Northern Hub is ‘top priority’ – Higgins

Network Rail’s newly appointed chief executive David Higgins has told the House of Commons' Transport Committee that the £530m Northern Hub proposals are the company’s “top priority”. Higgins, who took over at Network Rail last month, said the plans were “absolutely essential” to economic growth in the North of England.

Sentinel changes hands in £43m deal

Runcorn-based Sentinel Performance Solutions, which supplies residential heating and hot water system treatment products, has been sold as part of a £43m deal. The company has been bought by Electra Partners from private equity firm The Riverside Company.

A&P Group bought by Peel and Cammell Laird directors

Ship repair and engineering company A&P Group, which owns three shipyards in England, has been bought by Atlantic & Peninsula Marine Services. The shareholders of Atlantic & Peninsula are Peel Port Holdings and private investors including directors of Merseyside-based Cammell Laird.

James Fisher completes £27.5m refinancing

James Fisher, headquartered in Barrow-in-Furness, has agreed a £27.5m refinancing deal with Barclays Corporate. The £270m-turnover marine services business has experienced strong growth in recent years, both organically and through acquisition in niche markets.

Ascribe moves for 21C

Bolton-based Ascribe has acquired 21C, a provider of healthcare business intelligence data, which it will combine with its WCI Healthcare division to form Ascribe Consulting.

Milliken reports profits hike

North West textiles and flooring manufacturer Milliken Industrials has reported a strong increase in annual sales and profits. The business, which trades as Milliken Carpets, posted a 66 per cent increase in pre-tax profits to £7m in 2010.

Deadline extended for Big Chip Awards

The deadline for this year’s Big Chip Awards for companies in the North West and beyond excelling in the use of digital technology has been extended from 7 March to 14 March 2011.

Manchester offers best value to investors - report

Manchester is the “stand out UK region” for commercial property investment opportunities, according to a report from DTZ.

Work completes on Bolton housing scheme

Work has been completed on the first council houses to be built in Bolton for more than 20 years. The £1.8m scheme has been funded by Bolton Council with investment from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

Nobles notches eight wins

Nobles Construction, based in Liverpool, has secured eight contracts worth £8m this year. The deals are predominantly for work in the health and education sectors.

Tague on Tour: The space race

There’s a lot of talk in property circles about Manchester’s under-supply of grade A space - but is there more to this than meets the eye, wonders Neil Tague.

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.

Your questions answered - Role of the legal adviser

Stephen Gaunt, partner at Blue Sky Law, the next in our Selling your Business expert hotseat, providing advice on ending invoice disputes and choosing the right adviser.

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