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In a sign that the banks will still back businesses when the story and the market are right, a new business has been launched in Irlam supported by a £90,000 funding package from Lombard, the asset finance arm of The Royal Bank of Scotland. Juliette Hassell has launched a children's activity warehouse called Little Monsters Mayhem, a 12,000 sq ft indoor play centre on Liverpool Road that will employ 15 people. The facility can accommodate up to 120 children. 
School merger secures new funding Blackpool's independent Arnold School is set to benefit from a £3m investment over the next three years after agreeing a deal to merge with the United Church Schools Trust, an educational charity that operates schools across the country. The funding is expected to be used to improve facilities without pushing up fees. It will also secure the future of Arnold School as, like other private schools, it will not benefit from the £140m Building Schools for the Future initiative that is due to be invested in Blackpool's other high schools.
Bodycote, the Macclesfield-based supplier of testing and thermal processing services, has announced a growth in revenues of 20.5 per cent to £382.6m and an increase in pre-tax profit of 4.9 per cent to £44.7m for the first half of the year. Over that period the group invested in new operations in Latin America, Dubai, India, Thailand and Japan and made eight acquisitions. "All our markets remain resilient, with the exception, as expected, of North American automotive," said chief executive John Hubbard. Bodycote is in the process of selling its food and materials testing business to focus on specialist thermal processing and expects to make an announcement about the disposal in the autumn.
PZ Cussons profits ahead of expectations Stockport-based soap and home products maker PZ Cussons has reported a 12 per cent rise in full-year pre-tax profit thanks to strong trading results in key markets such as Nigeria. The company, which makes Imperial Leather and Carex soap brands, saw pre-tax earnings for the year to May 31 rise to £76.5m. Sales were also up 14 per cent to £660.9m. Chairman Anthony Green said: "2008 has been another successful year for PZ Cussons, with profitability being delivered on track despite the challenging economic environment and the significant increases in input costs."
Wireless Manchester set to expand Good news for anyone who's had to put up with a clunky wifi signal in Manchester: the city's network could be getting wider. Once a joint venture partner is found, Manchester aims to provide city-wide coverage to residents and businesses. The Eastserve Project was set up in 2000 to allow internet access for East Manchester residents, connecting over 1,000 people to the internet. Since 2005, 5,500 people have received subsidised PCs and training, while enquiries at the Eastserve Interactive Jobs Database have risen from 300 to 1,000 per month.
New innovation fund launched Following the launch of the government's Innovation Nation white paper in March, the Learning and Skills Council has unveiled plans for a new fund, designed to increase collaboration between further education (FE) providers and businesses in the region. Colleges and other training providers will be able to apply for funding of between £250,000 and £800,000 from the FE Specialisation and Innovation Fund to drive business innovation through partnership and knowledge exchange. A "small number of targeted pathfinder projects" will be successful.
Profits up for MAG Despite ongoing worries in the aviation and airport industries, Manchester Airport Group (MAG) has announced an increase in pre-tax profit of 8.5 per cent to £87.8m for the year ending 31 March 2008. Revenue was up from £385.5m to £395.7m for the same period. The group, which also owns East Midlands, Bournemouth and Humberside airports, said overall passenger numbers were up from 28.6 million to 29.2 million, although Manchester Airport saw a drop of 200,000. Chairman Alan Jones said: "Safety and security, customer service, consolidation in the airline sector and environmental concerns all combine to present major challenges to our business. The group has responded positively to all these issues."
Turnover high for shop fitter Bucking the trend for gloomy results, Chorley-based shop-fitting business MJK Design & Build is set to post a turnover of more than £1m for the first time in its history. The company, which was founded with £6,000 in 1994, has an order book totalling £1.2m and now has plans in place to move from its factory on the Common Bank Industrial Estate. Owner Mike Kilbride said he is also looking to recruit a further 15 staff.
Manchester-based Chantry Developments has secured planning permission for a 215,280 sq ft business park in Northwich, Cheshire. New Cheshire Business Park has received outline consent for a range of industrial, office, distribution, trade counter and storage units. Part of the site previously operated as New Cheshire Salt Works, a salt processing plant, until 2006. Chantry acquired the site in January 2007.
Rock steady Crewe Pochin Developments has launched Emperor Court, a 21,700 sq ft office development on Crewe Business Park in Cheshire. Located off Electra Way, Emperor Court marks the last available plot at the 67-acre park, which boasts occupiers including DEFRA, Fujitsu and Virgin Trains. Amenities at the scheme include a Ramada Encore hotel and a Kids Unlimited crèche.
In Broadfield we trust Property investor Northern Trust, owned by Blackpool leisure millionaire Trevor Hemmings, has secured a letting at its £20m Broadfield Distribution Centre in Heywood. Manufacturer Hawker Siddeley Switchgear has taken an 11,437 sq ft warehouse on a ten-year lease, with a break clause included at year five. Northern Trust said the last remaining unit at the 270,000 sq ft industrial and distribution park is also under offer, while a 90,000 sq ft warehouse will be available later in the year when a current tenant vacates the premises.
DBK Group appointed at new care centre Specialist healthcare developer Primary Asset has appointed the Altrincham office of DBK Group as project manager, employers agent and cost consultant at its £7.2m Lytham Primary Care Centre in Lytham. The new building, due to be completed in April 2009, will have a floor area of 48,000 sq ft and will incorporate consultation rooms, X-ray and audiologist departments, minor surgery facilities, multi-use education rooms, a pharmacy, café and car parking for 163 vehicles.
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