There has been yet more cheer for Enterprise Zone companies this week, along with another welcome boost for Bristol’s burgeoning economy.
The latest report from the Bristol Research Network has revealed that Bristol is the most productive large city economy outside of London. This is measured by the amount of economic output (Gross Value Added, GVA) per hour worked, with Bristol’s GVA per hour working out as £27.80. The full report, which also reveals the city’s positive productivity figures during the recession, can be viewed by clicking here.
Elsewhere, the chief of mobile tech giants SoMo has been explaining the reasoning behind his recent decision to base the company in Temple Quarter’s Engine Shed workspace. Dave Evans described Bristol as ‘far and away the best city’ when it came down to choosing a new home. “We are excited to be in this space” Evans told The Bristol Post. “We are looking for a central location for a permanent home, close to the Engine Shed – that’s the digital hub. The catchment area for staff includes Bath and Cardiff so train access is very important.” The decision to move into the Engine Shed came after a successful mobile innovation day that SoMo held there in February, where developers were invited to test the latest high tech kit such as Google Glass.
Down the road at Paintworks, rapidly expanding digital agency e3 have had a busy time of it recently after featuring in The Bristol Post, enjoying a visit from Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls and celebrating the launch of the new Royal Navy website which they developed. You can find out more about e3 by clicking here.
Finally, the long-awaited Bristol Arena took yet another step forward as potential operators were invited to bid for a 25-year contract for the project. Interested parties have three weeks to submit a pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) to Bristol City Council before those who meet the initial requirements will be invited to tender for the 25-year contract. It is anticipated that the successful operator will be chosen in the Autumn.
