|
Top story
|
Google issues North West rallying call
Google UK’s managing director has urged more small businesses in the North West to get online or risk losing out on the “massive growth opportunities” available. Matt Brittin told Insider that companies without a website face being left behind in the internet revolution. He also gave a vote of confidence to the region’s digital sector, saying Peel’s MediaCity development in Salford could act as a catalyst for further investment.
|
|
Business
|
£8bn transport scheme unveiled
Lines between Liverpool, Manchester, Preston and Blackpool will be electrified, the government has said today. It came as the Department for Transport announced plans for £8bn of investment in British railways. It said it will buy 2,100 new carriages for the country's rail network to be in place by May 2019.
|
Ernst & Young set for North West expansion
Ernst & Young is set for a recruitment drive in the region as it looks to double the size of its advisory practice in the North West over the next three years. The firm intends to take on 1,000 new people across the UK, with many new jobs set for its offices in Liverpool and Manchester.
|
Davenham narrows losses
Manchester asset-based lender Davenham Group has reported a pre-tax loss before exceptional items of £23.3m for the year to the end of June, down from £48.9m in 2009.
|
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.
|
|
Deals
|
More businesses to take AIM
The AIM market could be set for a revival over the next 12 months, according to Grant Thornton. David Grundy, the firm’s North West managing partner, said the coming months will see a flurry of initial public offerings from North West companies.
|
Ludlow forms joint venture with Burnley law firm
Southport-headquartered independent financial adviser (IFA) Ludlow has formed a joint venture with Burnley law firm Donald Race and Newton Solicitors. The new venture will operate under the name of DRN Financial Management.
|
Technology deals on the up, finds Clearwater
The UK technology sector is on course to record its highest total deal volume since 2007, according to new research from Clearwater Corporate Finance. There have been 159 deals so far in 2010, based on technology deals of more than £3m involving a UK target or acquirer.
|
|
Property
|
Peel confirms Trafford Centre sale
Peel Group today confirmed it has reached a “landmark agreement” to sell the £1.65bn Trafford Centre in Manchester to Capital Shopping Centres Group. The company will take a 19.9 per cent shareholding in CSC through an equity investment of £77m and the transfer of ownership of the shopping complex.
|
Pochin’s eyes recovery
Cheshire property company Pochin's has issued an upbeat trading statement following its annual general meeting, saying “a degree of stability has been restored”.
|
Cornerhouse development 'proves Manchester ambition'
The £19m scheme to relocate the Cornerhouse Cinema and Library Theatre will "show the world that Manchester is still an ambitious city still on the up", according to Manchester Council leader Sir Richard Leese.
|
|
Other News
|
Golden night for Brazen PR
|
Norwood signs £3m Middle East deal
|
Envirolink set for offshore wind study
|
KPMG appoints Bills as head of audit
|
