A member of staff at The Association of Business Schools (ABS) has herself gone back to the classroom and achieved academic success.  

Ten of the East Midlands’ most innovative businesses will go head-to-head later this week (September 9th) as they compete against each other at the Lord Stafford Awards 2010.  

Law firm Weightmans LLP can this week celebrate a hat trick of record rankings as the legal profession’s biggest annual surveys highlight the firm’s progress.  

Law firm Irwin Mitchell’s Birmingham office’s impressive growth has been reflected with more recommendations and rankings than ever in the Legal 500; an independent guide to law published this week.  

Updates to the Equality Act and the impacts of the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme go under the spotlight at the next Business Advisers' Club breakfast seminar, at the Belmont Hotel, Leicester, on 29th September 2010.  

An ‘inspiring’ Midlands company has been recognized as a worldwide IT industry leader.  

Few people relish their tax affairs being caught in the spotlight, let alone when they are told that they are part of a “project”, an expert has warned.  

A conference to help small and medium-sized West Midland businesses seek out new export markets is being staged by the region’s leading business organisations.  

One of the biggest office lettings along the M42 corridor this year has been completed at Studley Point, Warwickshire where over half of the office development (10,175 sq ft) has been let to sustainable and renewable energy group ENER-G PLC.  

The boss of a Coventry company is cutting down barriers after becoming the first woman to be appointed to the board of a professional organisation for drillers and sawers.  

Local authorities in the Midlands are facing an unprecedented challenge to deliver ‘more for less’ and must look beyond simple spending cuts to secure the best possible outcome for people living and working in the region, according to public sector specialists at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC).  

The West Midlands business community today told Ministers that co-ordinated action across the region is needed to tackle the economic downturn.  

Midlands Air Ambulance has teamed up with one of the region’s most established law practices to give free advice on wills and legacies.  

An ‘e-fast food’ service in the Black Country has seen a big jump in the number of people ordering takeaways - over the internet.  

Last night Deborah Andrioli, from Stratford-upon-Avon, had her life completely changed when she was announced as the winner of The Microsoft Remote Worker Award in a prestigious ceremony to celebrate The Remote Worker Awards, in association with BT Business, at The Grand Connaught Rooms in London.  

Shrewsbury based vehicle hire specialist Jolly Good Van Hire has stepped forward to support a St. Modwen cycle team in their bid to raise £50,000 for charity.  

The launch of new Birmingham based awarding organisation, Skillsfirst Awards, will transform the way vocational skills and qualifications are delivered to the retail, business administration and service sectors across the Midlands and the rest of the United Kingdom.  

Six companies across the Midlands are today celebrating as they are announced as the regional finalists in an HSBC initiative to find the UK’s most innovative and forward-thinking companies. The announcement brings the businesses one step closer to the prize of up to £5 million in lending, plus a financial reward of up to £100,000.  

One of the world’s leading providers of welfare to work, training and recruitment services has announced the appointment of a new group CEO.  

Solihull businesses looking for growth have a world of opportunity in overseas markets and there has never been a better time to trade internationally.  

It’s still a struggle on the High Street for Midland retailers, according to new research by Cushman & Wakefield – but things are improving marginally.  

Lutterworth-based business services provider Chapco secured a £5million investment from financier Next Wave Partners, before immediately going on the acquisition trail and snapping up Scottish competitor 24Seven.  

Browne Jacobson has been appointed to a newly formed legal panel set up by a consortium of six councils in Oxfordshire.  

Britain’s regional office markets continue to be a happy hunting ground for international real estate investors - and Birmingham is on course to top the 2010 deal table.  

The UK’s longest-established rock & roll venue based in Dudley may soon be facing closure unless a buyer can be found, according to corporate insolvency and business rescue expert John Travers of John D Travers & Co.  

The Matrimonial and Family department at Walsall law firm Enoch Evans LLP have a new addition in the form of newly qualified solicitor Gemma Palmer.  

Birmingham City University’s School of Computing, Telecommunications and Networks has signed a major deal to work with the global software development company, 5G Technologies.  

A leading Birmingham-based medical research and manufacturing company, The Binding Site, has acquired a long leasehold interest from Calthorpe Estates for the 107k sq.ft. award-winning, sustainable office development on Calthorpe Road in Edgbaston  

Armoury Group has been appointed by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to demolish an ageing towerblock in the heart of Larne, County Antrim.  

Birmingham lawyer Chris Rawstron is swapping the flat pavements of Colmore Row for the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro as he undertakes a gruelling charity trek.  

A Birmingham resident and tireless neighbourhood campaigner has featured in a new publication on the lives and communities being transformed by the government's Pathfinder programme.  

Following a successful trial campaign earlier in the year DLH has been retained to conduct additional market research for a leading Third Sector Organisation.  

Automotive companies in the West Midlands looking to ‘green their supply chain’ are being urged to take part in a special event set to be held later this month (September 15th).  

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC), the market leading professional services firm, today announced turnover¹ growth of 4% to £2,331m up from £2,248m in the previous year, with underlying net revenue² also increasing 4% to £2,069m.  

QUANTEC is the name of an innovative, new range of robots from KUKA, which are lighter, faster and more energy efficient.  

Rising demand for advice from web-savvy clients has prompted Midlands’ law firm Harvey Ingram to make more legal services fully interactive, by plugging them into the internet.  

With credit conditions for smaller business remaining tight, a Black Country insolvency and corporate rescue expert is urging firms to stop bashing the banks and look to keep their own houses in order.  

Following reports that a new superbug has been brought into Britain, an expert microbiologist is urging healthcare officials in the Midlands to act now to prevent a potentially devastating outbreak of NDM-1.  

Yorkshire Bank is living up to its ethos of creating partnerships and connecting people by extending its business partnership with the Ricoh Arena.  

A stakeholder perception survey has praised government regeneration agency Urban Living for performing well and 'making a difference' to the area.  

The Government has published further details on the proposals announced in the Emergency Budget to provide a National Insurance holiday for new businesses which is anticipated to save businesses around £7.2bn*.  

While some 52% of businesses1 stated that their customer communications had suffered over the last 12 months, savvy companies such as independent security coding company Identidot have been enjoying upgraded communications for less by using Cloud Net's cost effective business phone systems coupled with Cloud Net broadband.  

UK top 20 firm of accountants and business advisers Horwath Clark Whitehill continues to strengthen and expand its Midlands offices in Walsall and Kidderminster by taking on a new set of young recruits.  

GVA Grimley’s Birmingham office has demonstrated considerable confidence in the Midlands’ property market with the signing of a deal to expand its existing office space by 6,660 sq ft from August, bringing its total occupation at Three Brindleyplace to 33,260 sq ft.  

A Midlands law firm, fast-expanding Harris Cooper Walsh, has appointed three new partners to help take its ambitious development plans forward.  

The short list has been selected by an independent expert judging panel for the 2010 AIM Awards, jointly organised by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and Ford Sinclair. The winners in each of the 11 categories will be presented with their Awards at a gala dinner in London on 14 October.  

Birmingham based PR and design agency Seal announces three key promotions for its Birmingham office as part of its five year strategic plan to focus on its award winning on and offline talent  

Planning consultants CSJ Brooke Smith have secured planning consent for affordable new homes and the redevelopment of existing offices at Whitley Village, Coventry for their client Midland Heart Housing Association Ltd.  

A local firm has offered a helping hand to an up-and-coming artist which has seen her reach the final stages of a national sculpture competition.  

A virtual scientific map is being created by Birmingham-based computer specialists, Daden Limited, to enable the public to take a 3D journey into UK based science.  

Award-winning friction welding machine manufacturer Thompson has signalled its ambitions to further build on its success in the aerospace market with the appointment of a dedicated sales manager for the sector.  

A group of young unemployed people in Coventry, who were inspired by hit BBC show The Apprentice, are celebrating after being told – You’re hired!  

Black Country law firm Hawkins Hatton has helped seal the deal for a leading manufacturer of mechanical sealing solutions for the power generation industry.  

Birmingham City University has announced a two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Programme with document-management solutions company Documotive.  

Birmingham based Trebor Developments and Wrenbridge Land have announced the execution of a development agreement with public sector partner, Dacorum Borough Council, for the Maylands Business Centre (formerly known as Axis Point) in Hemel Hempstead, with phase one including a new office innovation centre and 18 industrial starter units.  

Rebecca Jones may not fully understand the meaning of the word temporary – but it has just landed her a major award!  

Coventry University has linked up with the Princess Royal Trust for Carers to participate in a major charity fashion show at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London during London Fashion Week 2010.  

The iconic design of Bournville College’s new £66 million building is starting to appear as main contractor Shepherd Construction begins to install a series of huge wooden beams that will lend a distinctive appearance to the college frontage.  

Mobile Fun, the UK’s leading Internet retailer for Everything Mobile, is taking its proven retail formula further into Europe by launching a dedicated online retail site for French consumers. The site will offer an unsurpassed range of accessories for mobile phones and mobile devices, coupled with a rapid delivery service.  

Birmingham IT networking, infrastructure and electrical specialist, Data Power Limited has invested £75K in expanding its business into the air conditioning sector after direct demands from its UK wide customer base.  

Thirty-six businesses are through to the final round of Birmingham Chamber Group’s annual business awards.  

Residents of a Warwickshire town are being asked to dig out their old unwanted gardening tools to help a group of volunteers who are working hard to restore gardens.  

Proposals in the Government’s White Paper Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS are sure to shake up the organisational structure of the UK’s healthcare system but GPs will need to become more business-savvy if they are to reap the benefits.  

First Personnel have donated £10,000 to Acorn’s Children’s Hospice to help fund their 10km Midnight Walk. And they are hoping to raise thousands more before the end of the year as part of their ongoing support for the charity.  

Birmingham’s first organic hair salon, Puro Hair, has announced the appointment of a team of experienced stylists as the new salon on John Bright Street prepares for its official launch.  

A Leamington Spa-based business woman has taken a top position at one of the UK’s leading trade associations.  

The city centre lifestyle is continuing to attract young professionals taking their first steps onto the property ladder, according to Crest Nicholson – the force behind the award winning Park Central development in Birmingham city centre.  

Chartered accountants Clement Keys is celebrating its second anniversary of working with Bright Space, a Birmingham arts and education charity that promotes brighter futures for young people and helps them prepare for the future with a number of new and exciting initiatives.  

The recent upturn in the reported fortunes of the UK’s banking sector has not translated into the expected lending increase to business, claims the head of the Manufacturing Advisory Service – West Midlands.  

Tipton-based BHJ UK Protein Foods Limited has achieved the highest global standard in food safety for the fifteenth year running.  

A recent survey of more than 200 professional services firms in the West Midlands has shown that 70% have identified the low carbon and environmental technologies sector as a key area for growth, with 41% already offering or developing specialised services in this area.  

In a deal brokered by DTZ, leading real estate investment manager, PRUPIM, has sold its industrial premises on Burton Road, Streethay in Lichfield for £615,000.  

Walsall-based truck dealer, the Hartshorne Group is helping a Midland waste management company grow its business.  

There’s nothing like blowing your own trumpet, as two grateful West Midlands scouts found out.  

Howard Farrand, chief executive of Bromsgrove-based West Mercia Housing Group, has moved on to pursue other interests.  

The Birmingham office of independent private equity house, Key Capital Partners (“KCP”), has provided expansion financing to contemporary furniture and home accessories retailer, Dwell, with a £5 million equity investment for a minority stake in the company.  

If you have drifted down the aisles of your local Waitrose lately, you may have noticed a new range of beauty products on the shelves.  

Companies thinking of outsourcing payroll commitments to cut costs in these uneasy economic times can benefit more during National Payroll Week – September 6-10.  

Yorkshire Bank has strengthened its growing Birmingham team with the appointment of a new partner.  

A computer expert, who loves scuba diving in his spare time, is set to make a splash in his new role at a leading Midlands IT firm.  

Over 80 full time graduate vacancies were on offer this week as a West Midlands graduate recruitment specialist helped tackle unemployment in the region head-on.  

Business advisory firm Deloitte has reported revenues of £1,953 million for the year ended 31 May 2010, just £16 million below the previous year, despite the tough economic environment.  

