Business Daily

Flexible working is gaining support from senior level managers.

In a new survey carried out by the world’s largest flexible workspace provider, Regus, 76% of Exeter professionals believe their senior management support the idea.

However, 71% of Exeter respondents say that managers require specific training in order manage their remote team members successfully. In particular, maintaining close contact is key. Over three quarters (79%) believe managers should speak to remote staff several times a week, and 89% think monthly face-to-face meetings are important.

When...

A consultation will be held next week on Devon County Council’s plans to improve Exeter’s cycle network. With some major housing and employment developments underway and others proposed to the east and south of the city, the County Council is planning to improve cycling infrastructure and it wants to hear people’s views on its proposals. The proposed routes, linking Cranbrook to the city centre and University of Exeter, as well as connecting Newcourt to the city centre, aim to make cycle trips for leisure cyclists and commuters safer, quicker and more appealing. Three consultation events...

Leading housebuilder Barratt Homes is reinforcing its credentials in the south west with a number of key appointments.

A new sales director, commercial director and construction director have joined the Exeter-based team as it looks to build on firm foundations for the future.

Sara Parker joins as sales director with Ian Jeffery the new commercial director and Tim Davies construction director.

Managing director Paul Moran said the appointments come at a key time for the division which has seen a doubling in the number of developments in recent years and a rise from...

Shops could be allowed to open for longer on Sundays under radical plans to devolve powers over trading hours to major towns and cities to be unveiled in tomorrow’s summer Budget.

In the biggest shake-up of Sunday trading laws since the 1990s, Chancellor George Osborne wants to allow mayors and councils to determine for themselves what the rules should be in their areas.

The existing law prevents larger stores from opening for more than six hours. It was relaxed as an exception during the 2012 Olympics, resulting in a significant surge in sales.

Mr Osborne has...