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Asset-based lending (ABL) has surged in popularity over the last 12 months, according to research by commercial lender Venture Finance North West. The study asked accountants to rate the attractiveness of various business finance options among their clients, comparing this year to 2007. The findings revealed that ABL is now attractive to 52 per cent of their business clients compared to only 2 per cent in 2007. Interest in invoice finance has also grown over the same period from 3 per cent to 29 per cent. Debbie Bell, regional director for Venture Finance, said: "Our research supports the notion that the tightening of business credit is forcing businesses to look around for other ways of raising funds." 
Where red roses grow Lancashire County Council's funding spin-off, Rosebud Finance, has defied the equity gap and splashed its cash on three North West businesses to boost their growth propositions. Preston-based fashion start-up Dil Pasand, Nelson-based Michael Duane Reproductions, which supplies promotional clothing, and support services firm APS Countryside Contracts, which is based in Chorley, have all received financing packages. Rosebud Finance was established in 1986 and provides loans and equity funding from £5,000 to £750,000.
The latest round in the battle to woo the business community over congestion charging took place this morning at the Palace Hotel Manchester in an event organised for members of Greater Manchester Chamber with presentations by TIF supporters Chris Oglesby and Sir Howard Bernstein. Andrew Simpson, managing director of Peel Holdings, an opponent of the planned congestion charge, also spoke at the meeting. He told Insider: "I support attempts to improve public transport, but this is a bad scheme for Manchester." Angie Robinson, chief executive of the Chamber, said: "Manchester has done brave things before - the question for our members is whether this is another example of vision and bravery."
Tough times, tough talk from Matalan Discount retailer Matalan has confirmed that it is to invest £19m in its property despite the tough retail climate. The Skelmersdale-based business recorded annual profits up 89.3 per cent to £53.2m for the year to March 2008. Despite a 1.4 per cent drop in sales, the group said improvements in stock control and better sourcing had made the business more efficient. Around £318m has already been spent on store improvements and each of the company's 202 stores will have received some investment by the end of the year.
On the buses Bluebird Bus and Coach, one of Manchester's leading bus operators, has appointed Manchester-based And Partners, a design and marketing agency, to embark on a 12-month regional brand awareness campaign. The company turns 20 this year and wants to celebrate the milestone with a campaign that will include design, outdoor media and regional advertising in addition to regional and trade PR. The Dunstan family acquired Bluebird in 1998 and has grown the company to be one of the main bus operators serving central and north Manchester, with over 95 employees and a 45-strong bus fleet.
Start enterprise culture in schools, says Riley Matt Riley, founder of Lancashire-based Daisy Communications, says that entrepreneurialism needs to be encouraged in schools if UK business is to flourish. Speaking at advertising agency TBWA's An Evening with Unconventional Thinkers event on Monday, Riley said: "The education system doesn't' encourage entrepreneurship - you're seen as a dummy if you don't follow the A-levels and university route. It's something the government should look at."
Co-op's McCracken retires One of The Co-operative Group's big hitters is retiring this month following a three-year stint at the top. Guy McCracken, chief executive of food retail, who took up the post in 2005, will be replaced by managing director Tim Hurrell. McCracken started his career at Marks and Spencer as a trainee and rose through the ranks to become joint managing director. He is also a former chairman of Duchy Originals, which was set up in 1990 by The Prince of Wales to promote organic food and farming. The news of his departure comes at a time when The Co-op is gunning for rival retailer Somerfield.
Keeping it cool As the weather shows vague signs of hotting up across the North West, Cheshire-based cooling firm Total Refrigeration has launched its new Vista 12 ice-cream freezer, which it claims is a greener alternative to the previous model. "The new Vista 12 is ideal for smaller outlets and is 31.8 per cent more energy efficient than its predecessor," said Stuart Grimshaw, marketing manager atTotal Refrigeration. "Another benefit is that, in being approved onto the Energy Technology List, retailers who invest in a new Vista 12 may qualify for Enhanced Capital Allowances, which means that they can claim 100 per cent first-year capital allowances on their expenditure."
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) wants Miller Developments and The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) to reconsider its plans for Omega, the 575-acre industrial and office park due to comprise 3 million sq ft of commercial space near Warrington. The scheme's first phase now has planning permission and discussions with potential contractors have started, but NWDA chief executive Steve Broomhead told Insider: "We remain supportive of the early stage plans of Miller and RBS, but we're keen to talk through plans for the later stages given changes in the market. It's an opportune time to revisit those plans and we hope to be in dialogue with Miller and RBS fairly soon."
City Lofts feels the pressure City Lofts has become the first residential casualty of the credit crunch. Bank of Scotland Corporate, which is the developer's biggest lenders, has appointed John Gershinson of Allsop as receiver on the unsold units and a development site in six regional cities. Properties in the North West now in Gershinson's care include apartments at Princes Dock in Liverpool and in Salford Quays. Gershinson told Insider that he is confident of finding buyers after receiving strong interest this morning.
Promoting greener construction Warrington-based entrepreneur Des Kelly is set to ramp up the construction industry's green credentials with the launch his Earth Exchange website - www.earthexchange.com - on 14 July. The project has been designed to help contractors, housebuilders and developers find local sites with material surpluses and deficits to save money and time and reduce the high level of waste in the construction sector. The launch coincides with the implementation of the Site Waste Management Plans Regulations, which require construction companies to design out and reduce waste as well as find ways of reusing excess materials.
Sale Sharks and Insider have launched a club for corporate supporters of the region's premiership rugby club. As well as preferential tickets to matches, the new club will offer exclusive networking events. James Jennings, Sale Sharks chief executive, said: "These events will give you the chance to drive your business forward with 499 like-minded organisations in an atmosphere of premiership level success. It should appeal to any size of business, giving members the chance to come down and enjoy a game with clients, colleagues, friends or family."
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