Co-op takes top spot in North West rankings

The Co-operative Group has held firm as the number one business in Insider's Top 500 – the annual ranking of North West companies based on turnover and profitability. With revenues of £13.7bn and a pre-tax profit of more than £414m, the Manchester retail and banking giant was comfortably clear of second place engineering giant AMEC.   READ MORE...

JD Sports completes £20m Blacks Leisure deal

JD Sports has completed a £20m deal to buy certain assets owned by stricken outdoor clothing retailer Blacks Leisure.   Read More...

Angel investor backs Yogberries

Frozen yoghurt retailer Yogberries has secured angel investment from entrepreneur and former retail analyst Marc Duschenes that will allow it to open three new stores.   Read More...

North West private equity deal values surge

The overall value of North West private equity buyouts has increased more than five-fold since 2009, according to latest data.   Read More...

Tulip closure plan puts 200 jobs at risk

More than 200 jobs are reportedly at risk at Tulip's food processing factory in Wirral.   Read More...

Carr's enjoys strong start

Stable prices of beef, lamb and milk have helped Carr's Milling Industries enjoy a strong start to its current financial year, with revenue and profit before tax ahead of budget.   Read More...

HS2 set for green light

The long-awaited and controversial HS2 high speed rail project is set to be given the go-ahead by ministers.   Read More...

Shop Direct braced for more retail gloom

Home shopping giant Shop Direct enjoyed a strong Christmas trading period although its chief executive has warned that the retail outlook will deteriorate further.   Read More...

New year, fresh sales leads - Top 500 Companies

Looking to source new clients? Insider’s new North West Top 500 Companies 2012 database (available 31 January) will be our accurate and comprehensive business marketing list, providing you with the strongest contacts for the region’s biggest companies. Pre-order this month and receive a 15 per cent discount off this brand new list.  Request a free sample today.   Read More...

Go ahead for £35m Piccadilly Station approach

Property developer Realty Estates has been granted planning permission for its £35m retail and leisure scheme at the approach to Manchester Piccadilly Station.   Read More...

Aintree hospital set for £20m build

Aintree University Hospital has revealed plans to invest £20m in refurbishing and extending four of its departments.   Read More...

Smyths Toys takes Middlebrook space

Smyths Toys is to open a store at Middlebrook Retail and Leisure Park in Horwich. The company has taken 12,600 sq ft on a 15-year lease at the Orbit Developments-owned park.   Read More...

Festive sales fizz for Booths

Topps Tiles finds the going tough

Two changes at CBRE Manchester

Urgent action required as stagnation on the way - BCC

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