A pioneering Birmingham hair salon is set to change the face of hairdressing across the city.  

A series of webinars highlighting how professional services firms can increase productivity through smarter use of IT is being staged by Birmingham-based Elitesuite Software and Midshire Business Systems.  

Savills West Midlands Property Conference held on 25 August 2010 addressed ‘Embracing change in the development market’. It reported that the commercial market needs to accept a pricing shift in order for development to return. Meanwhile upcoming changes in the planning system are generating some degree of development uncertainty.  

Ms Gao Jin Ning, editor of China’s Business Travel magazine, toured the city to experience its offering for business visitors both inside and outside of the conference hall.  

Leading Black Country law firm George Green LLP warn employers to be on the look out for fake fit notes, which are being sold on the internet.  

Birmingham based International Synergies has joined forces with Staffordshire University to launch the world’s first undergraduate qualification in applied industrial symbiosis.  

Birmingham Science Park Aston (BSPA) has instructed the Birmingham office of Drivers Jonas Deloitte as the Park’s new letting agent.  

Community pharmacy chain Lloydspharmacy has today signed a deal to extend its agreement as Coventry City’s official healthcare partner for the next three years.  

Birmingham based ICM Continuity Services, part of the Phoenix IT Group plc, has announced that it has been awarded its largest contract to date by a London based global financial services group.  

Dove Cottage Day Hospice in Stathern, near Melton Mowbray has been awarded a grant from E.ON’s Employee Community Fund, courtesy of E.ON employee Richard Hardy.  

National property and construction consultancy Wakemans has promoted a senior Building Surveyor to associate director reflecting the strength of its service offering in this growing sector.  

Whilst the economic downturn has hit the construction industry extremely hard, the current trading climate has not waned William Davis’ commitment to aspiring youngsters from Leicestershire and this week, eight teenagers from across the County were the latest to join the Loughborough-based contractor and developer’s award winning apprenticeship scheme.  

The newly opened (18th Aug) Grapevine pub on the High Street, Bromsgrove enjoyed its first weekend with fantastic feedback from customers who welcomed the new look pub following a week-long, £85,000 refurbishment.  

People in Staffordshire are the first in the UK to benefit from a new telehealth application from assisted living specialists Alvolution, that enables health and social care professionals to provide personalised technology prescriptions.  

Birmingham’s business community is “overwhelmingly” in favour of proposals prepared for the creation of a Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).  

Business managers could be entering legally binding contracts before they are aware of it, a Coventry legal expert has warned.  

Leading West Midlands law firm Higgs & Sons, has assisted Optimo Care Group to acquire the entire issued share capital of WarrenCare Ltd, the largest provider of homecare and support services in Sefton, Merseyside.  

Leading building services provider JS Wright has won a £4.5-million contract to fit out a new £46-million regeneration scheme in London.  

Some of the hottest tips of the night at Wolverhampton Racecourse will be related to fashion rather than horses when the venue hosts its ever-popular Ladies Evening.  

West Midlands business leaders welcome the news that nearly seven out of ten entries in this year’s GCSE results (over 69%) have been awarded a C grade or above.  

A breakthrough solution which ensures the cleanliness of dental equipment has put a Derby-based company in the running for a prestigious innovation award.  

Wolverhampton’s Compton Hospice is linking up with one of the city’s premier hotels as part of the charity’s Raise the Roof appeal to redevelop patient facilities.  

Award winning financial services company Gemini Wealth Management has teamed up with Midlands Air Ambulance to support the charity’s life-saving work.  

A new employment initiative targeting Dudley’s long-term unemployed has created sixteen new jobs and training places at the region’s flagship extra care development on Middlepark Road in Russells Hall.  

Get in quickly if you plan to put your company up for sale, a Midland expert has warned.  

Councils need to act quickly to avoid a policy vacuum on new housing, a planning expert has warned.  

The taxman is set to get heavy with tax evaders, an expert has warned. Paul Malin, director of tax investigations at the Birmingham office of BTG Tax, part of the Begbies Traynor Group, said that as a result of a combination of a number of factors, a new push on tax evasion was now on the cards.  

Midlands based training and development experts Acua are on a high after reaching the final of a prestigious national awards ceremony – just two years after launching.  

A big blue bus packed full of information about getting back into work could be just the ticket for jobseekers when it rolls into Coventry.  

Business phone systems company Cloud Net, yesterday announced the launch of its first mobile connectivity solution for the iPhone and iPad. The Cloud Net Mobile PBX provides users of Apple’s iDevices with a full set of easy to use VoIP-for-business features, including a full hosted virtual PBX (switchboard), at clear, predictable and competitive rates.  

Glyn Purnell, celebrity Michelin star chef and owner of Birmingham’s Purnell’s restaurant, has put his name behind one of the UK’s leading cancer charities.  

Birmingham telecommunications firm, Interactive Telecoms, has this week welcomed and enrolled four of its first graduate interns, as part of its partnership with internship provider Graduate Advantage.  

The UK’s leading Internet retailer for Everything Mobile, Mobile Fun, today announced renewed sales growth and a healthy return to profit for the year ending 31st March 2010. Following increased order volumes, the company has posted sales of over £7 million (a 15% revenue increase from 2009), with profits before tax of over half a million pounds (compared with a loss of £17,000 in 2009).  

A newly-opened waterside café staffed entirely by catering industry trainees has been given the green light by Birmingham’s ‘knights of the road.’  

The Ricoh Arena threw a special fifth birthday party for its key sponsors and tenants to mark its landmark anniversary.  

One of the region’s most experienced residential property lawyers believes that the housing market will see steady activity until Christmas unless the press and commentators talk us into a double dip recession.  

Overseas property owners are waiting on the outcome of a European Commission consultation aimed at tackling unfair cross-border inheritance taxes that can leave families facing a double tax hit.  

A rare opportunity to bid for a 1928 Morris Cowley vintage motor car takes place on 1st October at Midlands-based auction house, Biddle & Webb.  

We’ve all seen the rigorous process Lord Sugar and his aides put recruits through on the Apprentice but it is very rare that the communications industry has the time or resource to conduct such thorough interviews. However companies need to ensure that when they hire they’re getting the best talent in the industry.  

One law firm from round here, doing rather well down there is, Colmore Square based firm Martineau, who continue to win work for Birmingham, more normally associated with law firms in the capital.  

Pupils in Four Oaks who have broken up for the summer holidays will find their schools looking very different on their return this autumn.  

Independent private equity house, Key Capital Partners (“KCP”), has appointed a new investment manager to its Birmingham office, as it looks to make further investments in the region and capitalise on the improving economic prospects.  

Barclays Private Equity (“BPE”), one of Europe’s leading mid-market private equity firms, has taken a majority share in UK glass container manufacturer, Allied Glass (“Allied” or “the company”), in a £75 million secondary management buyout from CBPE Capital (“CBPE”).  

A leading estate agency in Coventry believes it has made the ‘white’ decision to change its ‘sold’ and ‘for sale’ boards.  

The Black Country Chamber of Commerce and a number of its members will have the opportunity to quiz Mark Prisk MP, Minister for Business and Enterprise at the Chamber Annual Awards and Exhibition.  

St. Modwen is expanding its Midlands land bank with the announcement that it has signed an agreement with Branston Properties Ltd to develop a 280 acre site in Branston, Burton on Trent.  

A team of karting enthusiasts will be living life in the fast lane to boost the funds of a children’s cancer charity.  

A new, three-bedroom display home has been officially opened by Loughborough-based developer William Davis Homes on the company’s flagship private housing development, Grange Park to widespread interest from potential homebuyers.  

A patented ‘dual fuel’ injection system for diesel Heavy Goods Vehicles is set to put a Nottingham based transport technology firm in the running for a regional innovation prize.  

Lawyers at East Midlands firm Robinsons Solicitors have sent out a 10-point credit control advice plan to their commercial clients to help them avoid bad debts.  

The Birmingham-based Industry Forum is preparing for its 10th “learn from the best” delegation to Japan. Industrialists and engineers from all over the UK are being invited to take advantage of a rare chance to learn the secrets of Japanese manufacturing first hand.  

The Vinden Partnership is pleased to announce the appointment of Bruno Quiligotti as a Senior Consultant of Corporate Solutions.  

Pure Gym the new 24 hour, no contract budget gym company, has appointed James Dyke as gym manager and Daniel Stanford as assistant manager at its newest gym located in Windmill Shopping Centre, Cape Hill, Smethwick.  

Future Alliance, the Alliance 4 the Black Country and Black Country Chamber of Commerce organisation representing the area’s growing future professional and financial community has announced two new Chairs.  

A second Staffordshire-based Chamber of Commerce has voted to join the proposed Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).  

Leading Black Country law firm George Green LLP are warning employers to be aware that after one year’s service with an employer, employees who are dismissed are entitled to receive written reasons why their employment has been terminated.  

Three and a half years into its role as Programme and Project Manager to the Royal Shakespeare Company for the Transformation of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Drivers Jonas Deloitte continues to keep the landmark project on schedule.  

Lord David Freud, the Government’s chief adviser on welfare reform, met local job seekers when he visited a West Midlands town.  

Midlands marketing communications agency, Gough Bailey Wright, has appointed two new account managers to its expanding PR department.  

Midlands-based recruitment specialists Novalign have just launched their new website following a brand makeover from Birmingham design firm AHP Design.  

The M&A marketplace was quieter than expected in Q2 2010, despite signs of improving liquidity and some particularly strong deal-making activity in the Midlands during the first quarter, according to corporate finance experts at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) in the Midlands.  

The West Midlands Centre for Constructing Excellence (WMCCE) is offering 20 innovative SMEs in the construction sector the opportunity to take a subsidised place at the industry event of the year. The BEST show, formerly Interbuild, will take place at the NEC between 18th and 20th October.  

Twenty-nine year old Richard Lander, who graduated from Birmingham City University with a First Class BSc Honours degree in quantity surveying, has been awarded the Wakemans Law Prize.  

Birmingham-based law firm Shakespeare Putsman and Nottingham-based law firm Berryman have confirmed they are to merge, to create a Midland-wide network of regional offices and a £30m turnover practice.  

Property developers and land owners could face fines and see deals deemed void if they are not careful, David Hayes, head of real estate at the Birmingham office of DLA Piper, has warned.  

Rakeplan Engineering - A successful marketing campaign for a Wolverhampton automotive engineering company has reunited former colleagues.  

McKechnie Brass has secured a £2.5 million Invoice Finance facility to support the company’s working capital position. The historic manufacturing business, which was recently bought by Nick Harrison and Peter Brown securing the future for 45 workers and promising to expand the Aldridge-based business.  

Three job offers in one week marked the end of a Birmingham man’s two-year unemployment ordeal – and the start of a rewarding new career.  

Despite fraudulent activity rising by 65 percent in the last 12 months, businesses are complacent about the chances of being affected by fraud and see the risk to them as likely to dwindle, according to a Fraud survey by Midlands law firm Challinors.  

Two years after a collection of freehold townhouses were sold out at Crest Nicholson’s Park Central scheme in Birmingham city centre, the developer has announced that a new phase of the innovative homes will be released at the award winning development this autumn.  

Companies in the Midlands should be taking steps now to ensure their profits are not impacted unnecessarily by the planned VAT increase on 4 January 2011, according to experts at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC).  

UK Trade & Investment's Coventry & Warwickshire international trade team is organising a high level market visit to Toronto and Waterloo for West Midlands Information and Communications Technology (ICT) companies from 27 September to 1 October. The closing date for applications is Friday 27 August.  

Birmingham-based company SCH is one of Britain’s biggest family businesses, based on the latest study by the Institute for Family Business (IFB).  

The multi-purpose Ricoh Arena in Coventry is preparing to celebrate a special milestone this month.The award-winning £113 million venue, which has had over seven million visitors, will be marking its fifth anniversary on Friday, August 20.  

Forest Dog Rescue, an independent registered charity based in the Wyre Forest in Worcestershire, established in 1997, saves the lives of over 200 stray and unwanted dogs each year who, without their help, would face a very uncertain future.  

Since reopening in 2007 Coventry’s new look Belgrade Theatre has developed its audience significantly. According to the venue’s 2009/10 Annual Report the last year alone has seen an impressive 35.7% increase in attendance with just under 175,000 tickets sold.  

