Policy
Briefings
We produce a range of briefing notes and research reports to keep you informed about important issues.
Shared Parental Leave Briefing 2013
One of the Coalition's key proposals for changes in employement law, is that families should be able to share the mother’s maternity leave and pay between the mother and the father. They are currently consulting on these ideas. This brieifng explores their proposals and the potential impact this could have on businesses.
Published: May 2013
LEP Network Annual Review 2013
This briefing note provides a summary of some of the key points of interest arising from the Local Enterprise Partnerships Network report on LEP area economies. The South West LEPs of the West of England, Gloucestershire and Swindon & Wiltshire have been benchmarked against two of the fastest growing LEP economies; the South East Midlands and Greater Cambridge & Greater Peterborough. Also where possible they are ranked compared to all the 39 LEP areas.
Published: May 2013
The 2013 Queens Speech to parliament given on the 8th of May, set out 20 new pieces of legislation the coalition plan to introduce over the next year. This briefing explores the key bills for businesses announced in the speech.
Posted: May 2013
In this month's edition of the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Update contains covers the news that the government is moving closer to devolving considerable funding to LEPs in the single pot. The update also includes highlights of the LEP Networks Annual Conference and the usual round up of local LEP news.
Posted: May 2013
Employment Law Bulletin May 2013
The May edition of the Business West Employment Law Bulletin explores the chancellor’s March Budget and the new financial year in April, alongside the massive change to pay as you earn (PAYE) reporting with the system moving to Real Time Information (RTI). This business issue is explored alongside other recent changes to employment law.
Posted: May 2013
Post Local Elections Briefing Note 2013
On May 2nd elections were held across 34 councils in England. There were also two mayoral elections in Doncaster and North Tyneside. This briefing explores the results of the local council elections happening in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Bristol.
Posted: May 2013
Local Elections Briefing Note 2013
ON May 2nd there will be elections for 34 local authorities in England - mostly county councils rather than the big cities. There will also be two mayoral elections in Doncaster and North Tyneside. This briefing explores the local council elections happening in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Bristol.
Posted: April 2013
Business West, working with British Chambers of Commerce, undertakes a Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) of businesses. The results presented below reflect the position for businesses in the local area (the West Country). The results for the West Country for this quarter are compiled from 537 responses – up by over 200 on last quarter.
Posted: April 2013
Barriers to Growth Survey Report Q1 2013
The Barriers to Growth survey report summarizing the findings of a business survey undertaken throughout the first quarter of 2013, on behalf of the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). This survey received a total of 142 responses from businesses across the West of England LEP area.
Posted: April 2013
In this month's edition of the Local Enterprise Partnership Update contains further details of these recommendations, links to local LEP Annual Economic Updates, information about the launch of Innovation Vouchers for South West SMEs and details about an initiative focusing on business planning ideas and pathfinder LEPs taken from the Heseltine review.
Posted:February 2013
Center for Cities 2013 briefing
The Centre for Cities, a think tank focusing on the economic and social role of cities in the UK economy, has released their 2013 Cities Outlook. The publication charts and compares key economic indicators for the 63 UK cities. This briefing explores these indicators, paying particular attention to the local cities and towns of Bristol, Gloucestershire and Swindon.
Posted: February 2013
Employment Law Bulletin - January 2013
The January edition of the Business West Employment Law Bulletin explores: changes to maternity, paternity and adoption pay and statutory sick pay, changes to employment tribunals scheduled for 2013, the announcement of changes to the consultation period for collective redundancies and the news of the change in government policy to ‘one-in-two-out’ on new regulations which carry a cost to business.
Posted: January 2013
Business West, working with British Chambers of Commerce, undertakes a Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) of businesses. The results presented below reflect the position for businesses in the Gloucestershire, West of England and Swindon/Wiltshire area (the West Country). The results for the West Country are compiled from 317 responses.
Posted: January 2013
Barriers to Growth Report Q4 2012
The Barriers to Growth survey report summarizing the findings of a business survey undertaken throughout the third quarter of 2012, on behalf of the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). This survey received a total of 139 responses from businesses across the West of England LEP area.
Posted: January 2013
Autumn Statement Briefing 2012
Chancellor George Osborne delivered his Autumn Statement to the House of Commons at 12:30pm on 5th December 2012. The overall theme of the statement, whilst trying to be positive, was about lower than expected growth, higher borrowing, and higher unemployment - fairly similar to the context he delivered last year, but with some positives for business. The briefing has a brief summary of key points, followed by Business West’s comment.
