Articles

Government grants (and additional interest-free loans in Wales and Northern Ireland) are available via Carbon Trust, which helps companies reduce their carbon emissions and become more resource efficient. The grants are subject to applicants meeting criteria, including using an accredited supplier.

For bira member Monika Curry from Bodenhams of Ludlow, the OSS Masters programme was a unique learning environment that pushed her well out of her comfort zone.

bira president Vin Vara finished the year with 11 Tool Shop stores in central London, with the most recent opening on 1 December at 155 Camden Road.

Independents in Bath are under pressure from an influx of large rivals. For lifestyle store Rossiters of Bath, the response is just to keep doing what it does best – providing a discerning product mix and a unique personal service.

It is customary at this time of year to plan ahead and come up with sage-like predictions in the hope that no one will hold you to them down the line.

The unisex clothing store is run by brothers Nigel and Tom Scott, who are the seventh generation of the owning family. Nigel explains why running the business is like having a passionate hobby.