DWF reveals growth ambitions

Manchester-headquartered DWF is on target to become a top 30 UK law firm in the next 12 months as it bids to push revenues above the £100m mark. Managing partner Andrew Leaitherland told Insider the firm’s move to Spinningfields was not a “lavish” statement, but a reflection of its rapid growth in recent years.

Travel agency merger referred to competition watchdog

The proposed merger of Thomas Cook and the travel business of Manchester-headquartered the Co-operative Group has been referred to the Competition Commission (CC) over fears the deal could harm consumers.

Noble Engineering bought in pre-pack deal

Noble Engineering, based in Skelmersdale, has been bought out of administration by its management team. The pre-pack deal safeguards 24 jobs.

PHS buys Shred Easy

PHS Group's data destruction division has bought Manchester-based Shred Easy for an undisclosed sum.

JJB needs more cash for CVA

Embattled high street retailer JJB Sports this morning outlined the full plans of its company voluntary arrangement (CVA) and revealed it needs to raise an additional £31.5m to put the proposals into action. The CVA, which would be the company’s second in less than two years, includes a so-called ‘claw back’ clause that allows the compromised landlords to share in the turnaround of the business.

Government will look to preserve Tote jobs – Penrose

Safeguarding the future of workers at state-owned bookmaker the Tote, which is headquartered in Wigan, will be one of the government’s main priorities when it assesses bids from potential purchasers, minister John Penrose has confirmed.

Latics narrow losses but auditors raise concerns

Premier League football club Wigan Athletic have narrowed pre-tax losses in their last financial year despite a 7 per cent drop in annual revenue. Chairman David Whelan said the club were fully focused on reducing debt, but auditors from accountancy firm Fairhurst raised concerns about the club's future without his backing.

Jaguar Land Rover agrees £2bn supply deals

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced £2bn-worth of supply contracts to more than 40 companies in the UK for its new Evoque model, which is set to create thousands of new jobs at the company’s Merseyside site and even more along its supply chain.

Man City and council push forward Eastlands plans

Manchester City FC and Manchester City Council, along with its subsidiary regeneration body New East Manchester, are to form a legally binding joint venture partnership. The news comes with the publication of the Eastlands Regeneration Framework, which outlines the over-arching vision for the development of 200 acres of land in the area.

Infinity buys MIOC for £13.5m

Investment management firm Infinity has acquired the 100,000 sq ft Manchester International Office Centre (MIOC), close to Manchester Airport, for £13.5m.

Manchester stays stable, says Cushwake report

Manchester has retained its position as the UK’s sixth most expensive office location, according to Cushman & Wakefield’s latest Office Space Across the World report.

Talking Point: What does venture capital mean?

Self-styled “corporate finance activist” Malcolm Evans says even the best start-up businesses are clueless about venture capital. He's on a mission to change all that.

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.

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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