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Top story
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Government confirms electrification plan for Great Western Mainline
Bristol and Swindon have received a big economic fillip with the news the government has pledged to press ahead with the electrification of the Great Western Mainline. Transport secretary Philip Hammond confirmed the decision last night.
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Deals
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GE Aviation Systems in $62.5m deal
Cheltenham-based GE Aviation Systems' legacy fuel measurement business has been sold to BBA Aviation’s Legacy Support business, for $62.5m (£38.5m).
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Avonmouth development will be forward funded
The development of a distribution centre in Avonmouth, near Bristol, will be forward funded by AXA Real Estate Investment Managers, it has emerged. The property has already been pre-let to The Co-operative Group.
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Indian acquisitions on the rise, says Grant Thornton
There was a sharp increase in Indian takeovers in the UK last year, according to merger and acquisition statistics from accountancy firm Grant Thornton. Indian companies announced 24 deals targeting UK assets valued at £571m last year.
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Property
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Wellington homes approval linked to £2m projects
A plan to build up to 300 homes in Wellington has been recommended for approval ahead of council talks today. But Persimmon Homes is only likely to get outline planning permission if it commits to a section 106 agreement covering £2m-worth of other projects, it has been revealed.
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D-Day for Sainsbury’s and Bristol City
Sainsbury’s controversial Ashton Gate store could be refused planning permission today, when a Bristol Council committee meets later. If the scheme is blocked, as being proposed by planning officers, then Bristol City Football Club could lose out on £20m, which was set to go towards the cost of the club’s planned £92m stadium at Ashton Vale.
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Barnstaple boosted by £2.45m injection
Proposals to transform a North Devon estate by creating homes, jobs and neighbourhood improvements have received a boost with a £2.45m investment from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). The first phase is expected to start within the next few weeks.
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Business
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Cobham wins $40m contract
Dorset-based Cobham has won a $40m (£24.6m) contract from Inmarsat to be a partner for Inmarsat's new 'Global Xpress' broadband service.
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Le Page Architects launches
A new architectural practice has launched in Cornwall. Le Page Architects is an owner-managed RIBA chartered practice founded by co-directors Amanda Le Page, Simon Crosbie and Damon Pearce.
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IoD to host health summit at Circle Bath
Businesses across the region are being invited to attend a discussion on NHS reforms. The Institute of Directors is holding the event at Circle Bath in Bath on Thursday.
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