Thatchers looks down under

Sandford-based Thatchers Cider plans to export to Australia and other European countries. Managing director Martin Thatcher told Insider that although the full strategy was not yet in place, the Thatchers Gold and Katy Rose brands have been earmarked for an international launch. The company expects to be exporting by the end of the year.

Gooch and Housego makes second US acquisition

Gooch and Housego, a manufacturer based in Somerset, has completed the £8.6m acquisition of California-based Crystal Technology – its second buyout this year.

Cleantech Co-investment Fund completes first deal

Ledbury-based On-Sun Systems has received £100,000 matched debt finance from the South West Cleantech Co-investment Fund. This is the first time the loan fund has been successfully used.

Irwin Mitchell eyes external capital with restructure

Law firm Irwin Mitchell, which has an office in Bristol, is to restructure so it can seek external capital and accelerate its growth plans. The move to become an alternative business structure (ABS) is designed so the firm can take advantage of changes to the legal profession set to be introduced by the Legal Services Act.

Orders rise for Rotork

Actuator manufacturer Rotork, located in Bath, has revealed that its order intake for the first quarter is up by 18 per cent on the same period last year - rising to £108m.

South West companies in Queen's Awards success

Ten companies from the South West have been named as Queen's Award winners this morning. Six businesses received the honour for their work in the international field, two were commended in the innovation category and another two were rewarded for their work in sustainable development.

South Gloucestershire Leisure appoints board member

South Gloucestershire Leisure Trust has appointed businessman Rob Wimbush as a trustee to its board. He has been taken on to help grow and improve the leisure offering across the region.

Something for the bank holiday weekend

This week: An emoticon minefield; Panther in the pink; and Aisle, Altar, Hymn.

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Summerfield invests in Bristol

Taunton-based property developer Summerfield Developments has acquired four office buildings at Vantage Office Park in North Bristol.

Redveco buys Bournemouth retail properties

Redveco has purchased the freehold investment of a block of multi-let retail properties at 56-76 Commercial Road, Bournemouth. It has acquired the properties from a private Irish investor for £31m.

Talking Point: Fifteen minutes with Stephen Hester

Insider’s Rupert Cornford meets the chief executive of The Royal Bank of Scotland. Bank bashing, lending and getting the RBS house in order are all on the agenda.

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Ask the Expert: Post-Budget tax planning

The chancellor's Budget contained a number of key tax updates that will have an impact on most businesses. Paul Morris of Target Chartered Accountants is the latest Ask the Expert, explaining the potential impact on your company.

Forthcoming Experts

Ask the Expert: Asset-based lending

Our next Ask the Expert is Nick Littleford, regional corporate director, sales finance, Barclays Corporate. Nick is discussing asset-based lending and its role in growing a business.

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