Category Archives: South West

News, South West

Bristol SMEs say Covid cost them over £900k apiece

  • Despite the hit to their bottom line, local businesses say their confidence is on the up 
  • SMEs in Bristol have weathered the storm by looking locally for partners, suppliers and customers

New research reveals that Bristol’s small to medium sized businesses believe that increased uncertainty due to Covid has cost those surveyed each, on average, £916,049 in lost revenue or income over the last year, with over a quarter (28%) saying their organisation has taken more risks.

Despite this toll, there are clear signs that their overall confidence is rising — with 46% of local SMEs surveyed saying they are more confident today about the future of their company compared to this time a year ago. This indicates that the business landscape in Bristol may have turned a corner after a tough year.

The new research from CitySprint, the UK’s largest same day distribution company, also finds that almost one in four (23%) of SMEs in Bristol say their business is in better financial shape compared to 12 months ago.

In an understandably difficult year, the survey of business decision-makers and leaders also finds that over the last 12 months, Bristol’s SMEs surveyed have looked closer to home for the support they have needed to survive: 60% say they have looked more locally for their business needs compared to the year before, with 53% of these seeking suppliers from the local area. A further 38% also said that the significance of collaboration with local businesses has increased, while 77% believe local support will benefit their business over the next 12 months.

Looking further ahead, 45% plan to grow their customer base locally over the next 12 months, again underlining the local opportunities for growth available as we move into recovery. Meanwhile, more than half (54%) say they are looking across the UK, while just over one in five (22%) say they are also looking at international trade.

 

Commenting on the findings of the Bristol survey Rosie Bailey, Commercial Director at CitySprint, said: “It’s great to see the signs of recovery on the horizon and a renewed optimism amongst businesses in the area as they look to the year ahead. Bristol’s SMEs have worked together to support each other during the pandemic — helping each other to successfully navigate the challenges and hurdles that have come their way over the last few months. Long may this continue!”

 

Despite the renewed optimism, Bristol’s SMEs surveyed still believe conditions will remain challenging for Bristol’s smaller businesses over the coming year — with 42% saying they fear Covid will continue to be a major obstacle to business success, while 29% worry about how Brexit will affect them.

The twin factors of Brexit and Covid have also thrown a sharp spotlight on supply chains, with 35% of Bristol’s SMEs surveyed saying logistics and/ or their supply chain have become more important to their business over the last year. This is especially pertinent given more than one in four (26%) say their supply chain extends internationally in Europe and other parts of the world.

38% have also revealed they are investing in communications to customers to make them aware of any potential impact of Brexit, while 36% are easing partnerships in the UK to mitigate risks in light of Brexit.

To help them unlock opportunity over the coming year, more than a quarter (27%) of SMEs surveyed in Bristol say more local Government support, in the form of information grants, advice etc, would help their business, while a fifth (20%) say they would most benefit from having access to a better quality of local suppliers.

News, South West

Wiltshire-based virtual assistant firm named “South West VA of the Year 2021” in national awards

Boatman Admin Services, a virtual admin assistant firm based in Calne, Wiltshire has been awarded South West VA of the Year 2021.  After a challenging 18 months across the UK, the firm is delighted to scoop the top spot.

Now a team of six, Boatman Admin Services offers support such as virtual office administration assistance, bookkeeping and social media management to small businesses, and was formed in October 2015 by husband-and-wife duo, John and Emma Boatman.

The regional award, South West VA of the Year 2021, recognises the professional excellence within the industry and highlights the champions of good practice for virtual assistants. Candidates are assessed on passion for their business, their awareness of vision, purpose and values. The award promotes the role and value of virtual assistants to global corporates, entrepreneurs and the SME business networks.

The virtual assistant company, which works with a national pool of clients including Swindon Will Writing, Love Audrey (a copywriter), Happy Beams (an interior design company) and Taste of Bath, is also currently diversifying into developing digital products to support other VAs who may be experiencing overwhelm when setting up as a new VA.

