Businesses are taking cybersecurity more seriously than ever. In 2021, executives ramped up their cybersecurity spending in response to the explosion of cyber-attacks exploiting lockdown remote working. Despite this, the frequency and severity of security breaches has only increased, with small to medium businesses in the UK subject to an astonishing average of 10,000 attempted cyber-attacks a day. Successful attacks breach sensitive data, and recovery can result in severe financial losses, sometimes millions of pounds, for affected businesses. So, what is going wrong? Before we discuss...
A new business support programme has been launched offering a range of business training and support services for the self-employed and small to medium size enterprises (SMEs) in Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay. Up to 600 businesses will be supported through the Heart of the South West Growth Hub’s new Thrive programme. The programme is part funded by the ERDF and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities with match funding from the Growth Hub and the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. The programme aims to stimulate economic development through...
Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Devon, David Fursdon has officially awarded AnTech, an Exeter-based oilfield innovation company, with the highest accolade a business can receive – The Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade.
A world leading designer and manufacturer of products for the upstream oil and gas industry, AnTech, which has its headquarters in Exeter and a presence in The USA and Saudi Arabia, is one of just 205 organisations nationally to be recognised with a prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise, and is in fact the only company in Exeter to receive...
Following the arrival of Alex Mackie as Stephens Scown LLP’s first Chief Operating Officer in September 2021, the employee-owned law firm has made another inspired strategic appointment with the announcement that Mark Shepherd has joined as the Firm’s first People Development Director.
Having previously held a range of senior leadership roles across the John Lewis Partnership – including Regional Branch Manager and Integration Lead for John Lewis and Partners – Mark brings with him vast experience and expertise, inspiring and empowering people withinthe largest employee-owned...
Exeter Chamber calls for immediate financial support for businesses following the Plan B announcement by the government. The urgent request follows a recent poll where businesses across the city express their concern of the negative impact on their business during the crucial festive trading period.
The poll revealed that 46% of businesses surveyed expressed an opinion that the new measures would impact their business negatively, with three quarters (77%) of respondents concerned about increased restrictions on their business in January 2022.
Newton Abbot-based Thrive® has secured a contract with Surrey County Council as it sets out a new provision of training for Early Years settings which focuses on helping to prevent children’s mental health issues in the future.
A total of 40 places on Thrive’s Early Years Licensed Practitioner® course have been funded for nursery and pre-school staff across the county with an emphasis on early identification and support before children start school. As well as helping to support young children during the Covid-19 pandemic, prioritising mental wellbeing at an early age means that...
Exeter is host to some of the UK’s most successful and long-standing family businesses. Businesses like this span the city, whether it’s G Philips & Sons ‘The Farmers Friend’ Ltd, or Devon Contract Waste. They are a lifeline to many employees and customers, and have become a part of the local community.
It is often assumed family businesses are more fragile than other forms of enterprise. Research has shown only about 30 percent of family businesses make it to the second generation .
We often hear in the press of family businesses who have mishandled the succession...
Tilney Smith & Williamson, the leading wealth management and professional services group, has signalled its intention to continue expanding its Exeter office following the appointment of Neil Sparkes as a Financial Planner. The news comes on the back of the recent appointments of Neil Thornton as a Financial Planner and Will Matthewman as an Investment Manager.
Neil has more than 30 years’ financial services experience and joins from Francis Clark Financial Planning where he worked initially as a Paraplanner and latterly a Financial Planner. Prior to Francis Clark he worked...
Winners of this year’s Tech South West Awards have been revealed at a live ceremony at the new multi-million pound Market Hall and Immersive Dome venue in Plymouth.
Artificial reef systems, satellite-powered earth observation and filtration systems to tackle microplastic pollution were among the innovations celebrated at the annual technology awards covering the entire South West region.
Tech leaders and organisations from across the South West tech sector attended the event, now in its third year, which showcases the region’s fastest growing sector.
Howmet Aerospace, one of the South West’s oldest businesses, and Acorn Recruitment, one of the UK’s biggest recruiters, have joined forces in Howmet Aerospace’s 50th year to help make sure its next half century runs as successfully as its first.
Howmet Aerospace in Exeter is entering its fifth decade of business, as it looks to continue attracting the best regional workforce, as well as benefitting the local community which has played such an intrinsic part in its journey so far.
Now the world-class producer of aero engine and industrial gas turbine components is working...
