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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.

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

Business welcomes growth review but stresses the need to address real barriers to growth

November 30, 2010 in Bristol, Policy, Legislation with Comments Off

The government has published its Growth Review, “The path to strong, sustainable and balanced growth”, a joint Treasury and BIS led process that aims to ensure all Government Departments are doing everything they can to help the country grow and recover from recession. It provides a long term vision to create the right conditions for future economic prosperity.

Phil Smith, Managing Director, GWE Business West, welcomed the Growth Review and applauded the government for its focus on returning the UK economy to balanced and sustainable growth.

“The government is quite rightly focusing on creating the right environment for growth. It is important that they listen to what the business community is saying and focus on removing the real barriers that prevent businesses from thriving – problems accessing finance, burdensome employment regulations, a bureaucratic planning system more focused on control than enabling, and inadequate infrastructure to support growth. These are the things businesses are concerned about and want to see action on. If government puts business firmly at the heart of its growth plans, then we can play our part and help drive the recovery forward. The government must focus on enabling the private sector to make 2011 a year for growth.”

Bristol organisations pledge support for city’s future

November 10, 2010 in Bristol with Comments Off

A pioneering new project to establish a long-term vision for the future development of Bristol has already secured the backing of 20 influential stakeholders.

Known as Bristol 2050, the project is the first of its kind in the UK. It will publish a unique blueprint for the city region’s development over the next 40 years, addressing the most significant issues facing our areas, such as transport, infrastructure, jobs, education and the environment.  This blueprint will be encapsulated in a book published next year, informed by internationally renowned spatial planner David Lock (CBE), with the vision and ambition of GWE Business West’s Executive President, John Savage (CBE) and authored by Andrew and Melanie Kelly.

To secure funding to drive this ambitious scheme, the project team is working with key influencers in the region, with 20 organisations and individuals already confirming their support, including: Arup, Alec Ewans, Beachcroft LLP, Bob Design, Bristol Junior Chamber, Bristol Port, , Bristol Old Vic, Bristol Water Plc, Bristol Zoo, BT, Deloitte, Grayling, JM Bitten, King Sturge, Northern Arc, Redrow Homes South West , Savills, ,University of the West of England (UWE) and Wessex Water.

Bristol 2050 is inspired by a similar project undertaken in Chicago in 1909.  The Chicago project played a significant role in shaping one of North America’s most prosperous cities. The Bristol 2050 project is heavily evidence based and has drawn information from relevant other cities and projected trends for the Bristol area.  Working with business leaders, architects, urban designers, town planners and transport experts, the plan will offer a unique and authoritative insight into how we can develop the city region to ensure we provide future generations with the opportunity to succeed.

Some of the ideas raised through this process include:

-           A linear park along the River Avon, including an Avon Barrage

-          The UK’s first ‘City Regional Park’ to bring urban and green spaces closer together

-          A high-speed train between London, Bristol and Cardiff, crossing the estuary

Bristol 2050 is led by The Initiative – a business leadership body responsible for some of the most important regeneration projects in the city region, such as Bristol Harbourside and the creation of Destination Bristol. 

GWE Business West Executive President, John Savage (CBE) said: “Due to the nature of our political system, development and regeneration schemes tend to take a short to medium term view.  However, a long-term strategy is essential if Bristol is to realise its full potential as a leading economic and cultural powerhouse.  I strongly believe that it possesses more of the vital ingredients for a great and ambitious vision than any other in the UK.”

Businesses and other organisations are invited to show their commitment to the economic and social prosperity of Bristol by signing up to become a partner in the Bristol 2050 project at www.bristol2050.co.uk  or call 01275 370 883 for further information.

The project team also want to hear residents’ ideas and thoughts on what Bristol should look like in 2050. Ideas can be submitted on the website and or by joining the debate on Facebook – find us by searching ‘Bristol2050’. We are also on Twitter at www.twitter.com/bristol2050


Business disappointment at Bristol losing out on transport funding

October 27, 2010 in Bristol, Transport with Comments Off

Businesses in Bristol have constantly lobbied for better transport and supported the local councils in their bids to government for funding. In announcements made yesterday it seems that once again transport schemes in the Bristol city region have lost out to other areas. The Ashton Vale to Temple Meads bus rapid transit scheme (the first of its kind in the city) has been put back to bid stage, as have schemes in Weston-super-Mare and Bath, all of which have been lobbied for and supported by the local business community.

These transport schemes now face an uncertain future, bidding once again against other schemes from across the country for a smaller funding pot. Other bids previously submitted have also suffered and been put back for further assessment before they can even compete for those funds - the South Bristol Link (something that has been in council plans for decades) and the North Fringe to Hengrove bus rapid transit scheme.

Tessa Coombes, Director of Policy & Strategy, GWE Business West said ‘Businesses in and around Bristol will be extremely disappointed and angry about the lack of investment in transport in our area. We have suffered from underfunding for many years and are living with the consequences of that every day, with severe congestion, high car use and ownership, and an out of date public transport system.’

‘We desperately need improvements to our transport infrastructure now, to help support the economy and encourage private sector jobs growth. Without that investment the economy of our city region will suffer and find it harder to compete with other areas. We need to work together with the local authorities to see how we can ensure these schemes happen.’

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