Enterprise zones will boost SW growth - Pickles

Communities secretary Eric Pickles has vowed to ensure the enterprise zone set to be established in the South West will boost economic growth and stimulate private sector employment. Speaking to Insider, he said the zone - earmarked for a site in the Bristol area - would not simply be a rehash of Conservative policy from the 1980s.

Maypole Group sold to Marco Pierre White

Administrators have completed the sale of all six businesses in the Maypole Group to chef and restaurateur Marco Pierre White. The group's portfolio of pub hotel accommodation is located across Wiltshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

Alliance Pharma in proposed acquisition

Chippenham-based Alliance Pharma's subsidiary Alliance Pharmaceuticals has conditionally agreed to buy the UK and Irish rights to the Anbesol and Ashton & Parson brands for £2.55m. The speciality pharmaceutical company has completed the deal with a subsidiary of the Reckitt Benckiser Group.

Experts react to planning system changes

Property experts in the South West have reacted to the Chancellor’s announcement that the planning system is to be revamped as "cumbersome planning rules and bad regulation stand in the way of new jobs".

Remortgaging rises to 19-month high

The number of people remortgaging rose to a 19-month high in February, according to figures released by the British Bankers' Association.

Leaders sign Western Way Memorandum

The three council leaders from Bristol, Cardiff and Swindon have pledged to develop more collaboration, especially in economic development.

Revenue increase expected at Imperial Tobacco

Bristol-based Imperial Tobacco said its tobacco revenues for the first half of the year are expected to increase by 2 per cent. This is in line with the board’s expectations for the financial year ended 30 September 2011, it added.

Pennon welcomes Chancellor’s water pledge

The Pennon Group’s subsidiary South West Water has welcomed the government's commitment to address the unfairness of water charges in the South West.

Bristol and Bath hosts international delegation

Companies from Japan, India, China, Brazil and the United States will be arriving in Bristol today (24 March) for the final two days of a four-day international composites conference.

‘Daycations’ boost SW tourism

The South West is the third most popular destinations for “daycations” in the UK, according to a survey by the National Trust.

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Talking Point: Money in the bank?

Following years of upheaval, what relationship remains between businesses and banks? And will the government's policy help to improve access to finance and kickstart the economy? Steve Stuart of Brabners Stuart discusses the big issues facing businesses in this week's Talking Point.

Ask the Expert: Tax planning

Rachel Sestini at Target Chartered Accountants is on hand to offer expert guidance on planning your tax in what could be an uncertain 2011. Read her advice and ask her an anonymous question.

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Ask the Expert: The AIM market

Is now the right time to consider raising growth capital on AIM? Simon Staples, partner at Ashfords Solicitors, is our latest Ask the Expert on hand to address the issue.

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