Lloyds

The South West private sector registered a slower rise in output in July, according to the latest PMI® survey data.

Moreover, the volume of new business increased at the weakest pace since April 2013, signalling a further moderation in growth of total business activity in the coming months. More positively, prices charged for goods and services increased at the fastest rate since February 2014.

The seasonally adjusted Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking South West Business Activity Index remained well above the no-change mark of 50.0 in July, at 56.3, indicating a strong overall...

Overall business confidence has risen in the South West in the last six months, underpinned by companies’ expectations of an improvement in exports as well as an anticipated increase in investment levels, according to the latest Business in Britain report from Lloyds Bank. The twice-yearly report, now in its 23rd year, gathers the views of 1,500 UK companies, predominantly small to medium sized businesses, and tracks overall business confidence, which is based on the balance of firms expecting an increase in sales, orders and profits over the next six months. Since the last report in...

PMI® survey data signalled a strengthening upturn in the South West private sector economy in January, following a weaker phase of expansion during the fourth quarter of 2014.

Output, new business, backlogs and employment all rose at faster rates than seen in December. Meanwhile, inflationary pressures eased sharply, with both input and output prices rising only marginally.

The seasonally adjusted Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking South West Business Activity Index rose solidly in January to 58.0, from 55.0, indicating a strong rise in business activity in the South West...

David Beaumont, new SME area director for South West England has strengthened the support for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking customers with the appointment of ten senior managers. Previously area director of Devon and Cornwall for five years, David is now responsible for supporting SMEs across Bristol, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.

David (pictured) will manage one of the bank’s largest relationship management teams of 80, supporting firms with a turnover up to £25 million. He joined Lloyds Banking Group 31 years ago and has since worked in a variety of roles looking after SMEs of...

A Devon building group has acquired a firm that adapts buildings for people with limited mobility, in a move to expand its range of services and secure local jobs.

Exeter-based Lea James Investments, which includes Devon Minor Works and Steve Coomber Decorating, has bought Gozna Services for an undisclosed sum in a deal supported by Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

Gozna specialises in adapting homes and public buildings to make them easier to use by the elderly and disabled, including improving accessibility and customising bathrooms and kitchens.

It has worked on...

Police are investigating a Burglary which took place at Lloyds TSB bank at Pinhoe, Exeter over the weekend between Sunday evening and the early hours of Monday morning.

Officers were called by staff at 11.45am on Monday, 26th May and attended Lloyds Bank, Main Road.

Thieve(s) had entered the bank through the roof and stole a large quantity of cash, believed to be in the tens of thousands, from the cashpoint.

Officers are currently carrying out enquiries and are keen to hear from anyone with information.

Det Sgt Dean Bassett said: “This appears to be a well...

A local Exeter restaurant, Harry’s on Longbrook Street, has secured its future through a mortgage from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking after its leasehold was due to expire.

Owner, Samantha Pounds, approached the bank when the owners of the building declared their intention to sell the property and the restaurant’s future was put into question.

With the additional support of £150,000 from the Regional Growth Fund, Samantha was also able to secure future employment opportunities for the local area.

The Regional Growth Fund is a government scheme which aims to help...