National Express targets Europe

Bus, coach and rail operator National Express has ambitions to expand its services throughout Europe, Insider has learnt. Jez Maiden, finance director at the Birmingham-based company, said that it “would like to expand across the borders” and named France and Germany as potential targets for the business.

Dechra takes DermaPet for $64m

Dechra Pharmaceuticals, based in Stoke, has acquired DermaPet, a US-headquartered veterinary company, in a deal worth $64m. A sum of $42m will be paid on completion of the deal.

Trojan powers on with council investment

A Birmingham-based corporate clothing company has received a £150,000 boost from the city council. Trojan UK secured the investment following a major deal in which the company was named preferred supplier to British Gas.

St Modwen submits Phoenix Park proposal

Regeneration specialist St Modwen has submitted a planning proposal for the development of Phoenix Retail Park in Stoke-on-Trent. The developer, which has also revealed its new chairman, has estimated that the refurbishment will bring £8m of investment and up to 160 jobs to the city.

All roads lead to Browns Lane

A mile of new roads has been developed at the former Jaguar site at Browns Lane in Coventry. It forms part of the multimillion-pound infrastructure contract being undertaken at the 70-acre site by Advantage West Midlands and property group Goodman.

DTZ to sell Shrewsbury development

The Birmingham office of DTZ has been instructed to find an investor for a mixed-use development in Shrewsbury. Acting on behalf of a private investor, DTZ is seeking offers for St Mary’s court, which was refurbished and extended in 2008.

Land Rover appoints new managing director

Colin Green has been appointed managing director of Land Rover UK. He will replace John Edwards, who was recently appointed global brand director at the Warwick-based car giant.

E.ON pulls out of carbon comp

Electricity and gas company E.ON has withdrawn its Kingsnorth power station in Kent from the government's carbon capture and storage (CCS) competition. The Coventry-headquartered business says it cannot meet the deadline.

Carillion launches Dragons' Den opportunity

Companies in Wolverhampton are being given the chance to ‘pitch’ themselves to support services and construction giant Carillion. The chosen entrepreneurs will assist with work on the £300m Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme.

Metro shows commitment, says government

Local transport minister Norman Baker says plans announced in the Comprehensive Spending Review shows a commitment towards transport spending and the West Midlands. They include plans to extend the Metro tram service from Birmingham Snow Hill station to New Street station, to carry on funding the redevelopment of New Street station and to give the High Speed 2 rail line the go-ahead.

Do you need help sourcing new clients?

Insider’s Midlands Top 500 Companies 2010 Database: Our accurate and comprehensive business marketing list. Request a free sample today, special offer until 24 December.

In Focus: Export strength

The IoD is the latest organisation to highlight exports as vital to the future of business. But how can local companies make the most of future opportunities with support reduced? Andy Coyne looks at the options.

Talking Point: Good omens for occupiers

Oversupply of property may be a concern for developers and agents in the region, but Beth Margetson, an associate specialising in property law in the Birmingham office of Anthony Collins, says things are looking up for occupiers.

Telephone:
+44 (0)121 232 0981

Email:
midlandsnews@insidermedia.com

Website:
www.insidermedia.com/midlands/