Genesis: Service Update

Business West was among the pioneering Chambers of Commerce to launch Genesis, and as of October, many other global Chambers have also adopted the platform. This expansion means the certification we provide will now be recognised and accepted by an increasing number of countries worldwide. As we continue to work closely with our customers and gain a deeper understanding of the processes involved in their product creation, our expertise in relevant trade agreements also expands. Genesis not only offers electronic certification for your products and their origin status, but also provides access to our experienced trade advisers. Our advisers work with you to ensure that the service is tailored specifically to your products and requirements. This seamless integration of consultancy and documentation is designed to help your goods move efficiently and compliantly across international borders.

Gloucestershire College Opens £5 Million Sustainable Construction Centre

I go to a lot of business events but few excite me like the official opening of Gloucestershire College’s new £5 million sustainable construction training centre.

"Now is the time to make your voice heard" – Bristol's Future in Focus at the September Bristol Initiative Quarterly Members Meeting

The September Quarterly Members’ Meeting for the Business West Bristol Initiative took place last Thursday, bringing together influential voices from across the business, charity, and public sectors. It was an evening filled with insight, collaboration, and forward-thinking discussions about the future of Bristol and its surrounding regions.

Business cash will support community care project

Bath Chamber of Commerce has donated £2,500 to help kit out a new Community Care Room at Bath College, which will allow students to experience realistic conditions as they study to become the much needed care and health staff of the future.

The importance of talking about mental health

In the UK, one in four workers struggle with mental health issues and one in five feel unable to handle workplace stress. Alarmingly, there are 5000 deaths by suicide each year, with 135 people impacted each time someone takes their life. These are some of the shocking statistics shared at our latest Swindon Mindful Employer Network event which took place on 10th September, Suicide Prevention Day.

Gloucestershire can benefit from revival of nuclear

Here in Gloucestershire, I believe we are on the threshold of a revival in nuclear energy in the heartland of Berkeley and Oldbury, where it was developed in the 1960s.

What can business expect in our Christmas stockings?

From time to time, national politicians express an interest in giving more freedom and independence to English regions. The process started in earnest with the creation of the so called Metro Mayors, who preside over Combined Authorities, where a number of local councils are grouped together to forge a sub-regional alliance.

The importance of talking about mental health

BCC Press Release: Planning Reform Must ‘Move Ahead at Pace’

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), of which Business West is a key player, is calling for swift action by the Government to reform planning in England, to help stimulate business investment and unlock growth.