dr John Savage CBE and with contributions from influential town planner David Lock CBE.  Among its recommendations, High in Hope advises that up to 6,000 hectares of land may need to be developed by 2050 to deliver much needed jobs and houses.  It also seeks to address the need to create an efficient and comprehensive public transport system.

Other specific ideas seen as critical to the future growth and prosperity of the region include the development of an Avon Barrage, extending High Speed Rail to Bristol and a greater ability to levy local taxes and use the funds.

Commenting on the project, Dr Savage said:

“The Bristol region is already attractive to people and businesses but there is uncertainty about where it is going and why; there is no longer-term vision, no overall leadership, no sense of a shared direction.  By ensuring that the business voice is heard and championing Bristol as the place to do business and to live, we believe that we can achieve a tangible and improving return on public investment, with a significant increase in the gross domestic product of the city-region.  We must make a statement to both local and national government about the importance of the city region and the desire for change and strong leadership.”

Phil Smith, managing director of Business West said: “The book is only the beginning; the primary reason for publishing the 2050 vision now is to start a debate, raise aspirations and illustrate the benefits of long term strategic thinking.  We have involved the wider business community from the start of this project and for it to be a success there needs to be an ongoing debate and a continual flow of new ideas.  To facilitate this we’ve set up project groups and are encouraging the wider business community to participate and take ideas forward.”

UK growth businesses go head-to-head for top management and £2,000 prize

November 30, 2011 in Bristol, News, Events, Opportunities with Comments Off

12 high growth businesses from throughout the UK will go head-to-head to attract top management to help develop their businesses and the chance of winning £2,000 at the 2011 finale of Pitching for Management in Bristol.

Following 16 events in cities throughout the UK in which 64 businesses have pitched for experienced managers and executives, Pitching for Management reaches its finale on Tuesday, 13th December. The best regional businesses will have a second chance to seek top business talent and win the overall best pitch prize at a gala event at the prestigious Leigh Court near Bristol.

Challenging conventional recruitment, Pitching for Management is a new take on the business angel investment model where companies normally seek funding through a presentation to potential investors.

It provides an opportunity for businesses and individuals to be matched where’s there’s a mutual benefit.

“We’ve toured the UK to provide a platform for growth businesses to demonstrate their growth potential and recruit highly skilled executive management. It’s provided a great insight into the diverse range of businesses out there that are growing despite the current economic conditions,” said Modwenna Rees-Mogg who has organised Pitching for Management.

“The finale is a culmination of all the UK pitches where the best of the best will have a second chance to pitch to an audience of highly skilled individuals seeking management and non-executive positions.”

Modwenna added: “We’ve been impressed at the calibre of businesses pitching and the individuals seeking positions. We’re pleased that this new take on recruitment is working so well and is definitely a model for the future.”

A selection of companies qualified for the finale so far are: Rackety’s Ltd, Last Second Tickets Ltd, Growth Innovators Group Ltd, Tweetsport Ltd, T Box Solutions Ltd, and Conserro Ltd.

The event is being staged in association with Intramezzo and UKBI. It is being hosted by Business West and supported by Bristol SETsquared and Executives Online.

The event takes place at 3pm on Tuesday, 13th December at Leigh Court, Abbots Leigh, Bristol. Anyone interested in attending can visit http://pitchingformangementinbristol5.eventbrite.co.uk/.  For further information about the concept see www.pitching4management.com

Cautious optimism, but still much to do

November 30, 2011 in Bath, Bristol, Economy, Policy, Legislation, Transport with Comments Off

Phil Smith, managing director of Business West welcomes much of the content of the Autumn statement and believes it will have a positive impact on business. He commented: “However, we do share general business concerns about the ongoing challenge of our current economic situation. The revised forecast tells a bleak story for business.  Rapid implementation of the new schemes proposed by the government around credit easing and infrastructure investment is now needed so together we can make a difference.

He added: “Our members will particularly welcome the Chancellor’s renewed commitments to reform employment law and simplify the planning system. Businesses will support the aim of credit easing, but will be watching carefully to ensure that companies can access the finance they need to grow.”

Other highlights from a business perspective were a greater emphasis on tackling youth unemployment, the extension of the business rate relief holiday, reducing legislative burdens on employing staff and an increase in the UKTI budget to help SMEs, all of which will be welcomed by the business community.

Phil concluded: “It is now crucial that the government does everything possible to put these initiatives into place on the ground and help the private sector create jobs as quickly as possible.”

Nigel Hutchings, Director of Bristol Chamber of Commerce said: “A significant announcement for the Bristol area was contained in the proposals around the National Infrastructure Plan. Funding has now been secured for the South Bristol Link, something Bristol Chamber has been lobbying for over the last 20 years. This is a much needed improvement to the transport infrastructure of the city, supporting improved accessibility for business and communities alike.”

 

Mediation in Business launches training division

November 30, 2011 in Bristol, Tips, Training with Comments Off

Mediation in Business (MiB) [1] recently celebrated its first birthday in September and is excited to add a training division to its portfolio, which will focus on the fundamental cornerstones of mediation training.

MiB is a joint venture between Business West [2] and ADR Group [3] and provides a complete resolution package to help businesses resolve disputes with a specialised hybrid panel of expert mediators. These are highly qualified professionals with expert knowledge in many aspects of business.

MiB has tailored ADR Group’s highly successful training courses, which have developed some of the most experienced legal negotiators’ skill sets over 21 years, for the work place environment and business management.

James Monk, Director, Business West and MiB said: “Mediation in Business has helped businesses in the south west through mediation for over a year now. It was always our ambition to provide the necessary skills and tools for those businesses to manage differences independently – that’s why the launch of our training is so important. We have sought to provide the best level of training for our business community at an achievable rate and I’m very proud that this is now being delivered.”

