Green energy presents ‘huge opportunities’, says Barker

Businesses in the North West are well placed to take advantage of the anticipated “transformational” growth in the renewable energy sector over the coming decade, according to climate change minister Greg Barker. Speaking to Insider, he said the government was committed to delivering a green economy and creating an environment that is attractive for investors.

DLA Piper merger to create 'world's biggest law firm'

DLA Piper, which has offices in Manchester and Liverpool, is to merge with an Australian law firm. The deal, set to complete in May, is expected to create the world's biggest law firm by number of lawyers and revenues.

Nanoco to raise £15m through share placing

Manchester-based Nanoco hopes to raise £15m by placing 16.7 million shares at 89p each. The company, which develops quantum dots and other nanomaterials, will apply for admission of the shares to trading on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. Nanoco expects trade to commence on or about 3 February 2011.

Microvisk raises £6m ahead of product launch

Microvisk Technologies, a medical device company based in North Wales, has raised £6m from investors to help it run clinical trials, expand its research and manufacturing facilities in St Asaph and launch its blood clot test product.

Cogent in US cattle breeding link-up

Chester-based cattle genetics business Cogent Breeding has acquired the business and marketing rights of cattle breeding business World Wide Sires UK and Dairy Daughters, a supplier of Holstein semen.

API Group sells interest in Shanghai venture

Stockport packaging manufacturer API Group has completed the sale of its 51 per cent interest in Shanghai Shen Yong Stamping Foil, a foil manufacturing operation based in Shanghai, China.

Music mogul Waterman to sit on LEP board

Music mogul Pete Waterman, one third of the pop music hit machine Stock Aitken Waterman, has been unveiled as one of 11 regional figureheads appointed to the board of the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership. Almost 100 applications were received for the board, which were drawn from the private, education and voluntary sectors.

Business Link’s still open, says Dwek

Joe Dwek, the prolific North West industrialist, has urged businesses in the region to take advantage of the services offered by Business Link despite the axe looming over the support organisation.

Something for the weekend

This week: RemGuard’s Dumbest Criminals; the icing on the cake; I am the (Love) Resurrection; and canapé won’t pay.

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).

Johnson slams “conservative” housing system

Nick Johnson, deputy chief executive of Urban Splash, has said that there is currently no incentive for UK housebuilders to improve the quality and efficiency of their work.

Greenhouse to grow at MediaCity

Peel Media has secured planning permission to convert a three storey building next to The Pie Factory at MediaCity into a development called The Greenhouse.

Talking Point: Watching the Sky

Peter Done, managing director of Peninsula Business Sevices, believes the developments at Sky Sports could provide a valuable lesson to all employers.

Dealmakers wrap: 2011 – a year for tenacious creativity

The path to doing a deal may be vastly different in 2011 than 2007, says Warwick Ley, partner at Endless LLP, but the dealmaking community still has a major role to play in getting the economy moving.

Insider: Free tickets and Royal Exchange Theatre membership

For this month only Insider Members can benefit from free tickets and a free trial Membership to the Royal Exchange Theatre. Offer expires 31 January 2011

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