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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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K3 acquires £1.7m Panacea
Manchester-based K3, which supplies and supports Microsoft-based software to the supply chain industry, has bought Hampshire managed services and IT solutions provider Panacea for £1.7m.
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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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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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Business
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Norcros hails resilient performance
Wilmslow shower and tile maker Norcros this morning hailed its performance as “resilient” over the past six months after increasing revenues and posting a strong increase in profit. However, the company warned that cuts to public sector spending is likely to impact activity levels.
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Central Salford to close next March
Urban regeneration company Central Salford is to be wound up by the end of March next year after losing two of its three major sources of public sector funding. Speaking to Insider, Felicity Goodey, chairman of the Central Salford board, said the organisation has achieved a “remarkable amount” since being established in 2005 and stressed its good work would be maintained by the city council and private sector partners.
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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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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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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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Meaty deal for Birtwistle
Meat wholesale business M J Birtwistle & Co has purchased a new £1.3m premises for its catering division. The business has bought a 30,000 sq ft property on the Northbank Industrial Park in Irlam.
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Cumbrian holiday village plan approved
A £2m expansion plan for Port Haverigg Holiday Village in Cumbria has been given the go-ahead by planners. Lancashire architects’ firm Frank Whittle Partnership (FWP) has masterplanned the scheme.
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Other News
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Brammer to hit forecasts
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DSG buys Merseyside rival
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Peel signs ten-year BBC deal
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Sportech to meet expectations
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The Queen to officially launch nuclear facility
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