|
Top story
|
Plymouth’s white knight Brent will stand aside for others
The Akkeron Group is preparing to make a bid for troubled Plymouth Argyle to save the club from administration. But Akkeron’s chairman James Brent has told Insider he will “stand back” from a proposed deal to buy the club if another viable bidder is found. “If there’s a better looking white knight, that’s brilliant, but at the moment all they’ve got is the ugly one and it is better looking than liquidation,” he said.
|
|
Deals
|
CableCom buys Freewire
Bristol-based communication and multimedia services provider CableCom Networking has bought Freewire from a US rival for an undisclosed sum.
|
Cotswold companies in chartered surveying merger
Two chartered surveying firms based in the Cotswolds have merged. Martin Elliott Partnership and Tayler & Fletcher, both based in Stow-on-the-Wold, have come together to form Tayler & Fletcher incorporating Martin Elliott Partnership.
|
Natter completes funding round
Bath-based social networking site Natter has completed its first round of funding from a group of business angels. The money raised will be used to develop the natter.com site further.
|
|
Property
|
The Gateway sold for £20.7m
The Gateway Shopping Park in Trowbridge has been bought by Standard Life Investments for £20.7m. The freehold acquisition represents a yield of 5.7 per cent.
|
AeroThermal Group awaits decision on £9m project
Poole-based engineering company AeroThermal Group will develop a £9m waste to energy plant in the South West as part of a joint venture with 4Recycling. The project, which is subject to receiving the necessary planning consents, involves the development of a sustainable waste and resource treatment facility at the site of Imerys Minerals in South Devon.
|
Mercer and Marsh take space at The Paragon
Mercer and Marsh has taken office space at The Paragon in Bristol. The deal means that the office development is now 90 per cent let.
|
|
Business
|
Racecourse launches Cheltenham LIVE
Cheltenham Racecourse is set to expand its entertainment offering by hosting large scale music and comedy events. The racecourse will host these events under its new brand – Cheltenham Racecourse LIVE.
|
Reduced production at Honda but 3,000 jobs are 'safe'
Honda will halve production at its Swindon factory until the end of May because of a shortage of parts coming from Japan. Honda spokesman Paul Ormond confirmed to Insider that all 3,000 jobs at the plant are safe and pay will be maintained for all associates.
|
BCC defends £300,000 LEP network
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has spoken out in defence of its government-backed 'network' for local enterprise partnerships (LEPs). It comes amid criticism that the LEP system is becoming more centralised with some business groups missing out on having their say. But BCC's Adam Marshall told Insider the move was "not about traditional top-down relationships" and would listen to all businesses.
|
Would you like more sales leads?
Insider’s South West Top 500 Companies 2011 database is our accurate and comprehensive business marketing list, providing you with contacts for the region’s biggest companies. Order now or request a free sample.
|
