Worcestershire - The Business Magazine

Gateley Legal bolsters national real estate team with McBride appointment

Giles Gwinnett — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 04:08:00 +0000

Gateley Legal said it has appointed Lee McBride as a partner at its Birmingham office, where he will enhance its environmental offering across the commercial and residential property sectors, as well as support on corporate transactions and regulatory matters. McBride brings over three decades' commercial real estate and environmental law experience and joins following three years with Lodders...

Source

Sales flat at Halfords as consumers sit on their hands before budget

Nicky Godding — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 02:28:00 +0000

Like-for-like sales at motoring and cycle retailer Halfords remained flat for the half year to September 27 as consumers reigned in their discretionary spend ahead of the budget. The Redditch-based national retailer said: "Despite pockets of improving consumer sentiment, the short-term outlook remains uncertain, particularly for big ticket, discretionary purchases. Our outlook for FY25 is...

Source

Corporate advisers survey shows continued rise in SME confidence

Nicky Godding — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 10:00:44 +0000

A survey from leading alternative lender Thincats, which canvassed opinions into activity among UK lower mid-market companies from more than 100 leading debt advisors, has revealed a boost in confidence over the last six months. Market activity is continuing to pick up following a challenging number of years, the survey found. While there is a general sense of positivity, everyone'

Source

Succession planning in farming under the spotlight at Malvern event

Giles Gwinnett — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 04:41:00 +0000

A one-off special event, sponsored by Virgin Money, is being held next month at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern, Worcestershire, which will see experts share tips and solutions on succession planning in the agricultural sector. Brian Richardson, UK head of agriculture at Virgin Money, who is taking part at the event called ‘Let’s Talk About Succession For You And Your Business’ hosted by...

Source

Worcestershire catering firm hires new business development manager

Giles Gwinnett — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 04:20:00 +0000

Worcestershire-based food and catering management specialist Added Value Enterprises (AVE) said that sales and growth specialist Adam Brett had joined the firm as a business development manager. His remit is to expand the company’s sales division in the care, education, hospitality and leisure sectors and will report to Edward Wright, AVE’s director of innovation and growth. READ MORE: ProCook...

Source

Worcestershire's Plumbworld eyeing £200m sales as it celebrates 25 years in business

Giles Gwinnett — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 04:03:00 +0000

Former accountant and CEO of Evesham-based Plumbworld James Hickman is celebrating 25 years of business for the online bathroom and kitchen supplier. Hickman, who set up the Worcestershire business in 1999 and has sold it twice, said: "It is great to break through the £100m sales level for the first time and enter our 25th year of trading in such a strong position. Now £200m has to be the next...

Source

Begbies Q3 Red Flag report shows rise in firms with 'significant' financial distress as uncertainty persists

Giles Gwinnett — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 13:27:59 +0000

The UK economy is far from being 'out of the woods' as shown by the third quarter Begbies Traynor Red Flag Alert, which showed an upswing in UK businesses in "significant" financial distress with yet more potential uncertainty ahead as firms await the Autumn Budget. The report showed the number of businesses in 'significant' financial distress in the three months was up 5.1% (at 632,756)...

Source

Four West Midlands firms to pitch for £1m prize

Giles Gwinnett — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 04:31:00 +0000

Four firms from the West Midlands have reached the final four of the new 'One to Win' competition, launched by digital economy agency TechWM, which aims to showcase the region's tech sector. The prize pot is £1million and the firms will pitch before judges on October 23. Two of the four firms are from Birmingham. READ MORE: Coventry ranks highest in UK for entrepreneurial growth...

Source

Redditch emerges as West Midlands' new business capital - study

Giles Gwinnett — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 04:08:00 +0000

Redditch in Worcestershire has been crowned the West Midlands' new business capital, according to new research from UK packaging supplier Carrier Bag Shop. The research compared how many businesses launched across 406 UK locations and regions in the past year compared to before the coronavirus outbreak. READ MORE: Strong performance revealed at Redditch manufacturing business It analysed...

Source

University of Warwick unveils plans for STEM Connect Programme

Giles Gwinnett — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 04:58:00 +0000

The University of Warwick has unveiled plans of the first phase of a £700 million investment into its West Midlands campus - the STEM Connect programme. It is the largest single investment in campus facilities across the Midland university's entire 60-year history and will see innovative new spaces built for state-of-the-art research and education. READ MORE: University of Warwick Science Park...

Source