Business

A low carbon heating project led by E.ON working with the University of Exeter and technology providers SK Solar and Star Renewable Energy has been awarded a Government research grant to carry out the feasibility work to create a UK-first community-wide energy scheme based on emissions-free renewable energy sources.

The project, to be funded by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), is based at E.ON’s energy centre in Cranbrook to the east of Exeter will seek to demonstrate how solar thermal panels and heat pumps can replace or work alongside the existing gas-fired...

Bill Simmons has been appointed Chief Finance Officer (CFO) by leading equity crowdfunding platform, Crowdcube in the first of a number of strategic, senior level appointments made by the firm. Bill, who formerly held senior financial roles at groundbreaking online, digital and technology organisations, Ask.com, Myspace and Rated People, has been involved in a number of start-up and early stage businesses.

Joining the business late last year, Bill will focus on managing growth and ensuring money recently raised by the company in its own funding round (£3.8m via Balderton Capital...

City, national and international law firm Trowers & Hamlins have announced that Rachel Carter, a lawyer based in the firm's Exeter office, has been promoted to partner.

Rachel has over 20 years of experience in the property sector and works in the firm's Housing and Regeneration department. She acts for private developers, social landlords and local authorities, giving her a full understanding of the complexities and commercial arrangements needed to tackle development issues. In addition to development projects and joint ventures, Rachel has experience advising on purchases...

Employers could face an upskill struggle when recruiting for the roles available in a changing job market, set to grow by around 37% in the South West, according to CBI predictions.

The National Careers Council says over half of employers are not confident they will find sufficient recruits for jobs on offer. Growth is expected in sectors such as computer technology, tourism and healthcare, with decline anticipated in areas such as call centre, secretarial and banking employment.*

Graduates will be in higher demand as the job market picks up, with 30% of employers expecting...