Food Northwest bids to survive funding cuts

Food Northwest, the support agency for the region's food and drink industry, is the latest publicly-funded organisation set to commercialise its activities in a bid to survive the spending cuts. Chief executive Pat Foreman told Insider its budget has been slashed in the current financial year, but a range of initiatives, including the planned Northwest Food Distribution Hub, would enable it to remain in operation.

Enterprise moves for Access

Support services giant Enterprise, headquartered in Preston, has bought Shropshire-based Access Hire Services for an undisclosed sum. Access provides overhead power line management services, primarily to the UK power network operators.

Character DPM expands operations

Character DPM Group, based in Aintree, has bought three commercial printing operations in Merseyside and Cheshire in a move that could increase profits ten-fold. The company, which offers mailing and direct marketing services, has acquired Tech Litho, Tudor Print & Design and APG Visual Colour.

Blue Sky secures EFG loan

Wirral training provider Blue Sky People Solutions has secured an undisclosed six-figure loan through the enterprise finance guarantee (EFG) scheme. The business now hopes to add another seven staff to its ranks.

NCC Group set for revenue growth

Fresh from buying US-based iSEC Partners in a deal worth up to £14.4m, Manchester IT security and assurance business NCC Group this morning revealed that revenues in the first four months of its financial year are 33 per cent ahead of the same period last year.

Edelman scoops entrepreneur award

Nanoco chief executive Dr Michael Edelman was last night named Ernst & Young’s UK Cleantech Entrepreneur of the Year at a ceremony in London. He joined the Manchester business six years ago and has been instrumental in the development of the company’s quantum dots technology.

Industrial disputes could hurt recovery

Economic recovery in the UK could be stifled by the growing number of industrial disputes, according to new research by law firm DLA Piper. The firm's Economics of Employee Relations study has found that 95 per cent of senior North West decision makers anticipate increased industrial action in the coming months, while 67 per cent said it would hurt the recovery.

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Halton wants ‘swift’ start to Mersey Gateway

Work on the long-awaited £431m Mersey Gateway project, which would see the construction of a second bridge between Runcorn and Widnes, could start as early next year providing the government rubber stamps an £86m investment in tomorrow’s comprehensive spending review.

Modus man launches Pulse

A former director of Modus Properties has launched a new business venture. Richard McGawley, who spent 17 years with Modus, has founded Pulse Partnerships.

Sharp Project sounds good for 80 Hertz

Building work has started on a two-storey recording studio at east Manchester creative industries hub The Sharp Project. The 2,650 sq ft facility will be occupied by new tenants 80 Hertz Recording and Post Production Studios.

In Focus: The plan for Total Fitness

The new ownership of Total Fitness shows that turnaround structures can work to save jobs, but there are losers too. Michael Taylor takes a look.

Talking Point: Roadmap for recovery

In this week's Talking Point, CBI North West chief Damian Waters examines the spending review and outlines what support the government must provide to the private sector following the upcoming cuts.

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