Business

Jobs under threat as Comet goes into administration

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.

Staff were informed of plans this morning and...

Rural Devon location inspires worldwide success

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...

New awards event for businesswomen in Devon!

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...

Firms encouraged to invest in Devon and reap the rewards

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...

Young Exeter executives qualify as accountants

Authored by Metis Media
Posted: Tue, 10/23/2012 - 3:23pm

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...

Businesses beware... rates delay could affect you

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...

Northgate Vehicle Hire ‘shares’ its success with staff

Northgate Vehicle Hire, market leaders in flexible vehicle hire and fleet solutions, which has depots in Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter, Plymouth, and Swansea, has recently introduced a free shares scheme for all staff members who have been with the company for over 12 months.

The new initiative, which was promoted to colleagues through the use of an internal campaign, has proved very popular, with over 90% of staff signing up for the scheme in the two months since its launch.

Launched in July, the Free Shares Award has allowed staff members to receive 250 free...

Business leaders hail £8.5m technology centre

Business leaders have hailed the new £8.5 million Exeter College Technology Centre as yet another example of how the city is moving forwards.

Derek Phillips, vice-chairman of the Exeter Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “This college facility is a great asset for the city and should make science and engineering more popular with students, which is great. It’s what we need for the future and it’s a very good development.

“The striking design will appeal to many new students and it’s great news for Exeter.”

He was speaking as more than 100 members of the Chamber...

Exeter firm Plantabox shortlisted for Smarta Award

The Smarta 100 – a shortlist of the UK's brightest, savviest small businesses – have just been revealed, and included is a fantastic small business from Exeter: Plantabox http://www.plantabox.co.uk / .

Plantabox sells wooden handmade crates based on the original apple crate design for storage, toy boxes, storage crates, retail display, wine boxes, herb gardens and planters. Owned by two people from different generations, Martin and Dave believe that fast, smart and focussed decisions are the key to the success of Plantabox as a brand.

“We bought Plantabox two and a half years...

Bestofexeter Business Expo raises money for DAAT

More than 400 visitors attended the inaugural Business Expo ‘Business Gives Back’ organised by thebestofexeter in aid of Devon Air Ambulance Trust held at Exeter Racecourse. Tim Jones, Chairman of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership gave the opening address and delegates had the opportunity to visit local business exhibition stands and seminars presented by key-note speakers plus 1:1 business clinics in ‘The Business Advice Centre’. Each of the 100 exhibitors generously donated £17,000 worth of prizes which helped to raise over £600 for DAAT during ‘National Air...

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