The Tribunal Annual Statistics for 2009/2010 have recently been published and make for some interesting reading, according to leading Black Country law firm George Green LLP. In total, a staggering 236,100 claims were received by Employment Tribunals in 2009/2010.  

Rachel Newell, Director of Max Resourcing, from Newark, Notts, aims to win The BlackBerry Remote Employer Award, while Howard Taylor, who runs Kancho Creatvie from Wolverhampton, hopes to wear the PCG Freelance Award cap.  

Innovative truck bodybuilder Bevan Group prescribed its streamlined Bevan21 boxes to help clinical waste specialist SRCL reduce its fuel consumption and cut carbon emissions.  

Award-winning Saffron restaurant Group is expanding its services with the launch of an upmarket outside catering service.  

A team of employees from Birmingham residential agency FleetMilne have transformed the garden of a disabled boy from Dudley.  

The Midlands continued to experience weak demand for business park office space in the first half of 2010 while availability increased, according to the latest GVA Grimley Business Parks Review, which monitors office space supply and demand across the UK’s business parks.  

It has been announced today, that Smethwick’s first 24 hour gym is going to be opening its doors on 26th August.  

One hundred and sixty two barristers from Birmingham’s St Philips Chambers have joined Birmingham Law Society (BLS).  

A selection of community organisations are being invited to learn a mix of traditional journalism and digital skills in order to form an innovative online news hub.  

Almost a third (32%) of Midlands companies plan to reinvest at least 6% of turnover back into their business for commercial growth next year, according to research issued today by Yorkshire Bank.  

Talbots Solicitors celebrated the launch of its new corporate website with a trip to the West Midlands Safari Park in Worcestershire to meet a zebra it has sponsored and to celebrate the naming of it by one of Talbots’ clients.  

Businesses from across the Black Country are invited to celebrate success at a major event next month. The famous Black Country Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards and exhibition will take place on Thursday 9th September at Wolverhampton Racecourse.  

Recent case law branded a ‘cheat’s charter’ could make it harder to reach fair divorce settlements, according to a Coventry legal expert.  

The Milton Keynes South Midlands economic growth area remains a potential threat to parts of the West Midlands, it was claimed today.  

Rock star Bev Bevan and Aston Wood Golf Club board member Roger Partridge are pictured with a cheque for £17,200 for the Help For Heroes charity.  

All the Broad Street and Brindleyplace businesses, their events and promotions, and details of the area’s Walk of Stars are now contained in one easy-to-use iPhone application.  

McCann Erickson Birmingham has announced the appointment of one of the digital industry’s most influential players as Gray Dudek joins the agency this month in a Board level position as Managing Director of McCann-i.  

Lawyers at the associated firms of Talbots and DBL Talbots offered discounted will-writing services during February of this year to help raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.  

George Martin, Willmott Dixon’s head of sustainability has been voted one of the region’s first Top 50 Green Leaders. The Sustainability West Midlands ranking, launched this week, celebrates the region’s greatest contributors to a low carbon economy by 2020.  

The Government’s decision to undertake a major reform of economic development structures by abolishing Regional Development Agencies and replacing them with Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) provides an exciting opportunity for the Black Country, according to Mike Dell, President of Black Country Chamber of Commerce.  

A specialist delivery firm from Walsall has seen its trade boom with the help of a dedicated innovation support scheme for the town.  

One of America’s top fashion chains has chosen Birmingham as the location for its first ever UK store.  

Professional services firm Deloitte has significantly strengthened its corporate finance advisory team in Birmingham with the appointment of Steve White as senior director.  

The use of virtual worlds for learning, collaborative work and business ventures will be explored in a unique conference on 15 September 2010.  

Companies looking to maximise their working capital are being given a helping hand thanks to a series of new workshops hosted by Business Link West Midlands.  

A business owner who turns unwanted old garments into funky children’s clothes has won the Birmingham heat of BusinessZone.co.uk’s £50,000 search for Britain’s best new company, The Pitch 2010.  

Increasing numbers of farmland and rural property owners are being enticed to the market following rising land prices in the first half of the year, driven by tight supply and increasing demand.  

Midland Tool and Design (MTD) have been approved for the industrial industry accreditation AS9100.  

In spite of a challenging 2009/10 financial year in which the economy’s suppression continued to have an impact on transactional activity, Cobbetts LLP succeeded in increasing net profit by 14 per cent to £10.4 million.  

Longbridge car workers that were made redundant when the factory closed have created a new innovative website to share their experiences.  

David Oliver, of Haines Watts Wolverhampton, has been elected as the President of the Staffs, Salop and Wolverhampton Society of Chartered Accountants.  

A Black Country company that has produced elaborate metal sections for a Grand Prix circuit and Wembley Stadium is securing its own international reputation with a number of new export deals.  

St. Modwen is continuing to clear the way for future employment and residential space at Longbridge, with the demolition of 270,000 square feet of empty buildings off Lickey Road.  

Manufacturers in the Black Country need to embrace the three ‘Ps’ if they are going to continue to emerge from the downturn warns a leading support specialist.  

A leading Midlands-based management training and development company is expanding into the South West and is aiming to make a splash after winning its first contract in the region.  

Staff and partners at business advisory firm Deloitte have raised £1million for charity in just one month.  

The latest DTZ Research UK Property Times Industrial market report has revealed that the overall volume of available space of buildings over 50,000 sq ft fell in Q2 due to sustained high levels of grade A take-up and a reduced rate of return of grade B and C stock.  

GE Capital Real Estate has secured the West Midlands Specialised Commissioning Team (part of the NHS), as the latest tenants of its 123-127 Hagley Road business park development.  

A Birmingham based digital media company is offering companies the chance to rejuvenate their business with an innovative new ‘website scrappage’ scheme.  

The Walsall-based truck dealer, the Hartshorne Group has supplied a giant Volvo tractor unit and trailer to a Midland heavy haulage company which has an interesting sideline in vintage steam engines.  

Bromsgrove-based marketing communications agency, Gough Bailey Wright, has been shortlisted for two Birmingham Post Business Awards.  

Splitting up the area currently covered by Advantage West Midlands into around six Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) will adversely affect vital fledgling sectors such as knowledge-based businesses, reports David Hardman, managing director of Birmingham Science Park Aston.  

Glass radiators, yes, that’s right glass radiators! This pioneering, brand new, eco-friendly range is heading to Birmingham fresh from those flamboyant and style crazed Italians.  

High growth businesses in the East Midlands seeking funding of around £500k to £5m have a great opportunity to learn how to make the perfect investment pitch ahead of the Connect Midlands Investment Conference (CMIC) in November.  

Childcare vouchers – popular with many working women – could be on the way out, an expert has warned.  

Midlands corporate finance specialists RSM Tenon found a buyer and assisted in the sale of expanding Wolverhampton fencing company John Grimes Sawmills.  

Birmingham and Solihull have moved a step closer towards creating a Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).  

Karndean, the world’s leading supplier of commercial design flooring, has appointed award winning consultancy Willoughby PR to handle its public relations activity.  

British businesses are being increasingly bought-out by foreign companies taking advantage of the “bargain basement” state Britain has been left in post-recession.  

A noisy import from the South African World Cup could cause a major legal headache for English football clubs, a leading industrial deafness lawyer has claimed.  

A team of Birmingham lawyers have been getting their hands dirty for Project Pond.  

Leading Midland developer Stoford and La Salle Investment Management have completed the first freehold sale of a speculative warehouse unit at Vale Park West in Evesham.  

From the roof of their offices in St George House, Hill Street, Gallan highlighted features of their £45million mixed-use scheme in Upper Dean Street adjacent to the Bullring shopping centre - a key regeneration area featured in Birmingham’s ‘Big City Plan’.  

Company drivers heading for sunnier climes during the holiday season need to make sure they are fully covered – and not just in terms of sun protection, warns leading fleet company Masterlease.  

The Lord Mayor of Coventry and Chief Fire Officer of West Midlands Fire & Rescue Service, Vij Randeniya have cut the ribbon to mark FireAngel’s new head office officially open.  

Archial Architects, represented by international real estate advisor Savills, has relocated their Birmingham office to newly refurbished premises at The Walker Building in Digbeth.  

Today marks the start of a new era for nine Worcestershire care homes as they join leading UK housing and social care provider Sanctuary Group.  

Few locations in the world can rival the UK for the infrastructure that gives ‘wannabe’ entrepreneurs a vital boost up the business ladder, according to a globally respected business consultant.  

The Midcounties Co-operative has achieved the Investors in People Gold award. The member-owned community retailer was recognised by independent assessors for its commitment to developing colleagues through training, career progression and support as an integral part of its successful business.  

German organic food company Rapunzel Naturkost has invested in two Ishida RS multihead weighers for the weighing and packing of four diverse products, including muesli, dried fruit and cashew nuts, and a new range of gourmet, ready-to-eat dishes containing rice, vegetables and spices.  

East Midlands businesses are set to be affected by the recent decision in the Astra Zeneca case at the European Court of Justice (ECJ). This could lead to significant VAT costs for employers who operate salary sacrifice schemes. As a result fundamental changes to the way they are run are expected.  

Opus Restaurant is now offering its popular Market Menu to lunchtime diners with a complimentary glass of champagne throughout August, as the celebrations for the restaurant’s fifth birthday gather pace.  

Browne Jacobson has posted a robust set of results for the financial year ending 30 April 2010 with turnover rising 7.2% to £32.9m from last year’s £30.7m.  

A Birmingham-based firm of residential property mangers have found even more success by opening a new branch in Cheltenham.  

Jane Peters, employer services director for the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) in the West Midlands, visited the Sanctuary Group to learn more about the organisation’s extensive apprenticeship opportunities.  

24-year-old Katy Groves had wanted to work in healthcare from a young age and now, thanks to an apprenticeship at Walsall Manor Hospital, she has fulfilled her dream and is working as a discharge liaison nurse.  

Through close collaboration with Birmingham City Council and the University Alliances division of German-based global industrial software giant SAP, Birmingham City University has launched its ‘Institute of Innovation for Enterprise Systems’.  

Fidelity's UK Real Estate Fund has purchased a £22.7m portfolio of modern industrial and office buildings across the Midlands from IM Properties, reflecting a net initial yield of 8.9 per cent.  

Mixed messages about the economy and concern about house prices and the impact of public spending cuts are forcing retailers to plan ahead for another cautious Christmas, according to retail experts at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC).  

Birmingham based Fusion Building Consultancy has begun work on a new £6.1m flagship Audi dealership in Bristol.  

Leading business finance provider Bibby Financial Services has bolstered its commercial team in the West Midlands by appointing Andrew Beamish as business development manager for the region.  

A determined teenager at risk of becoming another jobless statistic has been thrown a lifeline from a Birmingham social enterprise.  

The DLA Piper Birmingham Planning Team have been named 'Team of the Year' at the Royal Town Planning Institute West Midlands annual awards.  

More than 40 Walsall companies have already signed up to a new business support programme that is building on the town’s reputation for ingenuity.  

Water cooler specialist Angel Springs has come up with a refreshing solution to the challenge of keeping the promotional messages displayed on its trucks bang up to date – with a little help from bodybuilder Bevan Group.  

Workers at small businesses in Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country are being offered the opportunity to develop high-level skills, including those people whose jobs are at risk of redundancy. The Workforce Skills training project is offering NVQ Level 4 courses to emphasise the value of having a trained and skilled workforce, particularly in such economic climates  

Leaders of the region’s thriving social enterprise sector are heading back to the classroom later this year for the second West Midlands ‘Summer School’ to learn from some of the most influential people in UK business.  

Prospect Estates Ltd has acquired the freehold of Halesfield Seven in Telford in a deal brokered by joint agents, DTZ, Bulleys and Colliers International. The sale, worth £1.83m, represents the largest industrial deal in the town this year and will see the 15.63 acre site sub-divided to create a new industrial estate known as Epic Park.  

Walsall charity Breathing Space, which helps local people into self-employment, has teamed up with Walsall business phone systems company Cloud Net, to provide a service which will allow local start up and small businesses to make telephone calls within Walsall for free.  

