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Top story
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JLR aims to overtake rivals, says Speth
Jaguar Land Rover needs to develop “something exceptional” to move ahead of rival brands BMW and Audi. That’s the view of the chief executive of the Warwick-based manufacturer, Dr Ralph Speth, who spoke to Insider. Speth said that with the engine world in such a flux – with hybrid, electric and hydrogen driven cars – he thinks developing JLR's powertrain technology is “key” to becoming exceptional. “It is a £500bn world market. It is a massive opportunity,” he said.
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Deals
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The money is out there – James Caan
Former Dragons' Den star James Caan has told Insider small businesses are the lifeblood of the UK economy and finance is available for well-prepared entrepreneurs.
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Duo invest in Intelligent Orthopaedics
Birmingham-based investors Catapult Venture Managers and Mercia Fund Management have injected £600,000 into a Staffordshire company. Intelligent Orthopaedics manufactures products to repair broken bones.
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Warwick university to showcase research project
The University of Warwick is set to host one of three science and engineering projects which will be financed by a £10m government investment. Business minister Mark Prisk announced that the trio of research and development schemes would forge ahead to address research questions in developing low carbon vehicles.
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Property
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Proposals submitted for 'superstore' development
A planning application for a 100,000 sq ft food store has been lodged with East Staffordshire Borough Council. The outline application details plans for the build of a store to redevelop land at the Burton Rugby Club and Blockbuster video retail site.
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Solar House sold for £5.5m
Solar House in Stratford-upon-Avon has been sold for £5.5m. The property, a 49,000 sq ft office building, was sold by investment company O Twelve.
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Business
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Mitchells & Butlers chair steps down
Birmingham pubco Mitchells & Butlers has announced that its chief executive Adam Fowle is to step down from his position. The company said that the decision had been reached “by mutual consent”.
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Sales up at Marston's
Marston’s pub company, based in Wolverhampton, has said like-for-like sales over the past 23 weeks were up 2.4 per cent on the comparable period last year. The company also said it was on target to open 20 new pubs by September this year.
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42 under 42 - where are they now?
Insider’s 42 under 42 report, our annual search for the region’s most impressive young entrepreneurs, is to be preceded by a look at what has happened to some of those who have featured in previous years.
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Give struggling businesses a fighting chance, says R3
Business rescues are being held back unnecessarily by suppliers increasing tariffs, according to the Midlands chairman of insolvency body R3. Matthew Hammond, who is also a partner at PwC in the Midlands, believes that amendments to the current Insolvency Act could result in more than 2,000 businesses being rescued each year.
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Promote your business - Top Companies
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