Business owner, Emma Boatman, described by her clients as “The Admin Fairy” was also chosen for the national #ialso 100 awards in 2020 – an award that highlights inspiring female business leaders across the UK. In 2021, Emma was also included in the Insider Media South West’s 42 Under 42. Insider Media profiles 42 young entrepreneurs and business leaders who should be on your radar.

Emma delights: “The world of Virtual Assistants is both fast and furious and growing at a huge rate. Being a VA is more than just having a mobile phone and laptop. There’s a big misconception that anyone can be a VA if you’ve ‘done a bit of admin’ and are fairly organised. After a difficult 18 months for businesses up and down the country (and across the world!) it’s been amazing to be recognised as one of the top VAs in the country!”

Emma adds, “We have a team of six associates on board who have a range of skills including bookkeeping and website design so we’re able to take on those extra tasks that are on business owners ‘to do’ lists   We take what’s been on the bottom of your to do list and put it to the top of ours.  We’ve worked with over 75 businesses in 6 years from one-off projects to a handful of clients who have been with us from the start.”

Boatman Admin Services has scooped other awards over its six years of service including #SmallBiz 100 award in 2018, the only VA company to receive this award. It was shortlisted for VA of the Year South West Region for the past three years and for Emma, Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2020 and 2021.

News, North of England, South East, South West, Transport, Travel

Govia Thameslink Railway launch, ‘It’s Go Time,’ celebrating the fun and freedom that comes with train travel

Govia Thameslink Railway, which operates Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink train services, has launched an integrated campaign encouraging commuters and pleasure-seekers alike to return to train travel. Whether it be for work, to see friends and family or to explore new places without the hassle of driving, the campaign is designed to celebrate freedom of travel and all the things you can now do without restriction.

Created by TMW UNLIMITED, ‘It’s Go Time’ encourages people to venture out of their local areas and make up for that lost time during the pandemic.
The campaign advocates a return to normality, helping customers feel safe in the process, while promoting some of the good experiences you have when you do go into the office or meet colleagues and encouraging pleasure-seekers to make visits and do activities in real life, just because they can.
‘It’s Go Time’ is designed to celebrate the freedom of movement that comes with travel and highlights the benefits of face-to-face interaction in both professional and personal situations.

The campaign is based on research by Ipsos MORI showing that to ‘reconnect with people’ and to ‘take spontaneous day trips’ were the things people were most excited about after the pandemic was over. 83% of Britons saying they were most excited to meet friends and family outside the household after restrictions were lifted and 31% were keen for their commute and to get back to work.
Emma Wiles, Head of Marketing, Govia Thameslink Railway said: “Train travel was restricted during the pandemic, numbers have been low and working habits are changing. This campaign is about starting to do those things you missed, the spur of the moment, don’t need to plan stuff. We want people to use the train in the way that they want to in the future, with flexibility, meet when they want to meet and go with the flow! We hope this campaign helps people create some of those moments and gives some ideas as to where to start!”

Graeme Noble, Chief Creative Officer, TMW UNLIMITED said: “The pandemic caused so much disruption to our lives, and still has a grasp on our behaviours, so we created a campaign that felt like a call to arms – an imperative to get out there and explore again – to have fun with friends and loved ones and get into work and see colleagues again. ‘It’s Go Time’ reminds us of the almost limitless number of places we can explore via our train networks – because now we can. Our fast-paced radio ads set the scene, and the same pacey, light-hearted style is rolled out in everything from OOH to Social.’’

News, South West

Outdoor living spaces unveiled at Gloucestershire development

A professional landscape designer has transformed two gardens into contemporary outdoor living spaces at a new housing development near Gloucester.

Ashberry Homes contracted Samantha Brown, owner of The Galium Garden, to design and landscape the gardens of its Clematis and Ophelia showhomes at Pirton Fields in Churchdown.

The housebuilder sought the expertise of Crickhowell-based Samantha in order to create ‘outdoor rooms’ that would showcase how homeowners can make the most of their garden space.

Featuring seating and dining areas, wooden floor-decking and a stone fire pit, these external living areas were devised in response to the growing demand from house-hunters for outdoor space.

The three-bedroom Clematis and four-bedroom Ophelia are both detached properties with French doors that open out into the rear garden.

