Duschenes hails 'innovative' North West

Marc Duschenes, the former chief executive of Braemar Group who sold the business to fund manager Brooks McDonald last year, last night hailed the North West as a region that embraces innovation. He was speaking at the eighth annual Insider Young Professionals Awards, held at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester, as he handed over the overall Young Professional of the Year crown to Drivers Jonas Deloitte's Joanne Dennis-Jones. Duschenes also revealed his future plans for new venture Bayfield Capital.

IoD chief calls for investment help

The government needs to act to help businesses seeking investment, according to Miles Templeman, the director general of the Institute of Directors. He told Insider: "If the government wants UK businesses to compete on the world stage, it needs to give more assistance to businesses in need of funding."

Buyer sought for beleaguered retailer Focus

The administrators of Cheshire retailer Focus DIY have said the company will continue to trade as normal while they search for a buyer.

Central buys Express Cafes

Wigan-based Central Catering Services has completed the acquisition of Express Cafes, a division of listed food service business Compass Group, for an undisclosed sum.

Liverpool losses a 'footnote' to Hicks and Gillett era

Liverpool FC have posted a pre-tax loss of £20m in their last financial year – although managing director Ian Ayre has insisted the club have a bright future under new owner Fenway Sports. He said the results were a "footnote" to the reign of former owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett and do not "paint a picture of today".

Virgin Media to move 350 jobs to Wythenshawe

Virgin Media is set to transfer about 350 jobs to its site in Wythenshawe after announcing the closure of a call centre in Wiltshire.

Bibby reveals profits hike

Bibby Financial Services has revealed an 84 per cent increase in pre-tax profits to £34.3m following a 25 per cent increase in new business during 2010.

San Carlo names cities for Cicchetti expansion

London and Birmingham are firmly in the sights of San Carlo Group as the Manchester-headquartered Italian dining business looks to expand its Cicchetti brand.

Something for the weekend

This week: I don’t like cricket (I love it); our pleasure, your treasure; hospital lands top tuck award shocker; and canapé won’t pay.

"Tenant’s champion" property firm launches in Manchester

Martyn Markland, formerly head of NB Real Estates’ Manchester office, has launched a property consultancy "with a difference". Tenant Advisory Group is now open for business in Manchester's Fountain Street, although it is looking to work across all regions – but purely for business occupiers rather than landlords.

Prezzo to open at MediaCity

Food chain Prezzo has signed a deal to open a restaurant at MediaCity in Salford Quays. It will be the company's first restaurant in Greater Manchester.

Step 2 says Halo in Bolton

Industrial agency specialist Davies Harrison has acted as joint agent in the letting of an 11,283 sq ft unit on Wingates Industrial Estate in Bolton. It acted on behalf of its client Halo Investments.

Tague on Tour: In the eye of the beholder

Whether or not you like the Mann Island scheme, it's here to stay. Neil Tague casts his eye over a scheme that is dividing opinion.

In Focus: Why are the banks backing this Business Growth Fund?

Why is the proposed Business Growth Fund starting at businesses with turnover of £10m plus? Michael Taylor is suspicious.

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