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Top story
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AWM reveals asset disposal plan
Doomed regional development agency Advantage West Midlands (AWM) has submitted plans for the disposal of £400m of assets as it prepares to wind down. Under the proposals, AWM confirms the closure of Gateway West Midlands and suggests that the British Midlands Development Corporation is wound up by the end of March. The document, now submitted for government approval, also advises that business parks in Coventry, Longbridge and Wolverhampton are kept by the public sector.
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Deals
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Clarke Willmott agrees HSBC funding deal
Birmingham-based law firm Clarke Willmott has secured a finance package from HSBC to fund its national growth plan. The firm said the money will be invested into areas of expertise including construction and real estate.
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LDC invests in Birmingham safety giant
Private equity firm LDC has invested in Birmingham-based Kee Safety, a provider of safety solutions. The company said LDC’s investment will help support the roll-out of new products, further expansion of international markets and future acquisitions.
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Property
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Green light for £57m housing budget
A budget of £57.8m has been approved by Birmingham City Council for investment in council properties this year. Plans for the homes include structural improvements to a number of tower blocks and properties across the city.
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Two-speed trend puts pressure on property market
The emergence of a 'two-speed' market for property assets will force investors in the Midlands to downsize their portfolios and focus on better management, according to PwC’s 'Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2011' report.
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Business
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Ricoh Arena to host first Olympic event
Coventry’s Ricoh Arena will be the first stadium to host an Olympic event during the London 2012 Games, it has been revealed. The venue will showcase a women’s football match two days ahead of the opening ceremony in London.
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Birmingham Forward reveals new patrons
Manufacturing giant Jaguar, accountancy firm KPMG and recruitment specialist Blusource have become the latest patrons of Birmingham Forward.
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Sales up at Touchwood
Solihull’s Touchwood shopping centre has reported its 16th consecutive month of sales growth in January. Like-for-like sales increased 6.6 per cent over the month-long period.
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Three promoted at Browne Jacobson
The Birmingham office of law firm Browne Jacobson has announced three senior appointments. The promotions, all within the personal injury division, are part of a drive across the firm’s three offices.
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