The two houses and their gardens can be viewed by visitors to Pirton Fields, where Ashberry Homes is building 97 homes.

Samantha said: “The creations are an addition to the interior of the properties, and I wanted to enable prospective buyers to visualise how these outdoor spaces can be used. The gardens reflect the contemporary interior design and are an extension of the house, bringing the inside out.

“The seating has been placed in a spot where it will achieve maximum sunlight, and in the Ophelia, we laid down a set of table and chairs on the decking to keep the area communal.

“It was important to maximise the space and to make it as sustainable as possible. I wanted to use a limited number of materials to ensure that the garden didn’t look too busy. We covered some of the brickwork with greenery and placed a fire pit in the garden, which has become a popular feature for those who use the garden more often.

“We wanted to include some seasonal plants, like feature trees, as well as evergreen potpourri to highlight the low-maintenance space and help it look good all year round.”

Carly Maidment, Sales Manager for Ashberry Homes, said: “Housebuyers are increasingly looking to make more of their outdoor space, and the design of the two showhome gardens at Pirton Fields illustrates how that can be achieved in a stylish and practical way.

“Both the Clematis and Ophelia gardens are low-maintenance living spaces that can be enjoyed not only in the peak summer months, but all year round.

“Samantha and her team have done an exceptional job in designing and creating these outdoor living areas which will be enjoyed by the eventual buyers. We have now started welcoming visitors to the development, and they will be among the first people to see these expertly designed gardens at first hand.”

A total of 465 homes are being delivered at Pirton Fields, a joint development between Ashberry Homes and Bellway taking shape on land off Cheltenham Road East.

A selection of three and four-bedroom houses are currently available at Ashberry at Pirton Fields, with prices starting from £298,995.

For more information, call 01452 405593 or visit ashberryhomes.co.uk/ashberry-at-pirton-fields.

News, South West

First residents move into new homes at Weston-super-Mare development

The first residents have moved into their homes at a new housing development in Weston-super-Mare.

Bellway is building 150 new homes at Mead Fields, off Wolvershill Road, and with the first properties now complete, construction is progressing well on site.

The first phase of homes at the development sold within just a few months of them being released for sale in March, reflecting the growing need for new housing in the area.

When complete, the development will include 131 homes for private sale – including two-bedroom apartments and two, three and four-bedroom houses – and 19 affordable homes available for local people through rent or shared ownership.

Rachel Way, Sales Manager for Bellway South West, said: “It is great news that the first residents have now moved into their new homes at Mead Fields and a brand-new community is being created.

“It’s always an exciting moment when people get the keys to their new house – both for them as the buyer and for us as the developer.

“Customers here are attracted by the development’s location on the eastern edge of Weston-super-Mare. Mead Fields is only four miles from the town centre’s shops and entertainment facilities as well as the Grand Pier and the lovely beach.

“The site also has great transport links, just a mile from Worle railway station, for trains to Bristol and Taunton, and just over a mile from junction 21 of the M5 for journeys to Bristol, Gloucester or further afield.

“The variety of homes that are available at Mead Fields make this development desirable to first-time buyers, families, commuters and downsizers.”

There is a range of homes currently available to reserve at Mead Fields, including two-bedroom apartments priced from £204,995 and three-bedroom houses from £304,995.

Visitors to the development are able to look around the four-bedroom Milliner and Scrivener showhomes which can be viewed by appointment.

For more information, visit bellway.co.uk or call the sales office to book an appointment on 01749 301651.

CAPTIONS

Some of the new homes at Bellway’s Mead Fields development

News, South West

Wessex Garages launches £100k advertising campaign for electric vehicles

 Wessex Garages is launching its largest-ever multimedia campaign, worth £100k, to raise awareness of its new and used electric vehicle range: EVs for the everyman. Called “The Quiet Revolution”, the street art inspired campaign will span radio, TV and digital media platforms, and was created by creative marketing agency, Fiora. Wessex Garages has supplied fleets to the likes of OVO Energy, Octopus Energy, and a fleet of 500 cards to the public sector.

