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Top story
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AGMA reveals LEP plans
The draft proposals for the creation of a local enterprise partnership (LEP) in Greater Manchester have been revealed by the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA). A report written by Manchester City Council chief executive Sir Howard Bernstein said the plans “resonate strongly with the government’s programme for devolution, localism and the leadership and engagement of the business community”.
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Deals
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Prest Financial buys IFA business
Independent financial adviser Prest Financial Services, based in Stockport, has bought rival AJ Smith and Co for an undisclosed sum. Prest Financial’s managing director Graham Prest said there was “a great deal of synergy” between the two businesses.
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Business
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Solid first-half for Promethean
Lancashire education technology group Promethean World has enjoyed a strong start to life as a listed company, with pre-tax profits rising to £9.2m for the six months to 30 June, up from £2m a year earlier. Revenue was up 35 per cent to £122.4m.
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Fruitapeel in jobs drive
Confectionery sauce and fruit juice manufacturer Fruitapeel is on course to hit a turnover of £12.5m in the current financial year after expanding into Wales and securing a string of new contracts with the likes of Iceland and The Co-operative Group. The company, which is based in Liverpool and Skelmersdale, also plans to take on more than 40 new staff across the group over the next six months, its managing director told Insider.
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Restructuring can ensure MKC’s survival, says Garner
The chief executive of Manchester Knowledge Capital (MKC) has vowed that the organisation, set up to promote innovation across the city region, will continue "in some shape or form" despite being forced to restructure its operations following public sector funding cuts. Cathy Garner told Insider she was "devastated" that redundancies have to be made, but said the action should ensure its survival.
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GB beats the odds with 12Bet.com
Chester identity management business GB Group has secured a deal with online betting company 12Bet.com to manage its online ID verification processes. The contract marks 12Bet.com’s move into the European market.
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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).
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Property
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Upbeat picture for Manchester retail market
Manchester retail market should out-perform other regions in the UK over the medium-term, according to a new report by DTZ. The DTZ Fair Value Index has rated the city’s office market as "hot" in terms of attractiveness to investors.
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Name Your Number opens UK base
Manchester Science Parks (MSP) has signed up an international phone software business as its latest tenant. Name Your Number (NYN) has opened its first UK base at the park’s Corridor site off Oxford Road.
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Nolan Redshaw sells in Bury
Nolan Redshaw, the Bury-based property consultancy, has sold a unit at Waterfold Business Park in Bury on behalf of Max and Sid. The 5,302 sq ft industrial unit was sold to Altrincham property investor Broomfield Estates.
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Two in at Cheetham Hill
Property consultancy Knight Frank has completed two lettings at Cheetham Hill in Manchester. Golden Products and textile wholesaler Kooyoo UK have taken more than 9,000 sq ft between them.
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Other News
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Norkem expands down under
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TUI moves for English language school
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FPB criticises parking levy
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