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Top story
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Ener-g powers on
Renewable energy technology company Ener-g maintained its rapid pace of growth in 2010, with pre-tax profits growing 161 per cent to break the £4.5m barrier. The £130m-turnover business, which is based in Salford, said the sectors in which it operates offered solid potential for future growth, supported by UK and international government policies for sustainable energy.
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Deals
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Care UK takes SMI stake
Health and social care services provider Care UK has bought an 80 per cent share in Altrincham-based specialist medical imaging business SMI for an undisclosed sum.
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Number of distressed deals falls
Acquisitions of insolvent businesses in the North West fell in the second half of 2010, according to research by Experian Corpfin on behalf of the insolvency trade body R3. But the statistics show that distressed deals continue to account for a significant proportion of all M&A activity in the region.
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Vinden Partnership launches construction finance scheme
Bolton-headquartered construction and property consultancy The Vinden Partnership has launched a new contractor’s funding package for businesses struggling to secure financial backing from more traditional sources.
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BAE Systems to buy Irish company in £184m deal
BAE Systems, which has sites across the North West, is to buy Dublin-based Norkom, which supplies solutions to counter financial crime to the global financial services industry, in a deal worth €217m (£184m).
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Business
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Government must create an environment for growth, says Paphitis
Businesses must be prepared to seize opportunities in a difficult financial climate, according to Theo Paphitis, the Dragons’ Den star and chairman of Crewe-headquartered stationery chain Ryman. But the retail guru told Insider that the government must ensure the right conditions are in place for economic growth or the UK could slip back into recession.
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Lookers ready to shift through gears after strong 2010
Manchester car dealer Lookers has said it expects results for its full year to outstrip management expectations after the business continued to experience growth across all its divisions during its fourth quarter. Looking ahead to 2011, the business said it was ready to pursue strategic acquisition opportunities in both the motor and parts divisions to help "underpin growth in future years".
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Heinz workers to vote on pay offer
Baked bean maker Heinz has tabled a new pay offer to staff at its Wigan factory in a bid to resolve an industrial dispute that has seen staff walk out four times over the past month.
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Something for the weekend
This week: Five get over-excited; can’t stop the music; save lives and learn about business; and canapé won’t pay.
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Brand new North West Top 500 Database 2011
Do you need help sourcing new clients? Insider’s Brand new North West Top 500 Companies 2011 database is our accurate and comprehensive business marketing list. Try our free sample and pre-order to receive a discount offer (expires 31 January 2011).
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Property
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College gets green light for £5m project
Preston College has been granted outline planning permission to go ahead with a £5m development at its Fulwood Campus site in St Vincent’s Road.
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Downing hungry for more Leeds success
Downing, the Liverpool-based property developer behind the award-winning Broadcasting Place scheme in Leeds, has told Insider it is hoping for more success in the city following the submission of plans for a £40m redevelopment in the Civic Quarter.
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Seddon starts work on Bolton Travelodge
Seddon Developments has announced plans for a Travelodge hotel in Bolton town centre. The budget operator has agreed a deal for a 80-bed hotel on River Street, which is expected to create 12 full-time jobs.
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Other News
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Burton's urged to rethink Wirral closure
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Fletcher: Right decision on interest rates
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Appetite returns for tech deals, says PwC
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Mills & Reeve completes New York Street move
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For this month only Insider Members can benefit from free tickets and a free trial Membership to the Royal Exchange Theatre. Offer expires 31 January 2011