The campaign promotes Wessex Garages’ extensive electric vehicle range focusing on affordable electric vehicles as opposed to high-end, expensive models. New EV prices start from £23,000 and used EV’s start at £17,000 and cover a wide variety of brands and models such as a Kia, Nisan, Hyundai, both new and used. The business also offers an ‘extended test drive’ – 48 hours to get to know the car and how your new EV will fit into your day-to-day life.

The campaign includes a website landing page ‘electric car matcher’ functionality that provides useful information to users such as information on charging points, grants, new/used car searches etc. This Car Matcher function allows the customer to identify their current driving needs. Once the user completes all four questions, the matcher platform will provide the customer with an extensive range of electric and hybrid cars to test drive, which also fits in with their lifestyle.

The campaign will be on TV from 1st September on ITV and Sky ADSmart and aims to deliver 7.3m impacts/impressions to around 1.5m people in the region over the course of the campaign.

MD, Chris Wiseman, and his team are passionate about EVs and the future of EV technology. A driver of a Kia eNiro himself, Chris comments, “We’re incredibly excited about this campaign. There are so many misconceptions surrounding electric vehicles, and we want to play a big part in changing that, starting with addressing the cost.”

“As an EV driver myself, along with the rest of the management team, we know the extensive benefits of going electric, from its environmental impact to the fact they’re cheaper to run and service. We’re constantly inspired by our customer’s passion and knowledge about electric vehicles.

“With the increasing popularity of EVs and the 2030 ban on new fossil fuel vehicles fast approaching, we really wanted to put our marketing budget into something bold and different.”

Michael Brigdale, Creative Director at Fiora, adds, “The campaign was inspired by Wessex Garages’ own description of the electric vehicle trend as a ‘Silent Revolution’. We took that thought across all media with a distinctive and unusually quiet approach which really stands out in today’s noisy marketing landscape.”

News, South West

Business communications provider expands into the Southwest after experiencing surge in demand

Business communications provider, Fusion Communications, has expanded into the Southwest as part of its ambitious growth plans, after experiencing a surge in demand.

The business, which is based in Staffordshire and manages the communications for  small to medium businesses, is setting up an operation in Liskeard, Cornwall, where its director of sales’, Aaron Spry, will be relocating to after spending 15 years in the Midlands.

Born and raised in Looe, Aaron has worked for Fusion Communications since 2014 and is returning to the area to help cater for a sharp increase in demand for the business’ services due to the pandemic, which resulted in a 35% increase in turnover.

The expansion will also initiate a recruitment drive in the region, with a focus on creating new sales and demand generation roles.

Aaron said: “I am really excited about my move back to Cornwall and I am grateful for the opportunity to help grow Fusion Communications’ presence in the Southwest region.

“The move will open up a host of opportunities for the business and our clients, and I am looking forward to building a new team to continue delivering the outstanding support Fusion Communications is known for.”

 

Oliver Rowe, founder and CEO of Fusion Communications, said: “With the increased demand we have experienced in the Southwest, it makes sense that this expansion is the next step for the business.

“Having a local presence is key to ensure we deliver the best service for our customers. This is the first of many regional locations we plan to expand into in the next 12 months.

“Throughout the pandemic, far more businesses have adopted a hybrid working model with time split between the office and remote working, and there is no doubt that connectivity has become more important than ever and will continue to be fundamental in keeping the mobile workforce in constant communication.

“This is why we think, now more than ever, it is vital that we expand across the UK and ensure we have staff on the ground in all areas to provide support to our clients.”

 

Established in 2013, Fusion Communications manages the communications for 250 businesses, including Connaught Vets and Westland Horticulture LTD.

The business offers a variety of communications solutions, including business mobiles, hosted and unified communications, fixed line and secure device management.

Construction, News, South West

Welsh fabricator secures new project at major Bristol development

LEADING Welsh aluminium fabricator, Dudley’s Aluminium, has secured another multi-million pound project at a major mixed-use development in Bristol.

