Barnstaple-based SFL Flues and Chimneys has been named winner of the EEF South West Region Business Growth Award, for bucking market trends and achieving 24 per cent growth over the last year.
SFL manufactures stainless steel prefabricated flues and chimneys for residential and commercial use and won the award, sponsored by Westfield Health, for a remarkable performance brought about by its investment in lean business improvement techniques.
Commented Sami Caglar, Managing Director of SFL: “Despite facing challenging trading conditions, we managed to prove...
Almost half of UK graduates and students from the South West (40%) have aspirations to set up their own business after leaving University according to new research from Lloyds TSB Commercial , with many citing excitement and a sense of autonomy as key motivating factors . Furthermore, half of the region’s graduates (50%) and students (50%) who want to start up, hope to do so in the next five years – compared to last year when just over a third (33% and 43% respectively) wanted to start up their own business in a similar time frame.
As with many successful businesses, Ashgrove Kitchens really grew as a result of personal recommendation. In 1987 Andy Davis had set up a small business in Crediton to supply kitchen units to other trades, such as kitchen designers and fitters. But local people got to hear about it and word of mouth led him to start producing designer kitchens for retail customers.
The kitchens units are individually made at their factory in Crediton by skilled craftsmen, many of whom have been with the business since the beginning. As the company grew they expanded into making other interior fittings...
One of the South West’s leading building contractors is celebrating 25 years in the construction industry. TEC Construction, which was founded in 1987 by its current Managing Director Tony Carson, reached its quarter of a century milestone earlier this month.
The multi-disciplined construction and maintenance company is a family-run business based across four sites in Exeter, Torquay, Plymouth and the recently opened Cheltenham branch. The company offers new builds and refurbishments for the public and private sectors.
More than 6,500 jobs are at risk across the UK as the troubled high-street electricals chain Comet has been officially placed into administration. Comet is estimated to have lost £35m in a year. In a sign of the toughness of the market US giant Best Buy pulled out of the UK last year after struggling to gain a foothold.
The 240-strong chain, including its Marsh Barton branch, confirmed plans for it to be placed into administration next week, marking on of the UK's biggest retail failures in recent years.
Devon is already home to world class, innovative businesses and a campaign by Devon County Council is aiming to make it easier for companies and entrepreneurs to move to the county and be part of its on-going success story.
Devon Delivers ( www.investdevon.co.uk ) is highlighting the wide range of businesses that have played a part in Devon’s economy growing faster than the national average over the past decade.
That growth is set to continue, with investment in vital infrastructure making Devon even better connected. Companies looking for the next stage of growth or...
March 2013 will see the launch of the Venus Awards, hosted by Celia Delaney of SpeakingSuccess, a local Devon company. We are proud to announce that The Exeter Daily is the official online media sponsor of the awards.
Originating in Dorset in 2009, the Venus Awards aim to recognise as many businesswomen as possible in numerous regions across the country. Venus Awards has selected Devon as one of the first of those regions.
The many businesses that already recognise the upside of supporting women in business are now using the Venus Awards as a vehicle to promote that concept...
Devon is already home to world class, innovative businesses and a campaign by Devon County Council is aiming to make it easier for companies and entrepreneurs to move to the county and be part of its on-going success story.
Devon Delivers ( www.investdevon.co.uk ) is highlighting the wide range of businesses that have played a part in Devon’s economy growing faster than the national average over the past decade.
That growth is set to continue, with investment in vital infrastructure making Devon even better connected. Companies looking for the next stage...
Two young executives from Exeter firm Thomas Westcott Accountants, have qualified as a chartered certified accountants. Philip Cooke, 23 and Laura Kitchin, 22, who have both been with the firm since they were teenagers, have completed their studies and are now Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) accredited.
Philip, who works in the Exeter office, has been working with Thomas Westcott since he was 18-years-old and said he was delighted to have completed his studies. He said he enjoys he enjoys his role with the firm; meeting new clients and working around...
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...