Posted: December 2012
Nesta Report: FDi effects on innovation in the UK
Report into the surprising results of a recent Nesta survey:Foreign Direct innovation? The effect oF FDi on innovation in the UK and what to do about it. Showing that far from depleating the UK of high value business, Foreign Direct Investment (FDi) provides high levels of employment, innovation in businesses and innovation in the supply chain.
Posted: December 2012
West of England LEP Annual Economic Update 2012
This economic briefing note is intended to provide an overview of the economic health of the West of England Local Economic Partnership (LEP) area, looking at a variety of indicators. When assessing the local economic context of the West of England LEP area, where possible this has been compared against the neighbouring LEPs of Gloucestershire and Swindon and Wiltshire, as well as regional and national averages. All statistics used are from the latest available data.
Posted: December 2012
Swindon and Wiltshire LEP Annual Economic Update 2012
This economic briefing note is intended to provide an overview of the economic health of the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Economic Partnership (LEP) area, looking at a variety of indicators. When assessing the local economic context of the Swindon and Wiltshire LEP area, where possible this has been compared against the neighbouring LEPs of Gloucestershire and the West of England, as well as regional and national averages. All statistics used are from the latest available data.
Posted: December 2012
Gloucestershire LEP Annual Economic Update
This economic briefing note is intended to provide an overview of the economic health of the Gloucestershire Local Economic Partnership (LEP) area, looking at a variety of indicators. When assessing the local economic context of the Gloucestershire LEP area, where possible this has been compared against the neighbouring LEPs of Swindon and Wiltshire and the West of England, as well as regional and national averages. All statistics used are from the latest available data.
Posted: December 2012
This November edition of the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Update offers news and analysis on the Heseltine Review and its impact for LEPs, the second round of City Deals, a Work Foundation report on LEPs to date and the usual round of local LEP news.
Posted: November 2012
This briefing is a short summary of the key points raised by the Work Foundation in their report ‘The Private sector, Local Enterprise Partnerships and Growth’ which considers business engagement in Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) to date.
Posted - November 2012
Employment Law Bulletin - October 2012
This edition of the Business West Employment Law Bulletin explores: the controversial ‘shares for rights’ proposal, pensions auto-enrolment, Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) survey results, recent changes to types of recruitment and an EU consultation on burdensome legislation to SMEs.
Posted: October 2012
In this edition of the Local Enterprise Partnership Update, there is news on the latest Regional Growth Fund announcement, a local LEP’s successful bid, the launch of a £60 million SME investment bank and the creation of Local Major Transport Bodies led by the relevant Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). Also included is news from the Local LEPs.
Posted: October 2012
Barriers to Growth report Q3 2012
The Barriers to Growth survey report summarizing the findings of a business survey undertaken throughout the third quarter of 2012, on behalf of the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). This survey received a total of 129 responses from businesses across the West of England LEP area.
Posted: October 2012
Quarterly Economic Survey Quarter 3 Summary Report
Business West, working with British Chambers of Commerce, undertakes a quarterly economic survey of businesses. The results presented below reflect the position for businesses in the Gloucestershire, West of England and Swindon/Wiltshire area (the West Country). The results for the West Country are compiled from 181 responses. Results from Business West’s quarterly economic survey show that businesses across the West Country are fairing better than their counterparts in other areas of the country.
Posted: October 2012
This September edition of the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Update contains information on APPG report on Local Growth, LEPs and Enterprise Zones; the report from FDi Magazine on the relative strength of LEPs at gaining foreign direct investment; results of an LEP funding survey, as well as the usual mix of news from around the LEP network.
Posted: September 2012
Recent Government Announcements
In what looks like a rush of plans developed over the summer recess, George Osborne and David Cameron have both come out fighting in the last week or so with new measures and announcements. Plans to pump prime infrastructure and support house building are to be welcomed, as is the possible re-think on airport capacity in the UK.
Posted: September 2012
Supply Chain Survey - Payments
In order to understand the opinions of local business, Business West, together with the British Chambers of Commerce, undertook a survey of 146 local businesses on the issue of supply chains. In this short report, we document the findings of this survey focusing on the payment elements of supply chains.
Posted: September 2012
Supply Chains Survey - Transport and Movement
In order to understand the opinions of local business, Business West, together with the British Chambers of Commerce, undertook a survey of 146 local businesses on the issue of supply chains. In this short report, we document the findings of this survey focusing on the transportation and logistical aspects of supply chains.
Posted - August 2012
The UK's membership of the EU arguably brings with it significant benefits, through the single market and four freedoms. It is also viewed by some as leading to an increase in bureaucracy and legislation. In order to test business opinion on this matter, Business West, together with the British Chambers of Commerce, undertook a short poll of members in order to glean business opinion and views on the economy and European Union (EU) membership.
