Business

Rob Varley, the Met Office's director of operations and services, has been named Public/Third Sector Director of the Year for his work at the Met Office.

The awards were held in London and recognise leaders from a broad range of businesses which play a vital role in stimulating the economy.

Speaking after the ceremony, Mr Varley said: "I am delighted to have been selected, from a very strong field, as the winner of this year's award. It is yet another example of external recognition of our commitment to consistent, reliable, high quality delivery and excellent customer...

The Government has announced their intention to postpone the next business rates revaluation by two years to 1 April 2017. The reason given is to provide stability and avoid unexpected hikes in business rates bills. There has been no prior indication or consultation of this announcement.

Despite the Government's stated aim, businesses should be extremely concerned at this decision as the implications are far wider than has been announced.

Since 1990 revaluations have taken place every five years to redistribute the business rates burden in line with changes in property...

A dedicated website has been launched to support a campaign to attract businesses to Devon.

Devon Delivers is aiming to encourage companies to move to the county to be part of the next chapter of Devon’s economic success story.

Following on from last year’s awareness raising campaign, Devon County Council has developed the new website for Devon Delivers, www.investdevon.co.uk , designed to make relocation as straight-forward as possible. A relocation manager will also be on hand with advice, information and access to valuable business connections.

Devon’s economy is...

Leading South West lawyers Michelmores has embarked on a series of three significant conferences taking place in Exeter during November and early December.

The highly influential Employment Law Conference takes place at Sandy Park on Thursday 8 November and, in addition to an authoritative update on employment regulation and an examination of the legal pitfalls of social media, there is to be a Question Time-style ‘Big Debate.

Chaired by Michelmores Associate James Baker, the guest panel, which will be answering questions from the floor, comprises Ben...