Regional body could sit with LEP structure

Support is growing for the creation of a regional body that could sit alongside local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) to ensure the North West retains its voice in Whitehall and Brussels. In a report to the executive of Manchester City Council, its chief executive Sir Howard Bernstein said the region needed to establish "some form of residuary structure" before the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is abolished in April 2012.

RBS weaves magic in East Lancs

East Lancashire-based S Dawes Weaving has secured a £150,000 working capital facility from RBS Invoice Finance.

Baa Bar expands to Nottingham

Liverpool-headquartered bar and pub operator Baa Bar has announced plans to expand outside its North West heartland after securing an undisclosed funding package from Yorkshire Bank.

Power warns firms after Halliwells demise

BDO restructuring partner Dermot Power, one of the joint administrators of Manchester law firm Halliwells, has warned that professional service firms with a limited liability partnership (LLP) need to pay greater attention to cash management or else risk getting into trouble.

Chamber loses £700,000 but promises quick return to health

Liverpool Chamber of Commerce has reported losses of more than £700,000 for its 2009/2010 financial year. Chief executive Jack Stopforth told chamber members that the group had found itself in the eye of a “perfect storm” in the second half of last year.

PSP chief: Entrepreneurs can take jobs strain

The region’s private sector must be encouraged to create jobs with public sector cuts looming, Private Sector Partners (PSP) leader Len Collinson has said.

Franklins to double in size with Manchester move

Catering business Franklins Hospitality, based in Liverpool, is set to double in size with the launch of two new outlets in Manchester.

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).

LateRooms confirms Peninsula switch

Online accommodation business LateRooms has confirmed its move to The Peninsula, the office building close to the MEN Arena.

It’s all White for Quorum’s Linkway

Knight Frank has secured a new tenant at Quorum’s Linkway Trading Estate in Middleton. The property on the southern side of Grimshaw Lane comprises two detached industrial units, totalling 56,285 sq ft.

Starwood to sell Campanile hotels

Starwood Capital has put the freehold interests of 18 hotels up for sale, including the Campanile brand building in Birmingham.

Tague On Tour: For the love of Peter

The shortlist of submissions for the re-design of St Peter’s Square has been revealed – Neil Tague takes a look at the proposals in the running.

In Focus: A few nagging doubts about the North West Fund

Insider editor Michael Taylor wonders whether the new North West Fund can succeed and whether it will be subject to government meddling.

Forthcoming Experts

Selling to management

In the first of our new Selling Your Business Ask the Experts, Brian Higgins, partner at Rickitt Mitchell & Partners, explains why an MBO could be the right solution if you wish to sell your business and how funding can be found. Click the below icon if you have a question for Brian.

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