Manchester law firm Halliwells has confirmed it is in “advanced discussions” to transfer the business in its entirety to another “highly-regarded firm of solicitors” after filing for court permission to appoint an administrator. A statement released by the firm said high property costs at its 3 Hardman Square premises in Manchester were to blame for the demise. However, it added: “The underlying business remains strong and has attracted interest from a number of parties.” Liverpool-headquartered Hill Dickinson is believed to be in the running to acquire the assets of the firm once it formerly enters administration, with BDO expected to handle the process.

Customer management outsourcing business Vertex, based in Liverpool, has expanded its international reach with the acquisition of Australia and Philippines business PCI for an undisclosed sum. Following the deal, PCI will be rebranded as Vertex. The new business will build on PCI’s business of delivering inbound and outbound customer contact services linked to multilingual support. It will also open a new office in the Australian state of Victoria that will employ 600 people over the next two years.

Merseytravel has confirmed that the redevelopment of Liverpool Central Station will go ahead as planned. Reports had suggested that the £18m scheme would be scrapped after Network Rail withdrew its £6.3m share of the funding. However, it has since announced that £4m will be made available for the upgrade. The funding had been under threat following the government’s decision to cut a £50m scheme announced by former transport secretary Lord Adonis. Merseytravel chairman Mark Dowd said: “We can provide this upgrade with our funding partners albeit on a slightly reduced budget.”

Bakery ingredients and sugar supplier The Real Good Food Company, headquartered in Liverpool, has announced plans to create up to 150 new jobs over the next three years. In a statement to the Stock Exchange, the company said the jobs would be created in its subsidiary Hayden’s Bakeries. The move follows the expansion of its operations in Devizes, Wiltshire. Hayden’s has taken 33,000 sq ft of factory space in the town to cope with increased demand for its products.

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Infrastructure works are set to begin on Peel Holdings' Astley Business Park in Wigan. The 40-acre site has got planning consent for 340,000 sq ft of office and industrial development. The first phase of development will start next month, while Blackburn-headquartered Cloverleaf has also confirmed it will be the first tenant on the site. King Sturge and Lambert Smith Hampton are working with Peel on the scheme.