Business

Understanding online consumer trends in the UK: convenience, access, and mobile use

Digital revolution has in many cases transformed the way British consumers spend money on goods and services and pursue leisure activities. New data on UK spending habits suggests how consumers are increasingly choosing to do everything online. Internet users of all ages may be flocking to smartphones to access the web and digital content.

Mobile habits and leisure spending

The South West reflects national patterns closely. Shifting habits around digital entertainment reveal how readily British consumers consider UK online casinos alongside streaming and retail platforms when...

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Specialist advice for agricultural businesses

The independent firm of Thomas Westcott, chartered accountants, which has 13 offices across Devon, has recruited experienced farming consultant Sally Nicholls to join its Agricultural team.

Agricultural and farming businesses across the South West can now access expert advice about a broad range of practical issues, from important legislation changes to grant funding opportunities, at Thomas Westcott.

With a background in farming and a degree in agricultural management Sally brings a wealth of knowledge about the very specific - and growing - pressures facing the UK farming...

Hendy MG open for business in Exeter

MG has appointed a new dealer in Exeter as the manufacturer gears up to meet increasing demand for its new cars in the south west.

Hendy MG is now open at Marsh Barton with William Wang managing director from MG and Hendy Group managing director Paul Hendy performing the official opening duties.

“We’re delighted to be handling the MG range of cars in Exeter,’’ said Paul. “We’ve already seen great demand for the cars and next month’s launch of the MG6 will see another milestone in the return of MG as a major car company in the UK.”

The opening of the new showroom is...

Digital ignorance threat to SW businesses

Eighty per cent of businesses in the South West feel inspired to grow, and 87% feel capable of doing so. However, the government’s Do More Online campaign is highlighting the risk that small businesses will be hampered because they are not doing enough online and are missing out on opportunities to find more customers, be more efficient, and save money.

The Do More Online campaign found that 19% of small businesses in the South West don’t have a website; 50% are without any social media presence and 15% are not using online banking. The research also found that 51% have never used...

Another jewel added to Exeter Cathedral Green's crown

Cathedral Green will be home to a new luxury retailer later this year as Michael Spiers Jewellers has confirmed that it will be relocating to Exeter’s most prestigious location.

The South West jewellery and watch retailer will move from its current Exeter premises on Castle Street to take the keys of 22 Cathedral Yard – currently home to Lugets of Exeter – on 1 April.

After an extensive refit, the new showroom is due to open on 16 June.

The move represents a major expansion for the family-run firm, as the new premises will be triple the size of their current Exeter...

Exeter's Chandni Chowk is on the move

After three years trading at the Custom House on Exeter Quay Chandni Chowk is to return to the heart of Exeter.

The store, which is known for its hand made textiles and clothing ranges, has found a new location in the Medieval Hall at 8 Cathedral Close, just off the Green.

Described by one historian as "one of the most remarkable medieval sights in the southwest of England" the building, also known as The Law Library, dates from the 15th century and is noted for its unusual hammer beam roof.

The company, which began in Barnstaple Pannier Market, has been...

First Great Western announces upgrades

First Great Western has announced proposals to deliver the largest train fleet upgrade in a generation on the Great Western network as part of its plans for the new franchise that starts in September, and will run until at least April 2019.

In a deal put together with the Department for Transport, First Great Western’s plans would see the age of First Great Western’s train fleet slashed by more than half, and would create for our customers 9,000 additional seats every day by the end of the franchise.

This unlocks quicker journey times and additional services on both long...

Darts Farm generates 1/3 of own energy

Award-winning Devon Farm shop Darts Farm is nationally renowned for sourcing first-rate local produce, so it’s no surprise that the businesses has kicked off 2015 by generating 1/3 of its own energy onsite too.

Darts Farm already had a solar ‘tracker’ and a 300-panel roof-mounted system, which was installed in 2011, but this new move has added another 326 panels, resulting in a total of 170 kWp of solar PV.

“At Darts Farm we have a clear belief that everyone can do their bit reduce the world’s reliance on fossil fuels, and this is the next step in our journey,” said owner...

Report highlights pensions concerns

A major new report published by the International Longevity Centre-UK (ILC-UK) and sponsored by Aviva, provides the first detailed exploration of what certain choices made at the point of retirement today could mean for overall levels of retirement income over the next 30 years

The report, “Here today, gone tomorrow” models the outcomes of four different approaches to using DC pension wealth: 1) annuitising, 2) blowing the pot on big ticket items, 3) putting everything into a savings account and 4) leaving the fund invested.

It utilises data from the largest survey of the...

Michelmores Property Awards shortlist 2015 revealed

The shortlist has been announced for the Michelmores Property Awards – showcasing the very best of the South West's property and construction industry.

For 2015, the annual awards received the highest number of entries in the last five years of the competition, from property developers, building contractors, architects and other industry professionals across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.

Peter Lacey, Chair of the Michelmores Property Awards judging panel, said: "This year we received a rich selection of entries across all eight categories, which made the...

Broadband boost for Exeter businessses

As announced in yesterday's (18 March) Budget statement, a large number of Exeter businesses can now receive up to £3,000 to improve their Broadband Connections.

The news comes as Exeter has been approved to join the Government Broadband Connection Vouchers Scheme from 1 April.

Most of the country can get superfast Broadband but some people might live or work in an area where it is not yet available.

Government and local authorities are investing £1.7bn to help bring superfast Broadband to over 95% of the UK by 2017. One of the initiatives to realise this aim is the...

Business

Understanding online consumer trends in the UK: convenience, access, and mobile use

Specialist advice for agricultural businesses

Hendy MG open for business in Exeter

Digital ignorance threat to SW businesses

Another jewel added to Exeter Cathedral Green's crown

Exeter's Chandni Chowk is on the move

First Great Western announces upgrades

Darts Farm generates 1/3 of own energy

Report highlights pensions concerns

Michelmores Property Awards shortlist 2015 revealed

Broadband boost for Exeter businessses

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