Remove barriers to improved mobile coverage and level-up remote working, says British Chambers

The importance of good-quality mobile coverage to enable firms to restart and maintain operations successfully after the Covid-19 pandemic has been underlined by new research from the British Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with Mobile UK.

The two organisations are calling on the government to work with industry leaders to bring forward urgently plans that will remove unnecessary barriers to improving coverage and enhancing data capacity.

Number of female students studying Computer Science increases by 300 percent in five years

The IT industry's gender gap seems to be narrowing, with record numbers of female students took Computer Science A-level this year – with an increase of 23 percent on 2019 – according to new figures from Swindon-based BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

Female students were seven times more likely to choose Computer Science in 2020 than they were in 2015 – a 301 percent increase – according to analysis of A-level results.

Swindon firm Earthline backs Chamber's search for a hero

Earthmoving, recycling and quarrying company Earthline has been confirmed as a headline sponsor of a competition that aims to celebrate business heroes in the region.

The Wroughton-based firm – well-known for its instantly-recognisable red trucks, known as the Red Arrows – is one of the newest members of Swindon Chamber of Commerce.

Swindon company launches virtual studio for streamed events

With the events industry in lockdown, a Swindon events company has launched a virtual studio allowing clients to stage conferences and awards ceremonies and other live events online.

Award-winning event production agency Corporate Events has been a part of the Swindon business scene for nearly 25 years, specialising in audience engagement and immersive experiences.

Businesses being urged to operate responsibly this summer

Wiltshire Council has urged businesses in the entertainment and hospitality sector to operate responsibly as applications for events with live music start to roll in.

Current Government guidance states that venues should not permit live performances to take place, because of the risk of coronavirus being transmitted in crowds.

From fight for survival to working from home – survey shines a light on pandemic's impact in region

Fewer than ten percent of businesses in the region have benefitted from the Covid-19 pandemic, with more than three quarters describing their experience as 'negative' or 'extremely negative'.

That's one of the findings of a survey by Business West – the largest recent survey of its kind – which polled 519 firms in south west England about the impact of the pandemic.