|
 |
|
Top story
|
Five RGF winners to generate 40,000 West Mids jobs
More than 40,000 jobs are set to be created in the West Midlands after it was revealed five major projects have been allocated cash from the government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF). Submissions from Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), Alstom Grid and Birmingham Chamber of Commerce were all successful. The government said UK businesses received £450m-worth of investment, as bidding for the second round of the fund opens today.
|
|
Deals
|
Alumasc dispenses of drinks firm
Management at Alumasc Dispense, the drinks dispensing firm, have bought the company from parent company Alumasc Group for £900,0000. Alumasc Group, the building and engineering supplier based in Kettering, said it decided to sell to management because Alumasc Dispense was “no longer a core activity.”
|
Wellpak grows with HSBC funding
Fresh produce supplier Wellpak has revealed plans to expand its business after securing a funding support package from HSBC. The Evesham-based company used the funding to develop its site and purchase land.
|
MAS-WM announces funding drive
The Manufacturing Advisory Service – West Midlands (MAS-WM) has unveiled plans to invest a further £500,000 into its product development gateway programme.
|
|
Property
|
NEC casino to bring jobs boost to Solihull
Solihull could benefit from a £120m investment if the much-debated Resorts World development is given the green light by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, it is claimed. Birmingham-based Genting, which would operate the casino complex, said more than 1,100 jobs would be created if the proposals were accepted.
|
Technology park signs up Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce has signed up to Warwick Technology Park in one of the Midlands’ largest office letting deals of the year. The manufacturing giant will move into the first floor of The Iceni Centre.
|
ICICI moves its base to Handsworth
ICICI Bank UK has relocated its Birmingham operation from Colmore Row to Handsworth. It says the move will bring it closer to Indian businesses, savers and investors.
|
Amazing Retreats unveils investment plans
Amazing Retreats is to invest £8.9m in its conference, events and leisure products in the next year. Amazing Retreats operates two properties in Worcestershire.
|
|
Business
|
Punch plans disposals as profits dip
Pubco Punch Taverns has posted a pre-tax profit of £61m for the six months to 5 March 2011 – a drop of £5m on the comparable 2010 period. Punch said it now requires a "more aggressive reduction" in its estate and plans to dispose of 2,400 pubs over five years.
|
BAE Systems announces jobs axe
Seventy jobs are set to go at BAE Systems’ Wolverhampton site. The company said it is preparing to axe about 230 roles across the country as restructuring plans to move its vehicle support services to its Telford site were revealed.
|
Insider Membership – Communicate with Midlands Top Companies
Looking to develop your business? Want to expand your commercial reach? Try a sample of our Midlands Top 500 Companies marketing data list. Insider membership provides its members with up to date local business data, editorial, advice, networking events. Request a free data sample and membership information today.
|
|
|
|
Community
|
In Focus: Design issues
Andy Coyne reflects on an environment in which SMEs are still reluctant, or unable, to spend money.
|
Dealmakers wrap: Producing results
 In our latest Dealmakers Wrap - contributed by winners of our Dealmakers Awards 2010 - LDC’s Chris Hurley suggests that there are positive signals for the manufacturing and engineering sectors.
|
Digby Jones - Fixing Britain reviewed
Digby Jones is a proud tub thumper for Britain. Michael Taylor wonders if his new book is a voice in the wilderness, or a wake up call that will be heeded.
|
Boost your client base – Request a free Insider Membership Pack
 Our Insider Membership Club offers fantastic benefits for anyone doing business in the UK regions. Valuable sales leads, vital information, networking opportunities, competitor analysis and much, much more. We give you what you cannot afford not to know. Request your free Membership pack now.
|
|
|