Dudley’s Aluminium has secured the contract with Willmott Dixon to work on the Millwrights Place and Coopers Court residential scheme at Finzels Reach. The Cardiff-based company has already commenced work on Halo, innovative office accommodation within the same development, with the combined worth of the projects totalling £5.1million.

The fabricator will install a range of high-quality Kawneer products including windows, capped and structural silicone glazed curtain walling, swing doors and patio doors, in addition to louvres, steel doors, automatic opening and fire rated windows, across the build at the former site of the Avon Fire and Rescue headquarters.

Millwrights Place will feature 231 private rental apartments in a 14 storey building, while the adjacent 10 storey Coopers Court will include 66 apartments with affordable and shared ownership options available for prospective tenants. Providing a mixture of 1 and 2 bedroom homes, both schemes also boast courtyard bike stores, roof terraces, a brown roof and undercroft parking.

Colin Shorney, Managing Director at Dudley’s Aluminium, said: “This is the third major project we have worked on with Willmott Dixon at Finzels Reach, after the Aurora and Halo office complexes, and we are thrilled to be involved once again.”

Since 1993, Dudley’s Aluminium has offered clients full in-house design and production facilities, completing many successful and prestigious projects within the education, health, commercial, retail and defence sectors throughout the UK and Channel Islands.

Dudley’s reputation for quality has been recognised with several industry-related accreditations. The company is CHAS accredited, Constructionline registered and certified to manufacture “Secured by Design” products.

News, South West

Made Tech appoints new South West and Wales market principal

Public sector delivery experts Made Tech has announced the appointment of Robin Wyles as the company’s new South West and Wales Market Principal.

Robin, who is from Bath, will be responsible for the delivery of specialist technology services to Made Tech’s customers in the South West and Wales, including the Driving and Vehicles Licencing Association (DVLA) and NHS Gloucestershire.

He takes on his new position as Made Tech is rapidly expanding its presence in the South West and Wales. Earlier this year the company announced that it was looking to hire 25 people in these regions, in addition to the 70 people it already employs, and is now looking to add to that number.

Robin has extensive experience working in technology and the public sector. Working as a principal technologist at Made Tech, he led on key projects with HMRC and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, while during his time at online print and design company MOO he oversaw the company’s technology expansion, scaling the tech workforce from 30 to over 100 people.

Commenting on his appointment, Robin Wyles said: “As many public sector organisations continue their journey through digital transformation, having access to the right expertise that can help guide them through this process is vital. The South West and Wales have a wealth of talented individuals that have the skills to provide the technical, delivery, product and user-centred design services needed to optimise the digital transformation process.

“I look forward to helping Made Tech further make an impact on the South West and Wales and to making a marked contribution to the public sector, the people and the economy in these regions.”

Rory MacDonald, CEO at Made Tech said: “Robin has demonstrated during his time at Made Tech that he has the knowledge, skills and capability to play an invaluable role in driving digital service delivery in the South West and Wales.

“As someone from the South West he understands the technology, people and public sector of the area and we have no doubt that he will help us continue our growth in the region and beyond.”

News, South West

Plans for new UK-China innovation centre announced

Following G7 hosted in Cornwall and new Spaceport being built, the South West Business Council, including Lord Robin Teverson and the Earl of Devon, promotes South West as an innovation powerhouse at global tech forum

Lord Robin Teverson, The Earl of Devon and leaders of top UK universities join the Lord Mayor of Birmingham to unite with the committee behind one of China’s new smart cities to announce joint research and innovation projects.

The team leading development of the Nanjing Jiangbei New Area, one of 13 new technology hubs and free trade zones in China, will be outlining plans for the new research centre, called the ‘Nanjing Jiangbei New Area Sino-UK Innovation and Development Centre’. In recent years, the Nanjing Jiangbei New Area committee has been working with key players in the UK’s innovation space to develop the new centre for collaboration at both national and regional levels.

The plans are being discussed at the ‘Nanjing Jiangbei New Area – South West UK Cooperation Forum’ during Nanjing Tech Week, a leading event promoting international innovation cooperation, hosted by the city of Nanjing. The forum gives entrepreneurs from China and the UK the platform to brainstorm opportunities and ways of working together.