Posted: August 2012
This July edition of the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Update contains more detail on these announcements, the usual mix of news from around the LEP network as well as research into enterprise zones and graphs showing unemployment levels and the South West figures for new activity, new business and employment intentions.
Posted: July 2012
APPG Inquiry into Effectiveness of LEPs Business West final Response
Business West has issued a consultation response to a government consultation into local growth, LEPs and Enterprise Zones. The government called an All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) to chair the consultation, which looks to explore the effectiveness to date of LEPs in creating the conditions for sustainable local economic growth and private sector job growth.
Posted: July 2012
This briefing paper explores Bristol’s new City Deal. With this deal there has been a huge devolution of power from central to local government. City Deals offer local government increased autonomy and access to specific pots of money. The briefing explores City Deals as a whole and then Bristol’s deal focusing on: investment levels, infrastructure financing mechanisms, skills provision, transport plans, inward investment incentives and property development and management.
Posted: July 2012
2012 Draft Energy Bill - Briefing Paper
This briefing paper explores the new Government's 2012 Draft Energy Bill which sets out to attract the required private sector investment needed to upgrade the UK’s aging energy infrastructure. The key points of the bill are examined alongside the main debates.
Posted: July 2012
The June edition of the Employment Law Bulletin contains information on the controversial Beecroft report which has been published with some of its recommendations being taken forward by the government within the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill. The update also explores: EU Employment Law changes, Consultation on Collective Redundancies, Red Tape Challenge Update, Key Employment Law changes and an overview of the Red Tape Challenge as a whole, and current and future themes being explored
Posted: July 2012
Quarterly Economic Report - Q2 Results
Our second quarter report from 2012, providing a local and national assessment on the health of business.
Posted: July 2012
Barriers to Growth report Q2 2012
This Barriers to Growth survey report summarises the findings of a business survey undertaken throughout the second quarter of 2012, on behalf of the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The primary focus of the survey is to identify what the immediate barriers to growth are for local business. The principle aim of the survey is to identify immediate business priorities, so that the West of England LEP can consider what practical action can be taken to improve the business environment.
Posted: July 2012
In this month's edition of the Local Enterprise Partnership Update there is the usual regional LEP news, commission of LEP consultations, potential changes to local business rates retention and an update on the South West's bids into the Regional Growth Fund.
Posted June 2012
The Big Pension Squeeze - opinion piece
Billed as the biggest change to pensions since 1908's Old Age Pensions Act, the Department of Work and Pensions planned auto-enrolment of pensions will set out a requirement for all employers to enrol employees in a qualifying work place scheme. The scheme will be phased in over the next five years. Were you already aware of auto-enrolment changes? Do you think reforms go too far/ don’t go far enough? Read our opinion piece.
Posted June 2012
Rail Fares and Ticketing Consultation Report
The Government has launched a Rail Fares and Ticketing consultation seeking views on how greater rail patronage can be achieved simultaneously to reducing rail industry costs. We are putting together a response to this consultation and are looking for members views on these issues. Our briefing highlights the key consultation questions and asks for your views. Please respond by 15th June.
Posted May 2012
Post Election Briefing May 2012
This report provides an overview analysis of the 2012 Mayoral referendum and Local Council Election results in England. The first part covers and reports on the implications of the national results for the coalition government and opposition parties, together with analysis on the mayoral referendum results across the 10 leading English cities.
Posted May 2012
Our cities need strong, clear, accountable leadership and drive by real experience and entrepreneurial spirit rather than politics. We need a new system that enables and encourages continuity and where party politics is relegated to the back benches. The mayoral system as proposed is not perfect and will not answer all the questions, but it is a step in the right direction - read our comment piece.
Posted: May 2012
Business West's Export survey undertaken throughout January 2012, received a total of 213 responses from businesses across the West of England, and Gloucestershire. In total, 36% of those surveyed were exporters. Local results also formed part of a wider British Chambers export survey which received over 8,000 business responses.
Posted: May 2012
Policy opinion piece: business pays
The debate is warming up on the idea of businesses paying for shortfalls in local council funding. This issue has raised its head in relation to major transport schemes in particular, where the problem seems to be the difference in funding required to complete the schemes and what government is prepared to pay.
Posted: May 2012
On the 20th April, the British Chambers facilitated LEP Network published its inaugural ‘Review of Local Enterprise Partnership Area Economies’. The report provides a detailed review of the economic opportunities and challenges facing LEP areas across the country on factors such as economic resilience and export potential.
