Author: Scott Dylan

Works have commenced on a significant industrial and office development on the outskirts of Bristol. Property firm McLaren Construction Midlands and North is responsible for delivering the £21.6 million project on behalf of BGO Wire PropCo and Equation Properties.The development encompasses a 13-acre plot that forms part of Matrix 49, a 65-acre industrial and logistics complex situated in Avonmouth adjacent to the M49 motorway. The construction plans include a 219,660 square foot warehouse, an 11,365 square foot office, a control tower, and a gatehouse. External works will also be undertaken, including the construction of hard standings, parking for cars, HGVs,…

Plans to introduce parking charges on Bristol city centre workplaces have faced significant criticism from hotel executives in the area.Bristol City Council has recently approved proposals to develop an outline business case for a levy that would see companies with free parking spaces charged £20 a week. Businesses will need to decide whether to absorb these costs or pass them on to employees. The local authority anticipates that the move could raise up to £10 million, with the proceeds earmarked for improving Bristol’s public transport system.The proposed levy could affect approximately 9,000 employees who currently enjoy free parking in Bristol.…

The Bank of England surprised many by holding interest rates steady despite rate cuts from both the US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank. With inflation still a concern, the Bank has opted for a cautious approach. Borrowers will have to wait until November for potential rate relief, as Governor Andrew Bailey emphasises the need for a gradual path.The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of England has decided to keep interest rates at 5 per cent. Governor Andrew Bailey made it clear that the MPC will not be influenced by the decisions of other central banks, such…

This framework, designed by experienced business professionals and powered by an innovative tool, helps transform ideas into actionable business plans. Available now on the official website, the Manifest-o Method is launching with an exciting opportunity to accelerate one inspiring business idea into reality. The prize is £10,000, access to a network of like-minded individuals, and personal counsel from Steven Bartlett himself.Until October 13th, aspiring entrepreneurs can enter a first-of-its-kind competition by submitting their own manifesto. This innovative tool comes in six templates for inspiration and gives you the option to create your own from scratch. With this tool, anyone can…

Construction of Birmingham’s tallest building has reached a significant milestone. The 49-storey Octagon apartment tower on the £1.2 billion Paradise estate has now topped out. Developers anticipate welcoming the first residents in late summer next year.The Octagon, standing at 508 feet and fronting onto Parade in the north-west corner of the estate, will house 370 apartments available for rent once complete. The construction, which spans three years, is backed by global real estate investor City Developments. High-rise specialist Midgard has undertaken the construction, adhering to designs by Birmingham-based architecture practice Howells.A topping out ceremony celebrated this milestone, bringing together the…

Chawalit Prapunwong, the general manager of Newcastle’s esteemed Thai restaurant, Mantra Thai, provides a candid look into his professional journey and the dynamics of the restaurant industry.Chawalit Prapunwong began his career as a police officer. Despite the modest pay, the role ingrained in him the values of discipline and community service. This foundation has shaped his approach to leadership and teamwork in his current role.The pivotal advice that has influenced Prapunwong’s business acumen revolves around knowledge and teamwork. He underscores the importance of continuous learning, staying informed about industry trends, and building a strong, cohesive team. ‘A well-coordinated team can…

North East construction company Brims is celebrating unprecedented success with a year that saw both profits and staff numbers more than double. The Sunderland-based company’s accounts for the year ending March 2024 reveal a remarkable 46% increase in turnover, reaching a record £58.3 million, while operating profit surged from £1.3 million to £2.7 million. The workforce expanded from 95 to 205 employees, a growth attributed partly to the acquisition of the Teesside division of the collapsed contractor Tolent, thereby preserving several jobs.Financial Director Ian Clift expressed satisfaction with the results, noting that the challenges posed by material and skilled labour…

Members of the Senedd have investigated Cardiff Airport’s performance and scrutinised a £206m taxpayer-funded subsidy plan announced in July. The airport’s chief executive, Spencer Birns, reported a 7% passenger growth rate for this year, which falls short of the target.Natasha Asghar, a Conservative member of the Senedd’s Public Accounts Committee, interrogated officials about the ten-year subsidy plan. Andrew Slade, Welsh Government’s Director General for Economy, stated that the Welsh Government is awaiting advise from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). He confirmed that the CMA’s advice on compliance with subsidy rules will not be binding.The Welsh Government acquired Cardiff Airport…

Carmarthen-based accountancy firm Clay Shaw Butler has been acquired by the professional services group Xeinadin in an undisclosed deal. This acquisition marks Xeinadin’s 26th transaction in the past two years and follows a recent acquisition of another Welsh firm, Clay Shaw Thomas, in July.Clay Shaw Butler, established forty years ago, boasts a team of 30 qualified accountants, tax specialists, and other professionals. Following the acquisition, the firm will continue to operate under the leadership of director Mark Jones and will be known as Clay Shaw Thomas a Xeinadin.Xeinadin’s CEO, Derry Crowley, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “Acting as a…

Fredrik Hjelm, CEO and co-founder of Voi, recently spearheaded the Liverpool Slush’D startup conference, emphasising the necessity of streamlined collaboration to foster innovation in urban environments.Fredrik Hjelm, the visionary behind Voi, an electric scooter and bike company launched in Sweden in 2018, addressed the Slush’D conference on the importance of community and streamlined processes in nurturing startup ecosystems.Hjelm highlighted that entrepreneurship can often be a solitary journey; hence, fostering a supportive community, especially through events like Slush’D, is crucial. He elaborates, ‘Being an entrepreneur and the founder is often very lonely. You found something, against all odds. You’re on your…