National property consultancy Bruton Knowles with offices in Bull Street, Birmingham has appointed two specialists to its planning and development team.  

A new film about successful young social entrepreneurs is being rolled out to schools, colleges and universities in a bid to get more individuals involved in the rapidly growing £27bn sector.  

When Bill Powell registered his family business, Powell & Son butchers in Sutton Coldfield, for customer services training, his son Will was a little dubious. The butchers had been open for over 20 years, and had built up a great reputation in the area, and Will was unsure whether training in customer services was something that they needed.  

Midlands corporate finance specialists RSM Tenon has assisted an agricultural machinery firm in its buy out by an American company.  

A family flooring business based in Albrighton near Wolverhampton is planning to stay one step ahead of the competition following its incorporation into a limited company.  

Corporate sports fans enjoying the prawn sandwiches as they cheer on Villa, Blues, Wolves or West Brom in the new football season have been warned to watch out for a mystery supporter.  

Private investors can afford to be much more relaxed about the current volatility of the financial markets – if they choose their investment portfolios to offer not only potential for growth but also significant protection, one of the UK’s leading investment advisors has said.  

Thirty-year-old Richard Fort from Kings Norton, Birmingham, started off his career as an apprentice electrician with NG Bailey at the age of 16. Once fully qualified, Richard gained years of experience working on large electrical installations for major retailers, the NHS and education sector.  

Central Financial Services in Sutton Coldfield has helped a group of Birmingham school children experience outdoor learning with other pupils from all over Europe.  

A new one-stop recruitment agency has been launched in the Midlands by one of the most experienced business women in the sector, Sue Yates.  

Cloud Net, the business phone systems company, today announces that it has been awarded the Accredit UK certification and has become the first business/telecoms/VoIP company to achieve the recognition.  

Wolverhampton based R&D Tax and Grants Ltd has helped a Tamworth precision engineering company successfully reclaim research and development tax from HMRC.  

David Fowkes put on his running shoes to take part in the Birmingham Insurance Institute annual run for charity, and raised the highest amount by any individual.  

Birmingham based Rewired PR is investing in new talent with the appointment of two graduate trainees.  

Nearly 300 Midlands-based volunteers from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) joined forces to take on the firm’s biggest local community challenge yet.  

A new drinks brand born in Birmingham is set to revolutionise the way we drink cocktails at home.  

Instead of waiting for the axe to fall, private and family businesses in the Midlands should face up to the reality of the imminent cuts in public sector spending now and for those that do, there could be unexpected reward, according to cash management experts at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC).  

The West Midlands needs to “play it smarter” on transport solutions, a leading businessman has warned.  

Oliver Disney began working at the communications agency seven years ago, straight out of university, as a temp making cold-calls. The 29 year-old has since been promoted through the ranks to Business Development Director and heads-up the New Business team.  

International accountancy firm Mazars has expanded its operation in the Midlands with three new appointments  

Birmingham retailer Cloggs.co.uk is predicting a rapid sell-out of the new range of FitFlop products this winter.  

The development of a groundbreaking homeless scheme planned for Snow Hill in Birmingham city centre has moved one step closer as a previous customer kick-started work on site.  

It was best foot forward for Birmingham walkers as they stepped out on a tranquil summer’s morning to go back in time for a guided tour of the city’s Heartlands Ring.  

A leading UK lean management consultancy has encouraged politicians to use external consultants to achieve multi-billion pound savings.  

Young entrepreneurs in the West Midlands will be the first in the UK to benefit from a new web platform aimed at making enterprise simple.  

The grade II listed Birmingham Moor Street Station is one of the new entries to be included in Birmingham’s most popular guide to the city’s heritage buildings  

Homebuyers at Park Central in Birmingham could beat the landlord and save hundreds of pounds each month by getting on the property ladder rather than renting, according to Crest Nicholson – the force behind the award winning city centre development.  

Midlands companies need to emulate their counterparts in the US when it comes to getting the best return on their investment in people and they may need to look for alternative ways of maximising human capital, according to human resources experts at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) in the Midlands.  

RSM Tenon has helped a dynamic Notts software firm secure funding from RBS which will help the company go global.  

The Birmingham office of law firm Cobbetts LLP has made five promotions across a number of its key service lines.  

Dudley company Industrial Penstocks celebrated in style at an evening reception at Buckingham Palace, having received a Queen’s Award for International Trade.  

The commercial property market is showing definite signs of recovery according to experts at leading Midland auction house Bigwood.  

Birmingham accountancy firm, Reynolds and Co reassures there is a silver lining for business start-ups and micro businesses concerned about the effects of the proposed 20% VAT increase in the West Midlands.  

Bollywood came to Birmingham when a free family fun day mixed music and dancing with advice on jobs and training.  

The seventh annual Blythe Valley Park Charity Fun Run is to be held in Solihull in September and this year there is an added incentive for runners to sign up with a sibling.  

Birmingham telecommunications firm, Interactive Telecoms is joining in a partnership with internship provider Graduate Advantage in a bid to reduce a skills shortage in the IT and Telecommunications sector in the West Midlands.  

Fourteen hardy souls have reached their £5,000 fundraising target for a Coventry cancer centre after completing the Three Peaks Challenge with minutes to spare.  

Hundreds of Sandwell residents gathered at Smethwick's Victoria Park to celebrate their local area and hear more about plans for its transformation.  

The Birmingham office of Jones Lang LaSalle has been appointed by Staffordshire Police to sell the freehold interest of Crossfields, 35 Cannock Road, Baswich near Stafford.  

Lucky diners at Pier 39 Restaurant in Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield were treated to a spectacular celebrity performance from Lionel Richie act, Moni Tivony, fresh from the BBC’s hit show, The One and Only.  

Most small businesses in the West Midlands believe it will be a year or more before they can enjoy a full return to growth and better access to finance from the banks, according to a new survey.  

Government plans announced today to enable villages in England to build homes without seeking council planning permission have been generally welcomed by Coalville-based Midlands Rural Housing (MRH).  

Walsall Regeneration Company (WRC) is to close following the decision by Advantage West Midlands (AWM) that it can no longer provide funding.  

The Southern Ireland operation of Midlands based firm, Oakland International, is again looking to increase its workforce thanks to the firm's sustained business growth.  

Birmingham based full service agency Big Cat Group has been recruited by government regeneration agency Urban Living in partnership with Arts Council England to help promote their Beyond Bricks community arts campaign.  

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) in the Midlands is celebrating the promotion of three directors to the partnership, reflecting the firm’s continued strong performance and commitment to the local business community.  

A top industrialist and investor told a major conference in Birmingham that businesses must adopt a “can-do” approach to tough times ahead.  

Birmingham residential letting agency FleetMilne has recently expanded its team with the appointment of two new employees.  

An economics and geography graduate from Loughborough University has fought off competition from over 100 challengers to secure the position of Birmingham Future’s Graduate Apprentice 2010.  

The region’s first ever Top 50 Green Leaders have been revealed today in a bid to drive forward the move to a low carbon economy and society by 2020.  

Leading firm of solicitors Waldrons is strengthening its presence across the Black Country with a new office in Walsall.  

Leading UK and international accountancy practice Mazars is making a major move in the Midlands.  

Real Estate Investors plc (REI), the Birmingham-based investment company, has swooped to snap up a large piece of prime Colmore Row property in the heart of the city’s professional quarter.  

A Black Country designer and manufacturer of aluminium wheels has won a major new contract in Australia, with help from UK Trade & Investment.  

A Birmingham training provider that has transformed the lives of thousands of vulnerable people has become one of the first organisations in the country to be awarded the prestigious Social Enterprise Mark.  

The number of attacks on websites has reached 2,500 every hour and the pace of technology is doing little to stem the rise in risk levels for confidential information, according to information security commentator, Jason Hart, speaking at an E-fraud briefing in Birmingham.  

Professionals in the creative industries in Staffordshire are being targeted by a new marketing “dating agency” aimed at matchmaking marketing professionals with companies seeking their services.  

The Grandee Energy Group, manufacturer of domestic central heating systems, has relocated to Highcross’ Finepoint business park at Kidderminster.  

Coventry Building Society has become the official mortgage and savings partner of the Sky Blues. The new partnership was launched by Ray Ranson, chairman of Coventry City Football Club, and Mark Harrington, Savings Product Manager of the Coventry.  

Whitecross Nursery School in Derby has been awarded a grant from E.ON’s new Employee Community Fund, courtesy of parent and E.ON employee Clair Hatton.  

Buderus, the sister company to domestic boiler manufacturer Worcester, Bosch Group, has appointed Willoughby PR to handle its public relations account.  

Savills, on behalf of its client Kingerlee Homes, has brought the grade II listed estate Pitmaston, Moseley to the market at a guide price in excess of £3.5 million.  

The return of ‘off-plan’ sales across Walton Homes’ Midlands development portfolio is a clear sign of market recovery, says the award-winning regional developer.  

Generous workers decided to dig deep to help green-fingered Birmingham school children grow their own vegetables.  

At the Farnborough Air Show on Tuesday, a team of world class engineering and manufacturing firms from across Coventry and Warwickshire united to launch a new initiative that will combine their expertise and facilitate joint-company tenders for major aircraft programmes.  

In July, McCann Erickson PR joined client Ember Inns to raise a pint to its ‘Make Up a New Brew’ competition.  

McCann Erickson Communications House has helped Stanley Bostitch launch a new range of cordless nailguns across Europe.  

Willmott Dixon’s innovative approach to inspiring excellence in the built environment has been recognised by the British Council for School Environments (BCSE), after the design and build contractor picked up three awards, including ‘Schools Contractor of the Year’.  

Wolverhampton-based parcel company APC Overnight is expanding with significant increases in warehousing and operational facilities focused on the Midlands and Southern Counties of England. The UK’s largest next day parcel network reports that several members have strengthened their operations and services because of increasing business.  

McCann Erickson PR has launched the 2010 NIVEA Race for life campaign with Birmingham-based company, Beiersdorf.  

Professionals from the world of law, accountancy, finance and banking batted it out at Warwickshire County Cricket Club Indoor Centre, Edgbaston, in the annual Challinors indoor cricket tournament to raise £600 for the West Midlands region of charity The Lord’s Taverners.  

Birmingham Chamber Group (BCG) is attempting to form a cross-region Local Enterprise Partnership that would ensure a fair distribution of resources.  

Highcross has attracted GoIndustry DoveBid, a market leader in asset intelligence, to its Livery Place office building in Birmingham city centre.  

The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry brought together members of the local business community with an exclusive event for its Directors Club held in the award winning restaurant Petit Gourmand at the Belgrade.  

Cutting red tape is one of the most important concerns for businesses, large and small, so the creation of an office which will simplify the tax system is to be welcomed say local business leaders.  

Almost 2,000 people in Coventry, Warwickshire and across the Midlands have celebrated ending their unemployment ordeals by clinching new jobs with local companies thanks to vital support from an important new initiative.  

Leading lighting specialist Abacus today announced the start of a new relationship with HSBC’s Commercial Banking team in Nottinghamshire. Selected thanks to its international expertise and extensive global network, HSBC has kicked off the relationship by helping the company open a subsidiary business in St Petersburg, Russia.  

A Court of Appeal judgment this week will have major implications for insurers seeking access to confidential documents that could enable them to refuse indemnity.  

UK top 50 law firm Mills & Reeve, which has an office in Birmingham, has been shortlisted for UK and Ireland Regional Legal Team of the Year in the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) Private Client Awards 2010/1  

The Welding Institute, one of the world’s leading independent research organisations, has ordered a Thompson linear friction welding machine to further develop its materials joining technology expertise for the aerospace industry.  

Wayne Taylor has recently been appointed Head of Barclays Corporate in the Black Country.  

Start Software urges local technology companies to enter the 6th ICT Excellence Awards because of the business opportunities it can generate. The awards, sponsored by the ICT Cluster, honour the best technology companies region wide.  

The trend towards value-sourcing is set to benefit the Midlands economy, by encouraging more UK-based businesses to procure products and services closer to home, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC).  

Business leaders learned how to network more effectively when a night of magic conjured up business skills at Dudley and District Business Club.  

