|
Top story
|
Get serious about commercial risks in 2011, directors warn
Risk management needs to be taken seriously by the region’s businesses this year amid signs that the UK economy will continue to struggle. The warning was issued at an Insider debate held in Bristol last week.
|
|
Deals
|
Cobham sells off part of business
Dorset-headquartered aerospace and defence company Cobham has completed the £13.5m sale of a part of its business based in Leatherhead, Surrey. The company has sold its 'Engineering Consultancy Group' to management backed by a private equity fund.
|
Shaken but saved
Part of Shakeaway, a milkshake brand based in Bournemouth, has been sold to SPN Acquisitions for an undisclosed sum, corporate recovery specialist Begbies Traynor has revealed.
|
|
Property
|
Exeter park and ride faces more delays
The proposed 15-acre park and ride scheme in Exeter could be delayed again. The planning committee at Exeter City Council are meeting later today to discuss Devon County Council’s proposed development that was previously rejected. However, it seems unlikely the scheme will be granted planning permission today.
|
Bristol office block proving popular
An office block in Redcliff Street is proving popular with the legal profession, financial specialists and business advisers, according to property agent Colliers.
|
Mortgage lending declines
Gross mortgage lending declined to an estimated £9.2bn in January - a 13 per cent fall from £10.6bn in December, according to data from the Council of Mortgage Lenders.
|
|
Business
|
Helphire shaves off more debt
Bath-based Helphire has reduced the size of its business after cutting debt over the last two years, it has said today. Net debt was reduced by £18.7m since 30 June 2010 to £143.3m. This brings the accident management company’s total net debt reduction to £204.4m since December 2008, when the recovery plan was put in place.
|
£2.5bn Business Growth Fund to open
A £2.5bn business support fund is to start investing in businesses with an annual turnover of between £10m and £100m from April, it has been revealed. The Business Growth Fund, backed by the UK's six biggest banks, will aim to help small service and manufacturing businesses in its first year.
|
Brandopus wins Badger Ales redesign
Dorset-based Hall & Woodhouse has appointed BrandOpus to redesign its range of Badger Ales. The decision to rebrand comes after the brewery carried out consumer research surrounding the premium ale category.
|
New year, fresh sales leads - Top 500 Companies
Looking to source new clients? Insider’s new North West Top 500 Companies 2012 database (available 10 February) will be our accurate and comprehensive business marketing list, providing you with the strongest contacts for the region’s biggest companies. Order the new data this month or request a free sample today.
|