Ben Wheale, Mediation in Business said “Our trainers, like our mediators, have firsthand experience in handling difficult situations and resolving disputes. They have trained some of the country’s most senior legal and non-legal business people. They now deliver the same standard of training to the local business community with a commitment to excellent value.”

The first course to be launched is ‘Handling Difficult Conversations’ which will be delivered on 18 January 2012 at Leigh Court, Bristol.  This course builds up a skill base which can be used by junior and senior management to avoid negative and difficult situations getting out of hand.

Business Show Swindon returns for 2012

November 17, 2011 in News, Events, Opportunities, Swindon with Comments Off

After the enormous success of the inaugural Business Show Swindon, it returns for its second year on 1 February 2012 at STEAM.  The show is organised by GWE and will feature a broad showcase of 80 exhibitors from across the region.

Delegates can look forward to a high profile key note speaker with details to be announced late November. The ever-popular speed networking sessions return and the show will also feature the innovative LinkedIn Espresso Bar which is exclusively for members of GWE The Initiative and Business West’s LinkedIn group – the largest LinkedIn group in the South West with over 3200 members.  Further information will be posted on the group soon.  Businesses can visit www.gwebwlinkedin.co.uk to join.

Swindon Business News is the show’s media partner this year providing local businesses with timely and relevant opportunities for the Business Show.

Exhibition stands are on sale now with prices ranging from £200 to £900.  Visit www.businessshowswindon.co.uk to download an exhibition floor plan and book your stand.

Ian Larrard, Director of GWE The Initiative in Swindon and Wiltshire said: “This year’s Business Show was a great success with over 750 attendees.  Feedback from local businesses was overwhelmingly positive with a large number expressing support for the show to become an annual event.  I am confident that the Business Show Swindon 2012 will build on this and become the place to network and do business in Swindon.”

The show, easily accessible from the M4 and Swindon railway station, will run from 9am to 4pm.  To register to attend visit www.businessshowswindon.co.uk

Major Transport Schemes – have your say on proposals and funding options

June 22, 2011 in Bristol, Transport with Comments Off

You are invited by Bristol City Council to a special meeting which is being held for the business community on funding options for Bristol’s major transport schemes – the South Bristol Link and the Bus Rapid Transit network.  These schemes form the cornerstone of Bristol’s future transport policy.  Following a reduction in national funding, the council has identified a number of options, not only to fund the local contribution for these vital schemes but to reduce the impact of traffic on Bristol’s business community.  One option is a possible Workplace Parking Levy.  Business West has in its discussions with the council agreed to help publicise this important event which is taking place at short notice at 5pm on Wednesday 29th June at the Council House.  We strongly encourage you to attend to ensure business is well represented, able to engage and express its views.  For more details, please see the attached invitation letter.  To confirm your attendance, please email  jane.harding@bristol.gov.uk

The Bristol Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner 2011

February 1, 2011 in Bristol, News, Events, Opportunities with Comments Off

The GWE Business West Bristol Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner sponsored by HSBC, which celebrates business across Bristol and the region, takes place on Thursday 24 March at the Bristol Marriott City Centre Hotel.

This year we are delighted to welcome guest speaker, The Rt Hon Dr Liam Fox, Secretary of State for Defence and local MP, who has held a variety of high profile positions within Parliament since entering politics in 1987.

Dr Fox said: “It is a great pleasure to be invited to speak at the Bristol Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner. This annual event is an invaluable opportunity for a wide range of regional business leaders to meet and discuss the issues specifically affecting this part of the country. I am very much looking forward to what I am sure will be a stimulating evening and I am grateful to GWE Business West for inviting me.”

Dr Fox, a former GP, contested Roxburgh and Berwickshire in the 1987 General Election and was elected as the Member of Parliament for Woodspring (renamed North Somerset for the 2010 General Election) in April 1992.

In June 1993, Dr Fox was appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary to Michael Howard, then Home Secretary. In July 1994, he was appointed as Assistant Government Whip, and promoted to the position of Senior Government Whip the following year. He was a Minister at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office from 1996 until the 1997 General Election.

In June 1997, Dr Fox was appointed Opposition Front Bench Spokesman on Constitutional Affairs. For four years from May 1999 to November 2003 he served as Shadow Secretary of State for Health before being appointed Co-Chairman of the Party in 2003. Subsequently, from May 2005 to December 2005, he served as Shadow Foreign Secretary, and then as Shadow Secretary of State for Defence from December 2005 to May 2010.

He was appointed Secretary of State for Defence by Prime Minister David Cameron in May 2010.

When he addresses the annual dinner, Dr Fox will give his insight into both the short and long term challenges for our local economy and how we can best capitalise on our strategic assets for companies large and small. Set against GWE Business West’s Bristol 2050 project, he will also talk about opportunities for our businesses and in particular for those in sectors such as defence and high value manufacturing.

Michael Bothamley, President of Bristol Chamber of Commerce said: “We are delighted to have secured Dr Liam Fox as our guest speaker this year.  This key event on the business calendar is always a sell-out with over 200 business people attending from across the region. 

Guests use this prestigious occasion to network and make valuable new contacts.  So, we urge businesses to mark this date in their diaries and book online today to avoid disappointment.”
Tickets are available online now, priced at £95.00 + VAT for full members and £120.00 + VAT for subscribers and non members/guests. Tables of 8, 10 or 12 are also available.

To book your tickets visit www.gwebusinesswest.co.uk or contact events@gwebusinesswest.co.uk

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