The growth of fraud in the UK continues unabated according to BDO LLP’s six monthly update on reported fraud. For the first six months of this year fraud losses rocketed to £1.06bn, eclipsing all previous half year figures.  

The taxman could owe you money - but you still end up being “fined”.  

Six West Midlands companies found out more about opportunities for developing their export business in Thailand from Britain's top representative in the country.  

Attractive Partners, one of the UK’s leading personal introduction agencies, has changed hands in a match making deal overseen by Dudley Based law firm Hawkins Hatton.  

Having been named E.ON’s Charity of the Year, Cancer Research UK has seen the first fruits of that partnership when they were presented with a cheque for £50,000 by the company.  

Most businesses know that their websites aren’t working effectively but have no idea how to improve their performance, according to a Birmingham-based web marketing expert.  

Midland Tool and Design (MTD) have been approved for the industrial industry accreditation AS9100.  

Aerospace still remains one of the most important manufacturing sectors to the West Midlands economy according to a leading industry specialist.  

Head of Harvey Ingram's Private Client Group Mark Dunkley, has been appointed East Midlands chairman of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).  

A Birmingham mum who is aiming for a career in social care after returning to learning has been nominated for a prestigious award.  

A West Midlands educational firm, which has developed ways of assessing children's attitudes to learning, has been sold to the Granada Learning Group for an undisclosed sum.  

A Birmingham digital media company which specialises in the production of videos and animation for corporate clients has received £200,000 from the Birmingham City Council Loan Fund.  

Birmingham-based Hills Numberplates Holdings Limited has strengthened its position in the UK and global number plate market following a round of investment from private and trade contacts, with professional advice in respect of the investment provided to by Birmingham firms Friend LLP and Shoosmiths.  

Organisations in the Midlands are worryingly complacent when it comes to information security, assuming that “it won’t happen to me”, while individuals often tend to think “it is someone else’s problem.” According to a report from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC), organisations should make employees the first line of defence against damaging security incidents.  

A West Midlands based metal manufacturing firm is celebrating winning a £75K contract with a Herefordshire soft fruit grower.  

While the Three Lions failed to set the pitch alight in South Africa, McCann Erickson PR managed to bring football home – backing the star signing to Britain’s World Cup BBQs this summer with the official England Three Lions Salad.  

Coventry-based mother and baby charity Baby Lifeline which cares for pregnant women and their newborn babies across the UK is laughing all the way to the bank after holding a successful comedy night in the city – Live at the Belgrade!  

Richard Wherton, a partner with Midlands accountants and business advisers Horwath Clark Whitehill, offers some tips on how to put together an effective customer survey.  

Midlands law firm Wright Hassall has acted for retail management software company Consolis Systems in a seven-figure deal to acquire Geller Business Equipment.  

Government moves to cut costs within the Insolvency Service by axing more than 50 front line jobs is set to allow directors who flout the law to keep their place in the boardroom, warns a Black Country insolvency and business recovery expert.  

An unemployed graduate who found himself in the “classic catch 22 situation” is celebrating clinching a new job after getting a chance to prove himself through an internship initiative.  

International recruitment consultancy Badenoch & Clark is moving its Birmingham office to Highcross’ Livery Place, following recent expansion. The company has taken 6,000 sq ft on a ten-year lease at the city centre offices.  

Get prepared for the “dash for cash” as the taxman’s patience starts wearing thin – that is the warning from Midlands accountants and business advisers Horwath Clark Whitehill.  

Insurance law reform is now long overdue, the new Government has been warned.  

The recently launched Exceed – Midlands Advantage Fund has made its first investment in Birmingham-based budget public relations company, pr2go.  

There is encouraging news on the jobs front said Birmingham and Solihull business leaders, as unemployment figures fell yet again, down by 15,000 to 8.6 per cent.  

A team of five volunteers from E.ON’s Community Relations team spent ‘Give and Gain Day’ transforming the playground at Highwood Player School in Bilborough in an out-of-this-world style.  

Business Voice WM has stepped up its campaign to get broadband access to rural areas.  

National law firm Mills & Reeve has announced positive annual financial results for the year ending 31 May 2010.  

The fall in June inflation figures announced today by the Office for National Statistics is partly due to businesses cutting prices with retailers bringing forward summer sales, say business leaders.  

Business Voice WM is backing a major anti-crime workshop. The lobby group is supporting an event run by the National Federation of Retail Newsagents, a BVWM member, aimed at business crime prevention.  

Many small firms have given up on the banks and it is threatening a crisis for the West Midlands, according to Institute of Directors’ regional chairman John Rider.  

The aerospace sector is set to be introduced to a unique West Midlands’ manufacturing offer at the Farnborough International Airshow later this month (19-25th)  

The single biggest company volunteering ‘day’ ever held in the West Midlands took place last week, with 27 companies using their talents to promote science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) through a range of interactive activities.  

Cherry Oak School in Selly Oak has been awarded a grant from E.ON’s new Employee Community Fund, courtesy of parent and E.ON employee Slavena Stateva-Dunphy.  

The England squad may not have given fans much cause for celebration in South Africa, but for staff at Halesowen-based chartered accountants Nicklin LLP, World Cup success was a lot more forthcoming.  

A free family fun day in Birmingham is set to mix music and dancing with advice on jobs and training. The Mini Mela, hosted by Faraz Chohan, will take place at the sports’ pavilion in Aston Park, Aston, from 11am to 4pm on Thursday, July 15.  

Leading Midlands’ accountants and business advisors, Smith Cooper, have strengthened their business recovery and insolvency advisory department with the appointment of Michael Roome as corporate recovery and insolvency senior manager.  

Business leaders, Tom Fanning, Chief Executive of the M6 Toll operator, Midland Expressway Ltd, and Simon Turl, CEO of Roadchef, are to lead off a charity ride out in aid of Midlands Air Ambulance on July 25th 2010.  

West Midlands businesses can learn how they can capitalise on export opportunities with help from a joint initiative between HSBC Commercial Banking and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).  

Business Voice WM and the City Region have made an early bid for funds from the recently announced £1 billion Regional Growth Fund.  

Manufacturers must develop renewed courage in the face of Far East competition, according to a leading industrialist.  

Cloud Net, the business phone systems company, today launched www.phonegrader.co.uk, a free service that helps small businesses evaluate the way their phones are answered by their employees  

Rutland based international educational exchange organisation, IEPUK Ltd, is helping British nationals find work placements all over the world thanks to continued support from UK Trade & Investment.  

Generous workers have presented a donation to a Coventry and Warwickshire charity which provides vital care and support for patients and families affected by terminal illness  

The most prominent ICT awards scheme in the West Midlands, is once again calling for entries. Now in its 6th year, the prestigious 2010 ICT Excellence Awards, organised by the ICT Cluster, recognises the most innovative high-tech companies in the region.  

An award-winning Midlands IT ‘champion’ is on the way to Washington to share his firm’s secrets of success around the world - at a conference with former US President Bill Clinton.  

The PTA of local school, Far Forest Lea Memorial CE Primary School, are jumping for joy after 10 months of organising numerous fundraising events throughout this current academic year to benefit the school's pupils, recently securing Barclays Bank's £ for £ Scheme to top up their fundraising initiatives.  

Local authorities need to grasp the nettle now that the Government has confirmed the scrapping of Regional Spatial Strategies.  

A leading West Midlands manufacturer is pressing on with its plans to diversify into new markets.  

Willmott Dixon’s West Midlands office has unveiled plans to construct one of the greenest buildings in the country following the company’s recent appointment as the preferred bidder by Northamptonshire County Council for its £55 million academies building programme in Kettering.  

Despite national news breaking this week about how tough the jobs market is for graduates, a recruitment specialist that is dedicated solely to placing graduates into West Midlands’ businesses is confident our region is bucking the trend.  

Horwath Clark Whitehill’s (HCW) National Pensions Group has won the “Pension Scheme Auditors/Accountants of the Year” award for the second consecutive year at this year’s European Pensions Awards.  

Chartered accountants Clement Keys has joined its’ client Mayridge to celebrate the winning of a major international project that will spearhead the company’s expansion into China.  

Four property professionals from St. Modwen’s Midlands and North Staffordshire regions will be getting on their bikes to complete the 900 mile cycle ride from Lands End to John O’Groats in September, in a bid to raise at least £50,000 to be shared between four nominated charities – The Donna Louise Children’s Hospice Trust; Breast Cancer Campaign; the British Heart Foundation; and the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer.  

The Dispute Resolution department at Walsall law firm Enoch Evans LLP are celebrating this month with the news of an addition to the department as well as a global awards win.  

Midlands-based printing company, Edward Fox Ltd, has been acquired by Pinstripe Print Ltd with the aid of a £300,000 working capital facility from Absolute Invoice Finance, part of Aldermore. The deal has transformed the combined businesses into one of the largest independent printing groups in the Midlands.  

The number of troubled companies in the West Midlands has fallen, but another wave of insolvencies is expected next year, according to business rescue, recovery and restructuring specialist Begbies Traynor.  

An innovative new way of linking small businesses with Universities in the region has been launched by virtual worlds solution provider Daden Limited. The idea grew from Daden's regular contact with regional Universities, as Daden's MD David Burden explains:  

Three glass artists from the West Midlands have won new business to teach at the most prestigious glass museum in the world this month, following help from UK Trade & Investment.  

The Bank of England’s decision to keep interest rates at 0.5 per cent has been welcomed by Black Country Chamber of Commerce.  

The Birmingham office of Cushman & Wakefield has completed one of the biggest office deals so far this year with the letting of 12, 013 sq ft (1,116 sq m) space at Blythe Valley Park, Solihull.  

As part of the plan for the UK to meet its obligation to generate 15% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020, the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) will be introduced from April 2011 to encourage people to generate their own renewable heat energy.  

Talbots Solicitors are delighted to confirm that one of their own – Helen Aston – was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors of the Supreme Court of England and Wales on 1st July.  

A Wolverhampton GP has scooped the top prize in a competition run by Life Science organisation MedilinkWM.  

Coventry, Birmingham, Derbyshire, Redditch, Wolverhampton, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Solihull will be represented at one of the world’s most prestigious air shows as Midlands organisations eye global success.  

Alison Gibson, Employee Involvement Officer for E.ON, has won Community Impact Champion of the Year 2010 at the Business in the Community (BITC) awards.  

Birmingham’s first organic hair salon, Puro Hair, has agreed a deal with Herb UK, the largest independent, own brand manufacturer of hair products in the country. The new salon on John Bright Street is now Birmingham’s only supplier of products from the Organic Colour Systems and Organic Care Systems range  

Business Voice WM has stepped up its campaign against on-going power cuts in parts of the West Midlands.  

Crest Nicholson Regeneration is celebrating the successful launch of a new phase of apartments at Park Central in Birmingham city centre. Here, pent up demand from today’s homebuyers resulted in a flurry of sales, sealing Park Central’s status as one of Crest Nicholson Regeneration’s best performing schemes.  

The Macdonald Burlington Hotel, the luxury four star hotel situated within the Burlington Arcade off New Street, in the heart of Birmingham’s City Centre, has recently completed a £2million refurbishment scheme.  

A former LDV dealership is celebrating after being in business for 50 years in addition to completing it’s transformation into a new Ford Dealership.  

South Birmingham based professional surveying practice, Lawrence & Wightman, is beating the gloom overshadowing the property advisory world, having just notched up 114 years in business.  

Business advisory firm Deloitte has signed up to support this year’s World Wheelchair Basketball Championships, in Birmingham.  

The Southern Ireland operation of Midlands firm Oakland International has been chosen by leading European fresh pasta producer, Giovanni Rana, to support distribution of their fresh pasta products to a major Irish retailer, with Oakland International managing all aspects of transportation, storage, product and case labelling, prior to onward distribution throughout Southern Ireland.  

Volkswagen has launched a search for Birmingham’s hardest-working 60-year-old tradesman to share the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Transporter commercial vehicle.  

Traditionally, employers have used restrictive covenants in contracts and relied upon the law relating to confidential information to protect their business from ex-employees wanting to make use of their information for their new employer, according to leading Black Country law firm George Green LLP.  

Crosby Lend Lease has reported a sell out success at its 123 bedroom Hub development in Birmingham city centre.  

