Showing results 217–225 of 520
UK Trade in January 2025 Total UK exports in goods and services rose by 2.8% in the first month of the year, with goods exports up by 3.5% on this measure, and services exports up by 2.3% month on month.
Fiona Parsons
28 March, 2025
Business West
Editor's note: earlier this month, the Bristol Initiative hosted the first hustings for the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority's next Metro Mayor with candidates from the Conservative, Green, Labour and Liberal Democrat parties in attendance. We invited all candidates to do a Q&A on our blog, and here we speak to candidate Helen Godwin of the Labour Party.
Helen Godwin
28 March, 2025
Business West
Reacting to the planned introduction of an extra 25 percent tariff on UK exports of cars and other automotives to the United States, William Bain, BCC Head of Trade Policy, said: "Businesses were already looking with trepidation towards next week’s planned reciprocal tariffs before this fresh upheaval was announced.
Fiona Parsons
27 March, 2025
Business West
Ed Rowberry, the newly appointed President of the Bristol Chamber & Initiative, brings a wealth of experience, a deep love for Bristol, and a clear vision for the region’s future. As CEO of BBRC, he has already driven over £70m in investment into the West of England, championing sustainable and inclusive growth. In this Q&A, Ed shares his journey, his hopes for the role, and why he believes Bristol’s business community can be a powerful force for good.
Anonymous Author
27 March, 2025
Business West
“The Chancellor outlined some improved long-term growth forecasts from next year, thanks in part to the Government’s planning reform and increased defence spending. These measures are positive for our regional economy, which has a pressing need for new housing, and has a strong defence and advanced manufacturing industry.
Phil Smith
26 March, 2025
Business West
The topic of skills is often in the news, with stories frequently highlighting the national shortage of skills in particular sectors, such as construction and healthcare. Recent headlines have reinforced this skills gap and the urgency of finding a solution, with PM Kier Starmer announcing a target of building “1.5 million new homes in England by 2029”. This news has left construction industry leaders warning that “the UK does not have enough construction workers” to meet this target.
Louise Holland
26 March, 2025
Business West
“We need to better sell our region” is now a common refrain I hear in my conversations with business members, senior leaders and politicians on an almost daily basis. It was a key talking-point at the Festival of Flourishing Regions, the Devolution and Growth event, and the recent Mayoral Hustings that we held.
Phil Smith
25 March, 2025
Business West
At the end of 16 years as Executive Director, Ian Bell reflects on the impact over that time of Bath Chamber of Commerce and the Initiative in B&NES, part of Business West, on behalf of the business community.
Ian Bell
24 March, 2025
Business West
Editor's note: earlier this month, the Bristol Initiative hosted the first hustings for the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority's next Metro Mayor with candidates from the Conservative, Green, Labour and Liberal Democrat parties in attendance. We invited all candidates to do a Q&A on our blog, and here we speak with candidate Oli Henman of the Liberal Democrats.
Oli Henman
21 March, 2025
Business West
