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Top story
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Launch of £185m North West Fund nears
The long-awaited £185m North West Fund will be ready to take online applications from businesses by the end of the month, the chief executive of Northwest Business Finance is set to reveal this morning. Speaking at Insider’s Business of Finance Summit at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, Andy Leach will confirm that final funding agreements with the European Investment Bank are almost in place, with the fund set to be officially launched early next year.
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Deals
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Microsoft linked to Bizarre deal
Microsoft could be interested in acquiring Liverpool games studio Bizarre Creations, according to reports. Bizarre’s owner Activision Blizzard is currently “exploring options for the future of the studio” and its 200 employees.
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Gilbertson leads MGL management buyout
Liverpool education company MGL has undergone a management buyout led by operations director Carl Gilbertson. The business employs 100 people and works with more than 600 schools in the North West.
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DSG buys Merseyside rival
Accountancy firm Duncan Sheard Glass (DSG) has bought a rival practice in Merseyside. The company, which has offices in Liverpool, Ewloe and Southport, has bought Bootle-based Eric N Jones & Co for an undisclosed sum.
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Business
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Sportech to meet expectations
Liverpool-based gaming company Sportech has issued an upbeat trading statement for the period from 1 July, saying it has made “significant progress” during that time. It also confirmed that its full-year results would be in line with market expectations.
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Halsall climbs to top job at Lancashire
Phil Halsall, former executive director of resources at Liverpool City Council, is to become the new chief executive of Lancashire County Council. He replaces Ged Fitzgerald, who is to take over as Liverpool’s chief executive early next year.
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Provexis scoops Fruitflow awards
Life sciences group Provexis, which has research and development facilities based in Liverpool, has won two industry awards with its lead product, heart-health technology Fruitflow.
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Sumner in at Atlantic Chambers
Daian Sumner has accepted an invitation to become a tenant at Liverpool’s Atlantic Chambers following a successful pupillage at the Cook Street chambers.
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UK-wide business contacts – Complete set of Top 500s
Insider have released a fantastic nationwide source of business contacts: The Complete set of Top 500 Companies 2010 Database. A comprehensive listing of the top contacts at the top companies for all available regions (North West, South West, Midlands, Yorkshire South East (exc. London) and Wales). Free sample and special offers available until 24 December.
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Property
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Bostock to lead new King Sturge department
Property consultancy King Sturge has expanded its Liverpool presence with the launch of a building consultancy department. The firm has appointed Tony Bostock, formerly a director of CB Richard Ellis, to lead the new team.
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Retail is king for North West investors
Retail is the primary focus of investors in the North West, according to Adrian McStay, managing director of UK regions at CB Richard Ellis.
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