After working with more than 300 clients, employing 50 staff and putting in more than 23,000 hours of work, Coventry-based communications agency, The Bridge Group, celebrates its tenth anniversary this week.  

Home sales are sustaining hopes of a recovery among the West Midlands manufacturers, according to new figures released today (Thursday, July 8).  

As graduates face the harshest job market conditions in a decade, 16 first-year undergraduates from universities across the Midlands are set to get a taste of the real world of work this week at a summer talent academy for aspiring business people.  

The new leadership team of national delivery network Nightfreight is being further strengthened with the appointment of logistics figurehead Ian Smith as Chief Operating Officer.  

Birmingham law firm Irwin Mitchell has proved it is the best when it comes to rehabilitation for their seriously injured clients with a win at the Rehabilitation First Awards in London, winning for the third year running the award for “Rehabilitation Initiative of the Year – Claimant Solicitor”  

Young unemployed people inspired by hit BBC show The Apprentice have been touring Coventry to raise money for those less fortunate.  

Ledo, the largest supplier of frozen food products in Croatia, has benefited from the expertise of Ishida Europe in the installation of three weighing and packing lines for frozen vegetables, fish and pastry that have enabled the company to reduce product giveaway, increase production capacity and tighten production control.  

Care Companions Ltd, a company providing a range of care services for the elderly and adults with dementia or learning difficulties, is to deliver a free ‘Carer Awareness Training Course’ in Sutton Coldfield on Wednesday 14th July.  

Birmingham and Solihull business leaders are urging the Bank of England not to rock the economic boat and raise interest rates on Thursday.  

A Leicester-based business which supplies parts to the aggregate industry, is set to double its projected annual turnover in its first year of trading with the backing a factoring facility provided by Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance.  

After a turbulent two years in the automotive industry due to the global financial crisis, OEMs are once more turning to M&A activity as a means of achieving strategic growth and creating value, according to industry experts at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) LLP.  

A new project aimed at improving rural broadband for 40,000 people and more than 2500 businesses in the rural West Midlands was launched this week.  

West Midlands manufacturers are missing out on a golden opportunity to grow their business according to a leading business support specialist.  

One of the region’s leading family law experts has recruited another member to its specialist children’s team.  

Eight local companies were toasting success this week after their efforts to reduce climate change were rewarded at the 2nd West Midlands Low Carbon Economy Awards.  

A Midlands based engineering company who developed a product to overcome the problems associated with the traditional ‘stop-cock’ and revolutionise the plumbing industry, has expanded into new premises.  

CitySprint, the UK’s largest privately owned SameDay Distribution company with a ServiceCentre in Birmingham, Warwick and Nottingham, has been crowned winner of the ‘Road Risk Manager of the Year’ award at the 2010 Fleet Safety Forum Awards for Excellence after demonstrating exemplary road risk management policies with proven results.  

Professionals from across the region have been told the secrets behind Coventry’s recent Olympic triumph.  

A new ‘Suppliers Registration Portal’, designed to level the playing field for SMEs competing for NHS contracts, was voted a boost for business development by delegates at its Birmingham launch event hosted by MedilinkWM.  

A leading workplace injury lawyer says at-work fatality rates remain far too high as the latest Government figures are published.  

Willmott Dixon is on the verge of becoming a £1 billion after posting a substantial 69 per cent growth in turnover.  

A Black Country engineering firm has joined forces with a contemporary in the USA to work on a tooling and component project for the American underground system.  

Jessica Peters (11), a pupil at Holly Hall Mathematics and Computing College in Dudley, has seen her winning Health & Safety design printed onto high-visibility vests as part of an awareness campaign launched by Loughborough-based contractor and developer, William Davis Ltd, Birmingham-based housing and regeneration group, Midland Heart and Dudley Council  

Former newspaper editor Steve Dyson is to re-open the debate about the most controversial Budget ever seen in the UK.  

A construction equipment manufacturer is hoping the Sky Blues can build on their foundations next season after pledging its support for another five year period.  

The Information Team at Midlands’ law firm Harvey Ingram has won a national award for its innovative approach in providing top-notch, fast and timely legal updates to clients and staff alike.  

Friction welding machine manufacturer Thompson has appointed a new manager to head up its sub-contract friction welding service and expanded the operation by adding a new machine.  

The latest PwC analysis into corporate insolvency numbers demonstrates that the effect of the downturn on Midlands business is showing more signs of easing.  

Business confidence is starting to return to the Midlands as an increasing number of companies look to take advantage of growth opportunities in the next 12 months, according to research issued today by Yorkshire Bank.  

The Rebels with a Cause from McCann Erickson Birmingham have made it home from their week-long, 2400 mile charity motorbike journey around Europe and beaten their intended fund-raising target in the process.  

Three years ago, a Coventry-based company made its first tentative steps into the video production market and now, Pro-Mo Media are growing from strength to strength, having just expanded into their new premises in Coventry city centre and taking on new staff.  

The Workshop employment project, funded by Coventry New Deal for Communities (NDC) and delivered by Pertemps People Development Group (PPDG), is celebrating helping more than 450 local people find local jobs.  

Two driven marketers could be on a one-way street to success after launching a new marketing strategy and creative consultancy.  

Black Country firm Sirus Automotive, which adapts vehicles for use by disabled people, has launched its products into the European market, with help from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).  

The launch of state of the art broadband facilities in Walsall has been welcomed by the town’s regeneration body.  

With increased rates of income tax, capital gains tax (CGT) and various forms of indirect tax arising from last week’s Budget, it is essential that investors make use of all available exemptions and reliefs to protect their investments, according to wealth experts at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) in the Midlands.  

Midlands law firm Challinors has established a unique joint venture with the specialist training division of Birmingham based Loss Adjuster QuestGates, to create one of the UK’s first-ever Mortgage Fraud Technician courses and qualifications.  

A new £18m investment fund designed to kick start and support growing businesses in the West Midlands has been officially launched.  

The announcement earlier this week by the Government that nine English Regional Development Agencies are going to be axed has been heavily criticised by an economics expert from Coventry University.  

Leading Birmingham-based building services provider JS Wright is set to turn a world-leading 60-year-old theme park into an 'overnight' success.  

One of the region’s top property consultants King Sturge hosted a presentation to the Calderbank Club (a group of landlord and tenant surveyors in Birmingham) on a new RICS guidance note that re-introduces an alternative form of dispute resolution aimed at making the process of settling lease renewal disputes easier and less costly.  

Don’t get into a panic if a health and safety inspector comes calling, an expert has warned.  

A specialist Warwickshire knitwear company set up after its founder experienced some difficulties whilst travelling extensively in South America, is hoping to double its export sales after tapping into UK Trade & Investment expertise.  

The results of the quarter two, 2010 Quarterly Economic Survey indicates that the economic upturn is on course, but the recovery is still fragile said Mike Dell, President of Black Country Chamber of Commerce.  

Leading Walsall Law Firm Enoch Evans LLP has launched a brand new website to support their recent conversion to LLP status. Along with the new logo and new literature the website, designed in-house by Marketing Co-ordinator Sophie Willett provides a more modern, informative and user-friendly way of finding information quickly and easily.  

A Coventry IT firm is on the road to success after it completed a quartet of deals with automotive and engineering firms.  

As many van drivers and tradesmen look to down tools for a week or two and enjoy the warm weather with a well-earned break, Birmingham Volkswagen Van Centre is giving the chance for them to boost their business too.  

Bernard Shepherd has been appointed president of the West Midland Association of Law Societies (WMALS).  

Midlands auctioneer Bigwood is benefiting as a trickle of distressed properties is beginning to work its way through.  

A new marketing “dating agency” aimed at matchmaking marketing professionals with companies seeking their services has appointed Lichfield-based consultancy Ian Strachan Communications Ltd to handle its press relations.  

Solihull automotive manufacturer ZF Lemforder UK Ltd is celebrating after winning two top accolades at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ (IMechE) Manufacturing Excellence Awards (MX) 2010 in London.  

Midlands-based Bigwood has been short-listed for the auctioneer agency of the year honour.  

A leading Midlands businessman has challenged the City Region to become more effective.  

Leading building services provider JS Wright is all pumped up to deliver extra warmth and comfort for frail elderly residents at three new schemes in Walsall.  

Walsall law firm Enoch Evans LLP recently held an event to celebrate in their own way the beginning of the world cup.  

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The debate over Regional Development Agencies tends to polarise opinions but many businesses have benefited from them, including in this region through Advantage West Midlands.  

Business advisory firm Deloitte has admitted three new partners and promoted a further three associate partners in Birmingham.  

The West Midlands’ best performing business support professionals were recognised this week when the region’s largest Awards ceremony came to a finale in Birmingham.  

A Midlands-based specialist IT company has today launched an exciting new CheckIT systems strategy review to help businesses across the region develop and grow, despite the challenging economic situation.  

The UK does not have enough secure truck parks and criminals are taking advantage, the Government has been warned.  

Real Estate Investors plc (REI), the West Midlands-based property group headed by Paul Bassi CBE, has switched its head office to Birmingham city centre.  

Ishida Europe has launched a new portable version of its pioneering Strip Pack Applicator system, which produces ready-to display hanging strips of pillow packs for retail display.  

It is unlikely that the UK will follow Belgium and "ban the burqa", an expert believes.  

After an international pitch that took place in Portugal, Rees Bradley Hepburn has added The Portuguese Cork Association, APCOR, to its list of clients.  

Leading Black Country law firm George Green LLP warn employers that more and more employees are using recordings of conversations and meetings, made on mobile phones as evidence in potential claims they might bring.  

One of the West Midlands Leading Golf Venues Park Golf Club is celebrating 20 successful years in business by hosting a Charity Open Day at the Club at Perton, Near Wolverhampton.  

Business Voice WM has a new member – the Chartered Institute of Marketing. The CIM’s arrival takes the number of organisations who are members of the business lobbying group to 26.  

Barclays Corporate today announced it has provided senior debt finance to Liverpool-based developers The Iliad Group for a new £38m student property development near Aston University in Birmingham.  

A Midlands based supplier of outdoor photography clothing and accessories is looking to break into the US market by attracting resellers.  

Lawyers in the Birmingham office of international legal practice DLA Piper have acted for an American group which has purchased a Midlands aerospace business.  

West Midlands businesses in the aerospace and defence sectors are being invited to take advantage of an exciting opportunity to showcase their expertise at a prestigious exhibition in Poland.  

It might be over for England in the World Cup, but for CIBS at Coventry University (Centre for the International Business of Sport); it’s still as frantic as ever and will continue to be busy long after the winners have lifted up the trophy.  

Representatives from two of the world’s leading mobile phone service providers will join senior professionals from healthcare and academia to debate for the first time the future potential of smart phones and mobile apps for GPs and medics on the move, at the first of a unique series of events in the West Midlands.  

People reliant on infusion for nutrition or pain relief will soon have greater freedom and mobility, as a stylish travel rucksack for a new portable infusion pump is developed as a result of a commercial link-up by myM-link.  

The Midlands’ family-run businesses and their owners are to be given an extra three weeks to enter the first-ever Midlands Family Business Awards so they don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to showcase their work, according to organisers.  

The newly refurbished mac celebrated an enthusiastic response to its £15m redevelopment when nearly 30,000 people attended the recent opening weekend celebrations.  

Browne Jacobson is to offer full barrister pupillages for the first time in response to growing demand for its in-house advocacy services. The firm’s specialist team of barristers and high court advocates are experienced in all civil, criminal and regulatory matters.  

Birmingham telecommunications firm, Interactive Telecoms has announced the appointment of former BT specialist, Neil Jelley at its Vittoria Street head office.  

A team of engineering students from Birmingham are bidding to break a motor-racing record with the help of building services provider JS Wright.  

LaSer UK, the Solihull-based credit and loyalty business, has reported strong growth in 2009 and is confident of becoming a billion pound business in 2010.  

Unmarried couples could end-up with a double dose of heartache in the event of a split due to ‘confusing’ laws, a Coventry legal expert has warned.  

A group of budding young entrepreneurs with bags of energy and ideas are causing a stir with a new business venture supported by a Coventry company.  

