Profits plummet at Bristol Water

Pre-tax profits have plummeted by more than £15m at Bristol Water, it was revealed this morning. The company's chairman Moger Woolley blamed the dip on poor weather and Bristol Water's dealings with the Competition Commission.

It's 'business as usual' at King Sturge – Richards

King Sturge will be operating as usual following its merger with Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL). That's according to Jeremy Richards, partner in charge of King Sturge's Bristol office. He told Insider: "In terms of day-to-day for our local clients there's no change."

EFG lending falls to £92m

Lending under the government's flagship enterprise finance guarantee (EFG) scheme has fallen by a further 11 per cent in the last three months.

Pre-pack rules could mean insolvencies rise - R3

Government proposals to introduce a three-day notice period for pre-pack sales could mean unsecured creditors lose out as more businesses are liquidated instead. That's according to trade body R3.

ETS properties hit the market

Two properties that were owned by ETS (Helston) have been put up for sale. The Edward Symmons Plymouth team has been appointed by Bishop Fleming, the administrator of ETS (Helston), to market the freehold properties.

Brightside Group expands into Lysander House

The Brightside Group, which is based in Aust, has taken 18,793 sq ft at Lysander House, Cribbs Causeway.

Axa closes in on Two Glass Wharf

Insurance group Axa is reportedly close to agreeing a 70,000 sq ft prelet at Two Glass Wharf in Bristol.

Sanguine ready to open Indigo

Bristol-based hotel operator Sanguine Hospitality has confirmed that its Hotel Indigo on Liverpool's Chapel Street will open to guests next Monday.

Apprentice star to speak at South West export event

Nick Hewer, business mentor on The Apprentice, is set to speak at the region's annual international trade event – ExploreExport – organised by UK Trade and Investment South West.

Gregg Latchams goes green

Bristol-based law firm Gregg Latchams is launching a new portfolio of services specifically for clients involved in helping the environment.

Talking Point: Opening doors

Businesses looking to export can find it difficult to know where to start. James Jordan, HSBC regional international commercial manager, South West, shares his thoughts in this week's Talking Point.

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Ask the Expert: Publicising a business

Our Ask the Expert is Martin Powell, managing director of Bristol-based public relations agency Empica. Powell is discussing how businesses can make the most of publicity opportunities in the media.

Forthcoming Experts

Ask the Expert: Cash and debt risk management

In uncertain economic times, a solid debt risk management system can be vital for the health of your business. Marc Jones, head of UK sales at Atradius, is on hand to answer your queries on the subject.

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