Nanjing is currently twinned with Birmingham, UK, and the cities have a long-term working relationship.

 

Muhammad Afzal, the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, says:

“These recent disrupted years have caused our world to re-think engagement strategies. Events like this provide pathways for innovation and technology to take the lead in building our futures.

“The establishment of the ‘Nanjing Jiangbei New Area Sino-UK Innovation and Development Centre’ will strengthen opportunities for us all to work together for the common good.”

Nanjing Jiangbei New Area is growing quickly. In 2020, the new city saw an increase of 300 new technology companies set up in the area, 1,543 science SMEs registered, 7,906 invention patents requested and the establishment of 12 universities.

So, to promote growth between two regions showing strong technological development, the Nanjing Jiangbei New Area is announcing a collaboration with The South West Business Council, an economic partnership representing the interests of businesses across the region of the UK, at the forum. Insight from the council’s board members, including Tim Jones, Chairman, Charles Courtenay, Earl of Devon, and Lord Robin Teverson, member of the House of Lords and former MEP, has highlighted the development taking place in the South West, positioning the region as a strong partner for cooperation.

Discussions of business and educational collaboration are taking place at the forum, alongside plans to set up the ‘South West Business Council China Office’ within the Nanjing Jiangbei New Area.

Tim Jones, Chairman of the South West Business Council, says:

“The UK leaving the EU has been difficult, but we are determined to develop global relationships. So, this is an important step in that direction and a huge statement for partnership working. We have strong academic links with Nanjing through our universities. Now we want to translate that into business activities, so that all of our businesses, big and small, can work towards the future together.

 “Technology is the future, it is the way which growth will be achieved. Our view is that partnership working is the key, but we need to take the next generation with us so that they can maintain a sustainable relationship with growth economies like China.”

 

Charles Courtenay, Earl of Devon and board member of the South West Business Council, said:

“There is a vast array of cutting-edge technology companies here in the South West of the UK. We are able to produce environmentally sustainable and healthy food that both sequesters carbon back into the soil and produces an incredibly healthy and varied diet. Indeed, it’s through the work of the Universities in the region that the South West has become the natural powerhouse that it is.

“It’s therefore with real pride that I’m able to talk about the amazing work in environmental and agricultural science and invite further strong and close relationships with China in these important growing market sectors.“

 

Lord Robin Teverson, member of the House of Lords, former MEP and board member of the South West Business Council, says:

 “There is a focus on the South West at the moment following G7. We are a successful region which is growing in the food, technology, tourism, environmental and higher education sectors. We are also set to become a beneficiary of the UK government’s levelling-up process, with increased investment in research and development.

“Internationally, regional connections are even more important than national ones. They allow close cooperation between individuals, joint programmes that are practical rather than theoretical and SMEs on both sides can involved. This is an important initiative – may our cultural and economic relationship continue to grow.”

 

David Underwood, Associate at Exeter College and board member of the South West Business Council, says:

 “This new opportunity will broaden our collaboration and provide more opportunities to work together, venturing into wider society and business areas, both within the Nanjing Jiangbei New Area and within the South West of the UK.

“The South West Business Council brings together many businesses in the South West, so this will provide tremendous opportunities to engage with people in Nanjing Jiangbei New Area in developing capabilities and new technologies, so that we can mutually benefit for the future.”

Invited to participate in the forum by the South West Business Council, Lisa Roberts, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Exeter, board member of the Russell Group, is signing a memorandum of cooperation between Nanjing Jiangbei New Area and the Innovation Centre of the South West University Alliance in the United Kingdom(1).

She says:

“The University of Exeter is constantly seeking new ways to engage with partners across the world to build productive relationships to tackle global challenges.

“We have researchers who are working in partnership with researchers at Nanjing University’s School of Earth Sciences and Engineering to develop a deep-time digital earth program. Delving into the earth’s deep-time history helps our geoscientists in our two regions work out the rates of mechanisms of climate change. This is but one example of how Exeter and Nanjing researchers are already working together in areas of innovative strength for both of our regions. And I know there is great potential for other areas of collaboration in the future.”