Seize the Localism opportunity, housing providers told

The Localism Bill and David Cameron’s much-vaunted Big Society could provide an opportunity for social housing providers to increase their role in communities, according to a high-profile line-up of panellists at Insider’s latest event.

Vantage Law secures small loan cash

A new boutique law firm has been set up in Liverpool after it secured backing from the Merseyside Special Investment Fund (MSIF) through the Northwest Regional Development Agency’s (NWDA) small loans for business scheme.

Eatonfield buys yet more time

Property developer Eatonfield, owned by Rob Lloyd – star of Channel 4’s Secret Millionaire, has agreed another short-term loan that should allow it to trade until mid-March.

Moneysupermarket's got talent as profits quadruple

Moneysupermarket.com, the online comparison site operator, enjoyed a 300 per cent jump in post-tax profits to £7.7m in 2010, which it said was driven by investment in its product and brand. The Flintshire company, which will sponsor Britain’s Got Talent this year, saw revenue rise by 9 per cent to £148.9m.

Hammond launches high-speed rail consultation

The government has launched a five-month consultation into the proposed high-speed rail link between London and Scotland via Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle. Transport secretary Philip Hammond said the project would deliver about £44bn of benefits and would cut journey times between London and other major cities by as much as an hour.

Promethean hit by second-half slowdown

Blackburn-headquartered Promethean World has this morning described 2010 as a year of two halves, with a strong first six months giving way to a weaker second period as the government’s austerity measures started to bite.

'Blood bath' awaits North West areas - Collinson

Areas of the North West that are heavily dependent on the public sector are facing a “blood bath”, according to the leader of business group Private Sector Partners. Len Collinson said the government must realise that the region is “especially vulnerable” to the spending cuts and called on Whitehall to provide more support.

Technology park key as Burnley makes its case

The development of a technology park around the headquarters of Burnley audio equipment maker AMS Neve can be a springboard to the town advancing its status as an engineering and manufacturing centre of excellence, Insider has been told.

Driver hits expectations

Construction industry consultancy Driver Group, based in Rossendale, today said it has performed in line with expectations during the first half of the year despite the challenging market conditions.

ERDF funds Wigan business park

A business park where tenants will not have to pay any gas, electricity or water costs is to be built in Wigan following a £1.3m investment from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The project is set to create 65 jobs.

In Focus: Time to stop bank bashing?

A campaign called Doing Business Together asks businesses to understand the needs of banks. Michael Taylor asks if this is the right way of looking at the problem.

Telephone:
+44 (0)161 907 9711

Email:
info@newsco.com

Website:
www.insidermedia.com/northwest/