North West is better prepared for public cuts, says Hurst

The North West is better prepared than other regions in the UK to weather the expected public sector job cuts, according to Jonathan Hurst, chairman for KPMG's northern region. He said the region has regenerated "more cleverly than most" and shouldn't be hit as hard once the layoffs start to bite. Hurst was speaking to Insider following the launch of a new report by KPMG and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development that found a growing number of businesses are planning to cut staff over the next three months.

Maysons launches in Burnley

Two former employees of Burnley law firm Donald, Race & Newton Solicitors have launched a new practice after securing backing from Yorkshire Bank. Paul Mayson and Suzanne Greenhalgh have set up Maysons Solicitors to focus on employment law, commercial and civil litigation, personal injury and medical negligence.

Cautious welcome for business lending taskforce

Business groups in the region have given a cautious welcome to news that the chief executives of the UK's six biggest banks have formed a taskforce to examine the lack of lending to small businesses. Stephen Green, chairman of HSBC and the British Bankers’ Association, will lead the group and report back to Chancellor George Osborne in October.

Stable markets boost NWF profits

NWF Group, the Cheshire-based distributor of food, feed and fuel, has reported a “record year” with pre-tax profits up 14.5 per cent in the year to 31 May. The company said its “resilient and robust” markets stand it in good stead for future growth.

Lights out and job losses for Associated Lighting

Associated Lighting Group – which was formed through the merger of Salford-based Trident and Leeds-based Ring Lighting – has gone into administration with the loss of 58 jobs. The group was founded in September 2009 in a deal that was said to have created the second largest player in the market.

MAG names Cornish successor

Andrew Harrison has been named as the successor to Andrew Cornish as managing director of Manchester Airport. Harrison joined the airport in 2005 and is currently commercial director.

Brand new North West Top 500 Database 2011

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Devsecs forms MEN Arena JV

AIM-listed property developer Development Securities (Devsecs) has launched a joint venture partnership with Patron Capital Partners for its newly-acquired MEN Arena in Manchester. The JV will be funded by Patron and by Devsecs, who have been retained to undertake the asset management of the property and who will be retaining a 30 per cent share of the venture.

Business parks market needs private sector boost, says GVA

There is little incentive for developers to build business park stock, according to the latest Business Parks Review from consultancy GVA Grimley. Speculative development in the North West’s business park market has virtually halted, with just two major projects on-site. These are the new Greater Manchester Police headquarters in Manchester’s Central Park and the Home Office scheme in Birchwood.

Hyder and BDP get to work on Victoria

Network Rail has awarded a contract to Hyder Consulting to cover the first three stages of the redevelopment of Manchester Victoria station. Hyder has subsequently appointed architects’ firm BDP.

HCA confirms housing funding

The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has confirmed that it is to invest almost £20m on stalled housing schemes in the North West. Eleven schemes are set to benefit, with the construction of more than 750 new council properties planned.

In Focus: In play

Could England’s most successful football club find itself being run by a taxpayer-owned bank? Neil Tague looks at the takeover talk surrounding Liverpool FC. 

Talking Point: Banking on recovery

As the UK banks report improved earnings, Deloitte's Nigel Birkett looks at some of the broader factors that will impact on the state of the market. 

Assessing offers

Assessing offers to make sure the deal is right for your business is a critical success factor. James Thornton, corporate director at KBS Corporate, shares his advice.

Click here for Insider's guide to selling your business.

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Selling to private equity providers

Selling your business to private equity brings its own challenges and opportunities. Clive Austin, head of the North of England at NVM Private Equity Limited, is on hand to answer your questions on the subject.

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