Drinks business Global Brands, based in Chesterfield, has acquired drinks agency Inspirit Brands for an undisclosed sum. The deal adds spirits including Four Roses Bourbon, El Dorado Rum, No. 3 London Dry Gin and Opal Nera to Global Brand’s expanding portfolio. Chairman Steve Perez said: “The premium spirits market is currently a challenging one, but as consumers are still willing to pay for quality, this deal puts us in a good position to capitalise as the market recovers. The acquisition of Inspirit Brands is the next step in the expansion of our drinks brands portfolio.” Founded in 1997, Global Brands now has a turnover of approximately £70m and exports to more than 30 countries. For Insider comment, click here.

VC Train, the South Yorkshire charitable training organisation, has sought assurances from the three main political parties that they will continue the Future Jobs Fund. Labour and the Liberal Democrats have promised to keep the £1bn scheme to get young people back into work, but the Conservatives have only said they will review it. Set up by the government as a response to the recession, the Future Jobs Fund offers employers up to £6,500 for each recruit they take on if they provide the employee with training and pay the minimum wage.

Companies in Yorkshire and the Humber could benefit from targeting trade with Germany and Benelux countries, an expert has claimed. Ben de Smit, the economic and commercial counsellor at the Embassy of Belgium Flanders Investment & Trade, said short two-way shipping can be developed between the Humber and Belgium, with the latter also offering cheap serviced office space. Belgium is also “an entrepôt to a huge, very rich European market”, he said.

To submit your property to Commercial Property Finder click here