North West can rival London as finance base

Manchester is competing with London as a major base for financial services, according to the chief executive of industry membership body TheCityUK. Chris Cummings, who is its chief executive, also told Insider more certainty is needed with government policy to help the sector and emphasised the importance of how it can revive the economy.

Mears snaps up Jackson Lloyd

Jackson Lloyd (JL), which provides maintenance and repairs for social housing sites, has been bought for £2.7m in cash and £2.1m in net debt repayments by the Gloucester-based Mears Group. Mears will integrate the Skelmersdale-based business immediately and is "expected to generate significant cost and efficiency savings".

Modus asset management team forms Spectrum

David Lockhart and Peter Macfarlane, two former directors of the Modus asset management arm, have completed a buyout and re-branding of the business to form Spectrum Property Management.

Green light for $83m Sportech deal

Liverpool-based gaming company Sportech haas been given the final regulatory green light to take over US racing and venue management company SGR from the Scientific Games Corporation. The New Jersey Racing Commission allowed the go-ahead yesterday meaning all regulatory authorities in the US have now given approval to the takeover.

Langtree lets 7,000 sq ft in Stockport

Newton-le-Willows developer Langtree has announced a new occupier for its Kingsgate office building in Stockport.

Pound Empire takes over Aldi site

The Pound Empire retail chain has leased a 10,000 sq ft site in Hyde Retail Park, East Manchester. Manchester-based law firm Glaisyers Solicitors LLP advised on the deal.

DEAF expands into new office

Manchester-based community interest company Deaf Education Advocacy Fellowship (DEAF) has expanded into a new office on a six-month lease. The office, in the Forsyth Business Centre in Exchange Square, aims to provide more support to clients as DEAF continues to grow.

Deloitte graduates get started in the North West

A total of 47 Deloitte graduates in the North West started their training contracts with the business consultancy last week, as part of the firm's recruitment programme. Deloitte, which has offices in Liverpool and Manchester, hailed the intake of graduates as an investment in the future.

Something for the weekend

This week: For your convenience, canapé won’t pay and I'm gonna be the next Apprentice

Bribery Act – your chance to shape the legislation

Insider is holding an event focusing on the new Bribery Act, due to come into force in 2011.The information gathered through the discussion at this event will be submitted to the government’s consultation on the Act. This is your chance to shape the legislation.

Tague on Tour: Food for thought

The proposed Flavours Gourmet Village in Salford sounds fantastic, but is it really likely to happen? Neil Tague wonders if the scheme can expect the sweet taste of success.

In focus: Banking's phoney war

Businesses rarely change their bank, but many have now been told they have to. Michael Taylor looks at the coming battle for your bank account.

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