Posted: May 2012
April has arrived, and with it the usual expansion of employment regulations. In this Employment Law Bulletin, we examine these changes together with those recent events and regulation that could impact upon businesses. In this paper, we focus on: the April changes, New Employers Charter, changes to unfair dismissal laws, the new auto-enrolment pension scheme, together with accompanying legal concepts, and future changes to Employment Law scheduled for later in 2012.
Posted: April 2012
Local Enterprise Partnerships April Update
This briefing provides an update on the latest news and comment from across the Local Enterprise Partnership network, together with Government announcements. In particular, it focuses on: Local LEP News - Young Bristol, LEP Business plans, Elected Mayor, National LEP funding News – additional Growing Places Fund Allocations, NPPF publication - Implication for LEPs, Consultation on devolving major transport scheme funding.
Posted: April 2012
National Planning Policy Framework Briefing
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published on 27th March 2012. Publication of the document marks a key cornerstone in Government reforms which plan to make the planning system less complex and more accessible.
Posted: April 2012
Local Growth Experian 2012 Briefing
This research is useful in understanding the opportunities for growth within local areas and the type of growth that this is likely to be.
Posted: April 2012
Business West Economic Report Quarter 1 2012
Business West's quarterly report documents the latest trends and opinions from local business in order to paint a picture of how business is performing. The report is a presentation of findings from the Business West quarterly business survey.
Posted: April 2012
Great Western Rail Franchise Briefing Note
Government is currently consulting on the re-franchising of the Great Western rail network. The purpose of consultation on re-franchising seeks input on matters such as service frequency, cost and capacity, as opposed to suggestions of wider strategic rail investment, such as proposals for new rail lines. These strategic issues fall under the remit of Network Rail and its forthcoming High Level Output Strategy (HLOS) document, which will be made available for consultation later in the year.
Posted: March 2012
CIL Update March Pan Area
The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a levy which allows local authorities in England and Wales to raise funds from developers undertaking new building projects in their area. The money raised must be applied towards the provision or maintenance of infrastructure such as roads or education facilities. The levy is charged on development permitted through a planning permission, or, in some cases, by a development order.
Posted: March 2012
Budget briefing 2012
This briefing note outlines the key aspects from the Chancellor’s budget, focusing on issues we have been campaigning for on behalf of the business community and those that we think will make the greatest difference to businesses in our area.
Posted: March 2012
Employment Law Collective Redundancy Consultation Brief
The Collective Redundancy Consultation has been set up as a part of the Government's Employment Law Review. Areas previously consulted upon have been the dispute resolution and the employment tribunal system.
Posted: January 2012
Quarterly Economic Report Quarter 4
Business West's quarterly report documents the latest trends and opinions from local business in order to paint a picture of how business is performing. The report is a presentation of findings from the Business West quarterly business survey.
Posted: January 2012
Gloucester, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury Joint Core Strategy
The Joint Core Strategy (JCS) is a partnership between Gloucester City Council, Cheltenham Borough Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council, supported by Gloucestershire County Council. The document forms the central element of a statutory council development plan, which will show how the area will be developed from now right up to 2031.
Posted: January 2012
Cities Outlook 2012
The annual Cities Outlook publication for 2011 was released by the policy group Centre for Cities on January 2012. The publication charts and compares the merits of 63 UK cities against a range of economic indicators.
Posted: January 2012
Local Enterprise Partnership Update Jan 2012
This short briefing provides a January 2012 update on the latest news and headlines from across the network of Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs). As the Government's main vehicle for driving forward many of the changes in the Localism Act 2012 could prove to be an important year for LEPs.
Posted: January 2012
Local Enterprise Partnership Update Dec 11
In this paper we provide an update on: national LEP announcements – City Deals, Growing Places Fund, Work Foundation report and news from around the LEP network – Tees Valley, mid sized business pilots.
Posted: January 2012
Youth Unemployment- a problem for business?
Youth unemployment across the UK has hit an all time high, nearly 1 million in total, with 1 in 5 young people now out of work, the highest figure since comparable records began in 1992. Newspapers, media and others are warning us of a 'lost generation' of young people unable to find jobs. This short paper highlights the issues and challenges, government responses and other ideas for change.
Youth Contract - How to Apply Briefing Paper
In response to the challenge of youth unemployment the Government announced a £1billion Youth Contract to help young unemployed people get a job. The Youth Contract, which launched in April 2012, will provide nearly half-a-million new opportunities for 18-24 year olds, including apprenticeships and voluntary work experience placements. This briefing offers simple explanations of the different elements of the Youth Contract and the application critiera. Also where to go for more information.