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Manchester bedding manufacturer Dorma is being bought by Leicester-based listed retailer Dunelm Group in a deal worth £5m. Dorma was bought by Scottish cashmere company Dawson International in 2005, which restructured it into separate branded and private label businesses. Andy Bartmess, Dawson chief executive, said: "Dorma's results have improved since acquisition. But while the private label business is trading profitably the branded business, although much improved, continues to trade at a loss." Dorma Branded currently employs approximately 420 staff. In 2007 it recorded an operating loss of £3.6m, reflecting a decline in the mail order and independent retailer markets. 
Renold's eastern chain reaction Wythenshawe-based manufacturer Renold is set to acquire a 75 per cent interest in the industrial chain business of listed Indian company L.G. Balakrishnan & Bros (LGB). Following the LGB shareholders' approval, the acquisition should complete in August, together with the previously announced placing of new ordinary shares, raising £5.3m. The deal follows last year's acquisition of Renold Hangzhou in China. Renold shares edged up 3.75p this morning to 77.75p.
Shares in Manchester-based building products firm Ensor Holdings dropped 47 per cent this morning following the announcement that it was feeling the pinch of the construction downturn. Ensor's results for the year to April, which were announced in mid-June, showed a year-on-year increase in profit of 19 per cent. But the firm said in a trading statement: "We now believe that the downturn in our markets will be harsher and will last for longer than we expected. We have seen a reduction in sales and with margins under pressure expect half-year results to be materially reduced from last year." In early morning trading shares fell to 12.5p from 25.5p yesterday but Ensor said its balance sheet is strong with a better-than-budgeted cash position and low gearing.
Wyness quits Toffees Keith Wyness has left his position as chief executive of Everton FC. With the club and its partner Tesco preparing to battle through the planning system to get a new stadium-led regeneration scheme in Kirkby approved, Wyness is reported to want to work with his friend Paul "The Plumber" Davidson, who claims to have a deal in place to buy Spanish club Real Mallorca.
TV the future for Cumbrian food group Made in Cumbria, the organisation that champions Cumbria's food and craft producers, has helped to bring in £1.9m in sales this year according to its annual report, released this week. New funding from regeneration body Cumbria Vision and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), together with a new membership structure, have allowed investment in marketing. The group's first TV show made for shopping channel QVC aired in April, with more to follow.
Bell ups stake in S&W Styles & Wood, the Altrincham-based fit-out group, has confirmed to the stock market that shareholder Paul Anthony Bell has raised his holding in the company to over 8 per cent, the third time he has upped his stake in recent weeks. Earlier this year the group has issued a profit warning in the wake of cancelled orders, while Neil Davies and Gerard Quiligotti left as chief executive and chairman respectively after failing to take the business private. But shares rallied earlier this month when it was said to be close to a deal to fit out the flagship National Geographic shop on London's Regent Street.
Ascribe growth approved - just The growth of Bolton-based IT group Ascribe has led to a disagreement at Bolton council. The company's plans to expand its car park by 54 spaces made it through the planning committee by 11 votes to 10, with Conservative and Liberal Democrat spokesmen condemning the plans as an encroachment on greenbelt land. Ascribe's workforce has grown from 87 to 219 in two years. Labour councillor Nick Peel said: "The company is supporting employment, which is adding to our local economy."
Acting on behalf of a private syndicate, the Manchester office of Matthews & Goodman has acquired Building 3200 at Daresbury Park, Warrington, from Morley Fund Management for an undisclosed sum. The three-storey block extends to 40,687 sq ft and is let to internet security firm Vistorm. The property was placed on the market with an asking price of £7.625m. The purchase follows Morley's sale of the adjoining property, Building 3300, earlier this year.
Multibuild plays in premier league again Stockport construction and fit-out contractor Multibuild has called on its extensive hotel and leisure sector experience to secure a £9m contract from Yorkshire developer Urban i. The contract covers the construction of a new 118-bedroom Premier Inn hotel in Doncaster, with construction due to complete in April 2009. Operations director Paul Garstang said: "We have completed a very long list of Premier Inn projects, so we fully understand the levels of quality and adherence to budgets required. Our experience will help us overcome the space restrictions and deliver on time and to budget."
JLL appointed in Warrington United Utilities Property Solutions has appointed Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) to find a buyer or development partner for a 15-acre site in Sankey Bridge to the south west of Warrington. The brownfield site has planning consent for up to 250,000 sq ft. JLL wants offers by September and a deal before the end of the year. Director Colin Chivers said: "This is a rare opportunity to acquire a site in Warrington, which is capable of redevelopment in a short timescale. It will suit occupiers of small- to medium-size units."
Rooftop Jacuzzis - it has to be Charlestown Manchester City Council has been awarded £6.54m to transform an empty tower block into a supported housing complex, with a sky lounge and a rooftop jacuzzi. The development in Charlestown, north Manchester, will convert Whitebeck Court into 92 apartments for older people, along with communal and health facilities. The city council will work in partnership with Northwards Housing and Great Places Housing Group towards a start onsite in spring 2009. The council was awarded the second largest allocation of funding in the UK from the Department of Health's Extra Care Fund.
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