SMEs in South West are owed an average of £99,000 in outstanding invoices, according to the latest Business in Britain report from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

This is an increase of 32 per cent since the last Business in Britain report in January 2016, with 21 per cent of firms citing late payments as the biggest cause of cashflow problems. The report also found that a fifth (21 per cent) of firms in the South West are currently owed more than £200,000 in outstanding invoices, up from 18 per cent in January. The issue of late payments is also likely to persist into 2017, with a...

Working near to where you live, as opposed to setting aside space to work at home, is recognised as delivering the greatest wellbeing benefits to Exeter workers according to a new study by Regus. Regus surveyed its customer-base to establish views on worker wellbeing and the advantages of flexible working patterns. The results outline the benefits to health and happiness of working locally, and the potential downfalls of a home-working existence. 74% of Exeter professionals believe that working closer to home improves health. Further analysis of the figures reveals some of the reasons why...

Have you got a wildlife friendly space in your garden? If not, why not take part in ‘Wild about Gardens’ week this week (24 to 30 October 2016) and use some top tips from East Devon District Council’s Countryside team to encourage more wildlife in.

Wildlife researchers discovered in 2013 that 60% of UK animal and plant species have declined in the last 50 years. ‘Wild About Gardens’ week aims to raise the profile of garden wildlife in the 15 million gardens in the UK. The East Devon District Council’s Countryside team suggests a range of ideas and simple steps you can take in your...

The exetreme imagination festival of writing and stories has started with an outdoor extravaganza, creative workshops and performances around Exeter.

Events so far have included:

• Uncle Tacko’s Imaginarium and Isabella’s Story Cycle entertained young audiences outside Exeter Library with stories, magic and a flea circus.
• Author Meg Rosoff was in conversation with Nicolette Jones - Children's Books Editor for the Sunday Times. Before an audience of people of all ages, they talked about Beck, a book written by Mal Peet and finished by Meg Rosoff after Mal’s
...

First-half goals from Luke Berry and Harrison Dunk gave Cambridge United a 2-1 win at St James Park.

The Grecians, after a disappointing first half performance, produced a second-half fightback with Joel Grant pulling a goal back but they could not find an equaliser in what was a disappointing display.

City manager Paul Tisdale made three changes to the side that beat Barnet 4-1 in their last league match. Reuben Reid was ruled out through injury and replaced by former U’s striker Robbie Simpson.

Jake Taylor was suspended for the match and replaced by Matt Oakley,...

Apprenticeships have never brought more value to businesses across the region. They have been without doubt one of the success stories of the last five years and record numbers of employers have switched on to the benefits that young, motivated people bring to their organisation.

But Apprenticeships are about to go through the most significant change in 20 years.

Do you feel you are fully prepared for the reforms regarding Apprenticeships?

Are you aware of the impact that the Apprenticeship Levy and changes to funding will have on your business?

Do you know...

Following the recent launch of 19 new Maynard Awards, offering significantly reduced fees for families who couldn’t otherwise afford it, the Headmistress of the Maynard School in Exeter has spoken about the importance of making the best education accessible for all.

“This isn’t any response to the very topical educational arguments that are ongoing in Parliament at this time. It is a subject I have always felt very strongly about,” said Sarah Dunn. “It is our moral obligation to provide opportunities to bright, talented and ambitious children in our area, regardless of their...

In the city which built the ill-fated Titanic, Exeter Chiefs were left with that sinking feeling in this dramatic European Champions Cup encounter at the Kingspan Stadium.

Paddy Jackson’s late drop-goal condemned Rob Baxter’s side to back-to-back defeats in the competition and robbed Gareth Steenson of a happy homecoming back in his native Northern Ireland.

Steenson plundered all 18 of Exeter’s points on the night, landing five penalties and a drop-goal, in another accomplished display from the Dungannon-born marksman.

However, he could not deliver the final nail...

‘The Food Shop’ at The Shops at Dartington is celebrating having picked up the accolade of ‘Best Retailer’ at the recent Food & Drink Devon Awards held at the spectacular Deer Park Country House Hotel. The Food & Drink Devon Awards acknowledge the finest producers, hospitality establishments and retailers across the county, with The Shops at Dartington fighting off stiff competition from 13 others to win the coveted ‘Best Retailer’ Award.

Commenting on the recent win, Barbara King, managing director of The Shops at Dartington says: “The whole team at The Shops at Dartington...