Liverpool can maintain hotel demand​, says Andrews

Liverpool's hotels can maintain current levels of demand, despite concerns that the market is reaching saturation. That's the view of David Andrews, the director of visitor economy at The Mersey Partnership. He told Insider that growing the hotel stock is essential if the city is to continue to attract major conferences and events.

FSB hits out at LEP plans

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has hit out at local authorities in the region for failing to involve business groups in talks to form local enterprise partnerships (LEPs). Paul Henly, the organisation's North West policy manager, said the LEP proposals due to be submitted to the government represented the public sector's voice, but not that of the private sector. He told Insider: "We support the principle of LEPs, but we can't support any of the bids because we've seen very little private sector involvement."

BCC raises growth expectations

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has raised expectations for UK GDP growth to 1.7 per cent this year and 2.2 per cent for 2011. However, despite the more positive short-term view, the business group has predicted that pace of growth will slow sharply over the medium-term as the coalition government’s tough deficit-reduction measures kick in.

SpiriTel wins £5m Punch contract

The Wigan branch of business communications provider SpiriTel has secured a £5m contract from Staffordshire pub company Punch Taverns. The company will provide its voice and data services to more than 800 of the group’s outlets.

Palm oil producer pleased with Liverpool plant

New Britain Palm Oil (NBPOL), which opened a new £18m processing plant in Liverpool in May, has reported falling profits for the first half of the year. However, the company’s directors have declared they are “very pleased” with the new Liverpool facility so far.

Deals market shows signs of recovery

The overall value of buyouts in the North West increased dramatically in the first half of 2010 to £1.47bn - more than three times the £434m achieved in the whole of 2009, according to new figures released today. However, the value was skewed by the £955m secondary buyout of Cheshire retailer Pets At Home in March.

Lettings market remains buoyant, says RICS

Increased tenant demand and a shortage of properties have ensured the lettings market remains buoyant, according to the latest RICS residential lettings survey. The picture in the North West has mirrored that of the rest of the UK, with rental activity pushed up due to difficulties faced by first-time buyers in securing mortgage finance.

Liverpool Science Park looks to grow space

Liverpool Science Park has asked Liverpool City Council to facilitate a £660,000 loan so that construction of a 5,000 sq ft expansion of the park’s existing ic2 building can take place. A report to the council’s cabinet said demand for additional small scale and grow-on commercial laboratory space cannot currently been met in the city.

Tague on Tour: Room to grow

Hotels are bucking a national trend and gathering momentum across the North West. Neil Tague looks into the major upcoming developments that will be shaping city skylines.

In Focus: Safety in numbers

The latest figures from CMBOR tell the tale that deal numbers are increasing. They are, but the underlying trend is down, explains Michael Taylor.

Telephone:
+44 (0)161 907 9711

Email:
info@newsco.com

Website:
www.insidermedia.com/northwest/