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The top man at Leyland-based support services giant Enterprise has not ruled out a return to the stock market, following the 3i-backed take-private of the company in 2007 - valuing the operation at £620m. Chairman and chief executive Owen McLaughlin told Insider: "The one thing you know about private equity is that from the day it comes on board, you know it's going to leave. We're under no pressure to do something quickly, but when we do something one of the options for us will be an initial public offering. At this moment in time, we think it will." It is thought that 3i would retain a stake in the company following any flotation. You can read the full interview with McLaughlin in the June issue of Insider, out now. 
United City, the pro-Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) business group, has issued a list of demands as the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities prepares for a stormy consultation period. The group, now over 50 businesses strong, wants to see: a cap of one charge per day per charging ring for commercial vehicles; any excess income from congestion charging to be spent on public transport; and, in what could be seen as a move to appease virulent TIF opponent Kellogg's, exemption for Trafford Park-based businesses until the park's Metrolink line is open. Spokesman Chris Oglesby said: "We understand the needs of companies which make repeat journeys across the charging rings. However, we are not calling for total exemptions, as these are precisely the companies which will benefit from reduced congestion."
Energetix increases its global reach Europe is moving a step closed to greener, cheaper home energy thanks to AIM-listed Energetix, the developer of new and sustainable alternative energy products based at Capenhurst Technology Park near Chester. It has signed heads of terms for a collaboration agreement with an as yet unnamed major European supplier of heating technology to jointly integrate the company's Genlec micro-CHP (micro combined heat and power) unit into a wall-mounted boiler for the European domestic heating market. The units have already been integrated into wall-mounted boilers manufactured by Dutch manufacturer Daalderop. By using a Genlec-enabled micro-CHP boiler a typical UK home will save an average of £150 per year.
Pipe dreams at UU As part of its long-term plans to ensure our water remains on tap, United Utilities (UU) is proposing a 54km water pipeline linking Liverpool and Bury. The £125m scheme will involve laying a new pipeline from Prescot reservoir in Merseyside to Woodgate Hill reservoir in Bury, Greater Manchester, and will take around two years to complete. Described as a "vital" project by the quoted company, the plans are being discussed with over 200 landowners and eight different councils along the proposed route. UU, which earlier this month announced underlying operating profit up 7 per cent to £677m, hopes to be in a position to start work on the scheme early in 2009, for completion by spring 2011.
Zen secures top award Rochdale-based internet service provider (ISP) Zen Internet has scooped the Best Broadband Provider 2008 prize at the annual Which? awards ceremony in London. Zen scored top marks among Which? members for connection speed, customer service, online and telephone support and was the only ISP on test to get top marks for reliability of connection. Other award winners on the night included John Lewis, Play.com, Mazda and Panasonic.
Eddie Smith, chief executive of New East Manchester, last night outlined the urban regeneration company's plans for the next ten years, stressing that effective public and private collaboration is needed if it is to fulfil its aims. Speaking at The Future of the New Town in the City event held at restaurant Vermilion, Smith said the organisation had eight key priorities on which it would be focusing, including the creation of high-density mixed-use schemes around proposed Metrolink stations. However, he refused to elaborate on what project would fill the void left by the abandoned supercasino development, saying only that he expected something to be in place by late summer.
Funding for new resi scheme in Rochdale A former cotton mill near Rochdale is set to be redeveloped following an injection of funding from Barclays Commercial Bank. Huddersfield-based developer Ãber Massclusive (UK) has secured a £3.4m funding package to build 23 residential units at the Clegg Hall Mills site, which is being transformed in three phases. The scheme has been drawn up in conjunction with architects at Mason Gillibrand in Lancaster.
Villafont buys out Battman Altrincham housebuilder Villafont has agreed to buy the Battman & Sons garden centre in Timperley as it continues its diversification into the care home sector. The 112-year-old business will close at the end of June. With co-director David Battman retiring, son Duncan said: "Now seemed a perfect time to close and bow out together. We both felt that the site should serve the community and we are confident we have found the right buyer." The site will now house a care home and medical centre.
Rowley scoops prestigious award Lancashire-based property entrepreneur Paul Rowley has scooped an award from City & Guilds for services to the construction industry. Rowley, who is the founder and managing director of Leyland-based Rowland Homes was presented with a Highly Commended Certificate by The Duke of Edinburgh.
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