West Midlands companies are being invited to gain advice and insight from a top level group of public and private sector specialists in trade with Asia.  

Willoughby PR has welcomed three new executives to its Birmingham office, following a spate of client wins.  

Life science companies are booking their pitch for a New Business BBQ that promises to improve their sales success rates in the growing medical and healthcare market.  

For the 6th year running, the Birmingham office of Drivers Jonas Deloitte has conquered the St Basils Walk 2010, raising £1,000 for the Midlands based charity.  

A telephone survey conducted in May 2010, by business phone systems company, Cloud Net found that almost a third of small businesses are not picking up the phone.  

The Birmingham office of national law firm Weightmans LLP has boosted the Tiny Babies’, Big Appeal campaign with an impressive £5,000 donation.  

Innovative packaging technology developed and manufactured by a Hereford company, with help from MedilinkWM and the Advantage Proof of Concept fund, could soon be helping to save lives.  

Michelin-starred chef Glynn Purnell, who recently presented the Birmingham Young Professional of the Year awards, has just fuelled financial adviser David Neale with a gastronomic packed lunch (a salad of Devonshire crab, followed by tail filet of Beef and a Burnt English custard egg surprise to finish) as he set off on an epic bike ride from Birmingham to Geneva earlier this month (June).  

More than 40 companies from across Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry and Warwickshire joined forces to celebrate the launch of a group which will support entrepreneurs and generate business opportunities.  

Screen WM, the regional screen agency, is proud to announce their investment in feature film TOAST, through the agency’s Advantage Media Production Fund, supported by regional development agency Advantage West Midlands and the European Regional Development Fund, which begins shooting this week.  

GVA Grimley’s Birmingham office has advised on the purchase of a 13-acre site (5.35 hectares) at Cannock Wood Industrial Estate for automotive re-manufacturer ATP Industries Group.  

The budget has revealed some difficult decisions for business. It is a tough budget that we hope will pay for the deficit in the past and help business prosper in the future, says Mike Dell, President of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce.  

Three brothers who are all Midland property company directors put their portfolios to one side in favour of pedalling their way through a charity challenge.  

He presented the Birmingham based Charity with a cheque this week after completing a near 1000 mile sponsored bike ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats in just 12 days.  

IoD West Midlands chairman John Rider said the message from the region was “We need jobs, jobs, jobs”.  

A local financial expert has said that the 10 per cent rise in capital gains tax announced by the Government during the budget could damage the economy.  

“The days of large cash bonuses are over for good,” said Sir Nigel Rudd, former Deputy Chairman of Barclays Bank and current Chairman of Advisory Committee Barclays Wealth UK and Ireland Private Bank, who spoke on Monday (14 June) at the annual Birmingham Forward Roger Dickens lecture.  

Browne Jacobson has advised Catapult Venture Managers on its £900,000 investment in Renewable Technical Services Ltd (RTS), the Northamptonshire based company that specialises in the renewable wind energy sector.  

West Bromwich-based bakery Firkins is rolling out new touch screen till systems from EPOS Group across its entire chain of 38 shops in the West Midlands.  

Dunlop Aircraft Tyres’ new joint venture distribution and retreading facility, Dunlop Taikoo (Jinjiang) Aircraft Tyres Company Limited, has appointed Jenny Chen as a technical sales manager.  

Peace has broken out between employers and diehard smokers, according to a Birmingham lawyer.  

A local business woman is celebrating after being appointed Regional Vice President of US botanicals brand, Arbonne, which saw her take delivery of a brand new sports car.  

Willmott Dixon Group remains one of the UK’s greenest companies according to the Sunday Times Green List. Finishing 6th our of 60 companies on the list, the position reflects the company’s progress in the past 12 months, including diverting 85 per cent of site waste away from landfill sites.  

Midlands Out-of-home media owner, StopAd has this week revealed it’s newly designed ‘square’ StopAd outdoor media sign after gaining the backing from London advertising agency giants.  

Wolverhampton based GPSforless, the leading online providers of GPS accessories, ultimate-netbook accessories and travel gear, are rebranding next month to bring all three arms of their business under one roof.  

When Evette Flavell lost her job with a flower wholesaler she could see that self employment as her only option. Now, with a little financial help from UK Steel Enterprise, she has opened her own florist business in Wolverhampton.  

Britain’s Got Talent magician Ben Hanlin will be helping members of Dudley and District Business Club to conjure up orders on Tuesday (22nd).  

Cloud Net has today announced a business phone package aimed to ensure that small businesses have working phone systems if a BT strike goes ahead. In the case of a strike, business owners whose lines develop a fault could be left with no telephone lines or broadband.  

Sixteen teams of dedicated fundraisers from a local company built on their charity activity by competing in a triathlon to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care in Solihull.  

A group of golfers were joined by some famous faces as they clubbed together to secure a new mini bus for a Walsall primary school.  

The £113 million Ricoh Arena has been named as runner-up in the Venue of the Year Category at the inaugural international Stadium Business Awards.  

Hip Leicester bar Hotel Maiyango hosted a packed Out of Africa-themed evening for networking group the LYP.  

Ahead of the Chancellors emergency budget on Tuesday 22nd June, Mike Dell, President of Black Country Chamber of Commerce expresses his expectations: “We need to see measures in the Budget that will genuinely promote productivity, entrepreneurialism and enterprise growth.  

Birmingham-based Clearwater Corporate Finance (“Clearwater”) has advised the Irish and UK listed business support services group, DCC plc (“DCC”), on the sale of its mobility & rehabilitation business to Patterson Medical Ltd (“Patterson”), the UK subsidiary of US based Patterson Companies Inc. The deal represents Clearwater’s sixth cross-border transaction in as many months.  

Black Country property group Bond Wolfe says it is bucking the trend and on course to beat last year’s performance.  

West Midlands based telecommunications specialist Synkronicity has joined forces with BDR Group to capture new business opportunities within the region.  

Browne Jacobson’s banking team has advised Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) on its financing package for a six storey hotel development at Lincoln’s Brayford Wharf North as part of a major tourism and economic development programme.  

Armoury Group has been awarded a major new demolition contract which will clear the way for the regeneration of Basingstoke’s primary town centre business hub, fitting in with the council’s ambition to create a 21st Century centre for commerce.  

According to research by PwC, 60% of stores on the high street are on sale, particularly department stores and footwear. Average discounts being advertised are 45%. This compares to 40% of retailers who were on sale this time last year, when most discounts started at 50%  

The Government’s financial regulation reforms represent the most significant changes for a decade, according to a Midlands expert.  

The emergency budget is likely to see pain today and pain tomorrow, according to Andrew Shaw, national tax managing partner at BTG Tax, part of the Begbies Traynor Group.  

Six West Midlands businesses in the construction sector found out more about opportunities in the USA at a specialist conference earlier this week.  

Savills opened its annual Financing Property presentation today (18 June 2010) in Birmingham addressing lenders on whether the market is heading ‘Back to Normality?’.  

Many couples are under the impression that separation or divorce means an end to further claims against their finances by the other partner.  

Working together to deliver rural regeneration in a new era will be the main topic of discussion at this year’s Advantage West Midlands-backed Rural Regeneration Zone (RRZ) Annual Conference.  

The “hand of Brown” still hangs over the economy and the new Government needs to sweep it away, a leading commentator has warned.  

Hundreds of jobs across the UK were safeguarded as the Timpson Group completed the strategic acquisition of 175 Max Spielmann outlets, taking its national portfolio of stores to more than 800.  

New findings from the latest BDO Business Trends report add to the pressure on the new Office of Budget Responsibility to dramatically lower government growth forecasts. BDO believes that 2011’s growth forecasts now need to be revised down to between 1.5 and 2.5 per cent from the 3.0 to 3.5 per cent proposed by the last government.  

Midlands-based truck dealer, the Hartshorne Group has clinched a major maintenance contract to service more than 400 trailers for leading UK retailer Boots.  

The brunt of the tax burden should fall on consumers not businesses when the Chancellor delivers his Emergency Budget on Tuesday, says Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCI).  

Government cuts need to be even tougher than pundits are predicting, according to the Institute of Directors.  

A Birmingham automation engineering company is taking on new staff as a result of exporting to the USA – with help from UK Trade & Investment.  

Five members of GVA Grimley’s Birmingham office have jumped into the saddle to take on the Tour de LDC cycling challenge from Lands End of John O’ Groats to raise money for children’s charity Friendship Works this month.  

Coventry has sparked national interest as building work at one of Coventry’s most ambitious redevelopment projects got underway  

Some of the region’s leading public and private sector healthcare organisations have pledged to work closer together in delivering the government’s vision of greater community based services for vulnerable adults.  

Macildowie, the Midlands financial and HR recruitment specialist, is set to expand its offering by launching a dedicated Procurement and Supply Chain Division.  

Youngsters from Willenhall, Coventry, are getting off the streets and into the ring thanks to funding from Whitefriars Housing Group.  

Eight new developments under construction in Birmingham city centre this year show a rise from six new construction starts last year, reports Drivers Jonas Deloitte in this year’s annual Birmingham Crane Survey.  

Companies in the Midlands must allow some all-important room to grow to improve their chances of emerging stronger from the recession, according to human resource experts at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC).  

GVA Grimley’s Birmingham office has strengthened its expert team of property professionals with seven associate promotions.  

Birmingham accountancy firm, Reynolds and Co is calling on the new coalition government to announce positive cuts to support the growth of small businesses in next week’s Budget Speech to the House of Commons.  

Crest Nicholson has reached a milestone at its Park Central development in Birmingham city centre, where construction is now under way on a £15 million phase of new apartments and innovative family homes.  

Family-owned supplier of hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, industrial and engineering supplies, Christy Hydraulics, is taking a unit at Highcross’ Central City industrial estate in Coventry.  

There is much speculation about which goods and services will attract VAT rises in the emergency budget due on 22nd June.  

Social media and online PR agency Friend Digital has added two new clients to its roster, marking its first year in business.  

The largest city centre office letting in Derby for more than a decade has been completed after NHS Derby City took a lease on 31,834 sq ft of accommodation at Nurton Developments’ Cardinal Square.  

The new Minster for Business and Enterprise saw firsthand the innovation and diversity of West Midlands’ manufacturing last week during a visit to MACH 2010.  

With a combined 77 years clocked at the trade counter serving the plumbers and heating installers of Walsall, Greg and Jean Booth are some of the longest serving employees on record.  

Businesses from around the region recently joined together to take part in the Dains Corporate Relay, which was held in association with the Great Midlands Fun Run, in Sutton Coldfield.  

Birmingham jobs experts are hoping to reduce the ranks of the unemployed by staging an armed forces careers day.  

Families in Coventry who need support so they don’t face losing their home are being given extra help thanks to Whitefriars Housing Group.  

The Black Country Chamber of Commerce and several of the larger businesses in the Black Country have signed a ‘Green Business Pledge’ to make energy savings; whether its carbon offsetting by planting trees, turning off unused machinery, or encouraging staff to use public transport or car share.  

The West Midlands is under-represented in Europe, Business Voice WM has warned  

UK manufacturers and support businesses exhibiting at MACH 2010 at the NEC have reported a good show.  

Miller Homes West Midlands has scored an ace with its latest delicious offer for househunters this June.  

When Desi Sweets, a chain of asian sweet shops, was approached by Accent on Training to undertake free training to improve customer service skills, general manager Hardeep Singh was eager to make the best use of the opportunity.  

Coventry University’s Professor of Patient Safety has been awarded an OBE for services to healthcare in the recent Queen’s Birthday honours.  

A Midlands woman is set to further bolster the battle against crime.  

With more than €50million of EU funding and £10million of UK funding available for firms researching Assisted Living technology, two workshops from life science specialists MedilinkWM are planned for 17 June 2010, offering the inside track on how to secure the cash.  

Fears of rising interest rates were eased today as inflation fell back in May from 17-month highs despite petrol price rises to record levels.  

Harvey Ingram has defied the downturn and is pressing ahead with its ambitious expansion plans with five new internal appointments that further strengthens its dominant position as Leicester’s largest law firm.  

An International Trade Roadshow sponsored by UK Trade & Investment in conjunction with Coventry University Enterprises Ltd and West Midlands Chambers of Commerce LLP will be offering West Midlands businesses a chance to meet with representatives from British Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates from all around the world to find out more about accessing overseas markets.  

If the economic mire gets any worse, then one set of businesswomen may well be looking for an alternative career – in Bollywood!  

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has joined forces with recruitment specialist Grad Central to tackle unemployment in the region head-on by encouraging local businesses to think seriously about taking on graduate talent.  

Coventry University’s Serious Games Institute (SGI) is holding its first V-Trade Forum later this month and is inviting manufacturing SMEs (Small Medium Enterprises) from across the West Midlands to take advantage of the opportunity to expand into new international markets.  

Leading Black Country law firm George Green LLP have recently advised Guest Trucks on the purchase of three Iveco franchises from TC Harrison for an undisclosed sum.  

Staff at Midland accountants and business advisers Horwath Clark Whitehill have raised £2,240 for disaster victims across the world.  

A Warwickshire company which makes environmentally friendly graffiti and chewing gum removal products for local authorities and the transport industry has found a new market in Russia – home to some of the most impressive underground systems in the world.  

Plans to turn a Worcestershire fishery into a nationally acclaimed centre for disabled anglers is gathering pace after receiving significant support from the Advantage West Midlands-backed Rural Development Programme for England.  

Ben Reid, Chief Executive of The Midcounties Co-operative, has been awarded the OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List ‘for services to business and to the community in Walsall’.  

The government’s new “fit notes” scheme could find out a few who are swinging the lead, a lawyer has claimed.  

A Birmingham-based businesswoman and marketing expert has launched a new marketing “dating agency” aimed at matchmaking marketing professionals with companies seeking their services.  

A former head of marketing for the NEC is to become director of the Solihull Town Centre Business Improvement District.  

Solihull residents are being urged to put their energy questions to a team of experts at the very first ‘Talking Energy Live’ events.  

West Midlands companies are invited to UK Trade and Investment’s (UKTI) ‘International Environment and Water Clinic’ on Tuesday 22 June where they will have the opportunity to meet on a one-to-one basis with a selection of specialists from key international markets from the environment and water sectors.  

Business Secretary, Vince Cable visited Birmingham Metropolitan College to meet the first cohort of students who are being trained in state of the art laboratories in the Samsung Digital Service Academy.  

Willmott Dixon’s Business Development Manager, Angelique Runnalls has been recognised for her unique contribution to the Midland’s property and construction industry after picking up a Birmingham Real Estate Novel Development Award. (Brenda).  

The Midcounties Co-operative has made a significant investment establishing their ‘greenest’ funeral home in the group’s history.  

Business could be left in limbo for months on the future of the Serious Fraud Office, an expert has warned.  

The hidden dangers of fraud related crimes were highlighted to charities in Coventry by an expert panel.  

Two hundred and forty companies from across the West Midlands have been awarded a share of a £5.8 million Concept Grant Fund set up to promote and support economic growth through innovation, in the West Midlands.  

As outlined by the coalition Government, the tax rate on the disposal of non-business assets is expected to be increased in line with income tax rates in the forthcoming Emergency Budget on 22 June 2010, which could mean an effective tax rate on capital gains of up to 50%.  

Entrepreneurs across the Midlands are being urged to carefully consider their personal and corporate tax situation ahead of this month’s Emergency Budget, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).  

Wolverhampton based packaging specialists Belpac enjoyed a frenetic few days at the recent Total Processing & Packaging exhibition held at the NEC.  

Rees Bradley Hepburn has helped to make Johnson Cleaners’ duvet campaign a roaring success.  

With six new cities being constructed, and more than 4,400 new schools, five airports and 3,000 kilometres of rail track, UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is calling on infrastructure firms to investigate the multi-billion pound opportunities in Saudi Arabia.  

As markets begin to turn positive, private investors should be wary of taking short-term investment decisions based on the latest product launches, according to the newly appointed head of wealth advisory at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) in the Midlands.  

With thousands of high calibre visitors, meaningful business discussions and many orders secured on the stands, Total Processing & Packaging has been judged an outstanding success by both exhibitors and visitors.  

A sponsored walkathon in Birmingham has smashed all targets by raising over £400,000 to support injured troops returning from Afghanistan.  

Courier companies from around the country met at the Chesford Grange Hotel in Kenilworth last weekend to attend an annual event held by Wolverhampton-based APC Overnight.  

The Bank of England’s decision to keep interest rates at 0.5 per cent has been welcomed by Black Country Chamber of Commerce.  

Family feuds, bad feelings or the lack of a relationship between children’s parents often denies grandparents any contact with their grandchildren, and they have little or no rights, says a leading Midlands family lawyer.  

A new initiative aimed at reducing youth unemployment and creating up to 5000 new young entrepreneurs was unveiled last night at a major enterprise event in Birmingham.  

The Birmingham office of Drivers Jonas Deloitte has relocated to Four Brindleyplace.  

A motor trade professional from Birmingham has become one of the first in the country to successfully gain a new professional accreditation for managers working in the sector.  

Coventry University’s Institute of Applied Entrepreneurship (IAE) is hosting an informative event which is especially tailored towards family-run businesses.  

The promise of outstanding reliability and first-class after sales support tempted family firm Hickmans of Kidderminster to invest in its first Mercedes-Benz trucks for 27 years.  

The Leader of Birmingham City Council, Cllr Mike Whitby, has praised the work being carried out by Birmingham Science Park Aston (BSPA) to develop a knowledge economy within the city.  

Glenis Poletti, Executive Director of the Midlands World Trade Forum (MWTF), has announced that she is to leave the forum this month (June) after four years in the role.  

Pupils from a Walsall school swapped the classroom for the workplace when they visited a booming Black Country robotics company.  

A Wolverhampton firm offering virtual PA services has seen demand for its help soar during the economic downturn – with client numbers almost doubling in recent months.  

The Keele Conferences and Events team is delighted to be celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and has a calendar of activities planned to mark the occasion, including a special food event with a twist for its key customers and a ruby related competition for anyone celebrating their own 40th anniversary in the region.  

Birmingham accountancy firm is warning the regions business and property owners to avoid ‘panic selling’ property portfolios, in light of the proposed increase in Capital Gains Tax (CGT).  

Debbie Coles has been appointed as Barclays Business Banking Area Manager for the West Birmingham area.  

Corporate lawyers at Browne Jacobson have advised Inspired Thinking Group (ITG) on its strategic acquisition of software development company Total Marketing Service (TMS) backed by £3.2m investment from ISIS Equity Partners.  

Road transport produces a significant proportion of the UK’s CO2 emissions and two-thirds of that comes from cars.  

Club Domaine Group – Lakeview Country Club, Atlantic Reach and Honicombe Manor – has appointed Kinetic Communications to handle its UK consumer PR brief.  

Green fingered residents have been digging for victory at a special event held by Whitefriars Housing Group to help Coventry in its bid for the 2010 Britain in Bloom awards.  

Birmingham retailer Cloggs.co.uk has picked up the prize for Best New Store at the Drapers Footwear Awards.  

Alex Hanna and Tim Holtham, surveyors from the Birmingham office of national commercial property consultancy, Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), threw themselves out of a plane last month in a bid to raise money for the children’s medical research charity, SPARKS (SPort Aiding medical Research for KidS).  

Mary Stevens Hospice in Stourbridge will be presented with a cheque for £3,000 after six Yorkshire Bank staff completed the Three Peaks Challenge.  

Birmingham Settlement is launching a new volunteer programme to encourage people to get involved with charity work following National Volunteer Week (June 1st to 7th).  

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry is leading the fight by a number of core city Chambers to lobby government to begin piloting promised Accelerated Development Zones (ADZ) in the region.  

MOHS Workplace Health is delighted to announce that they have been awarded the tender to provide occupational health services for Midland Heart. MOHS fought of stiff competition in the tender process and will be starting their new contract on May 1st, 2010.  

With BT looking likely to have its first strike in over quarter of a century if the latest offer isn’t accepted, thousands of businesses and homes could be left without phones or internet during the strike which could take place in August 2010.  

First time buyers are invited to visit Park Central in Birmingham city centre on Wednesday 16 June, when developer Crest Nicholson will be introducing the next generation of homeowners to HomeBuy Direct – a government backed scheme which can help Park Central buyers secure a new apartment from just £63,000.  

Birmingham and Solihull business leaders are urging the Monetary Policy Committee to maintain interest rates at their current level on Thursday and not to use an increase in rates as a tool for getting us out of the economic crisis.  

The speed with which China is emerging from the global financial crisis presents an opportunity for Midlands manufacturers and retailers, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC).  

Accountants Mazars are urging firms carrying out research and development to claim reliefs currently available before the Coalition Government’s emergency Budget on June 22.  

Birmingham-based Dunlop Aircraft Tyres, which is this year celebrating its centenary, earlier today welcomed HRH The Duke of York to its head office and manufacturing site in Erdington.  

Barclays new look flagship branch in Birmingham has been officially opened by the Chairman of the West Midlands Chambers of Commerce, Simon Topman.  

A leading family lawyer is advising Midlands’ footie fans to be sympathetic to the needs of their partners to avoid the possibility of the World Cup in South Africa causing long-term injuries to their relationships.  

The Barclays Business ‘Take One Small Step’ competition, which launched in March awarding ten budding business minds across the UK £50,000 each to transform their innovative vision into a reality, has named K-kuff.com ltd as one of three regional finalist’s in the Central region.  

A niche Coventry company is expanding further into the Asian market just eight months after opening an office in Singapore which followed hot on the heels of launching its global offices in Brussels and Sydney.  

Nightfreight - the leading overnight express, home delivery and contract logistics specialist - has confirmed its leadership team that will continue to drive the business forward as the UK comes out of recession.  

It will be business as usual when World Cup fever takes a grip in the coming weeks, a survey by Birmingham and Solihull Chamber of Commerce (BCI) has revealed today.  

Cutting business crime remains a priority for West Midlands Police – and that’s been welcomed by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce  

Barclays Private Equity (“BPE”), one of Europe’s leading mid-market private equity firms which has a long-established office in Birmingham, has taken a significant minority stake in the Wilton Group (“Wilton” or “the Group”) – a leading full-service provider of project management, design, fabrication, installation and testing services for the energy sector – through a management buyout of the business.  

As the incidence of cyber security breaches hits an all-time global high and over 44 percent of UK companies admit to suffering at least one costly breach of their IT systems, businesses can discover how to fight back against the hackers at a briefing session run by specialist fraud lawyers in Birmingham.  

Ishida Europe has designed and installed a complete packing line enabling three to four operators to produce prepared salads at up to 40 trays per minute, whilst automating inspection and making every pack traceable to a stored X-ray image.  

Law firms DLA Piper and DWF are both celebrating after advising on a fundamental transport project for the Midlands and getting the first phase of the development off the starting blocks.  

Group Lotus, innovative and iconic sports-car manufacturer and engineering consultant, has this week appointed McCann Erickson Central as lead agency on a fully-integrated re-launch of the Lotus brand.  

Mike Dell, President of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce has been appointed to sit on the City Region Board.  

Argent has completed a hat trick of new lettings in the last month at Eleven Brindleyplace with the announcement that specialist professional recruitment consultancy Robert Walters is to become the building’s latest tenant.  

VAT is likely to go up to 20 per cent in the upcoming emergency Budget, a tax expert has warned. Tony Jackson, a director in the Birmingham office of BTG Tax, the tax division of Begbies Traynor Group, said it could cost thousands of jobs.  

Halesowen-based firm of chartered accountants and business advisers, Nicklin LLP, is advising small to medium sized businesses to pay close attention to their invoicing methods, in light of new research which shows that SMEs are waiting longer for overdue payments.  

Internationally renowned security specialist Henry Squire & Sons Ltd has announced its new leadership team that will continue to drive forward business development plans.  

Private and family businesses in the West Midlands should be looking to maximise value from their supplier relationships by undertaking critical reviews of contracts with suppliers now rather than waiting until the economic recovery is more firmly established, according to experts at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC).  

MedilinkWM, the Life Science industry association, will showcase the region’s progressive work and role in existing and emerging medical and healthcare technologies at three of the sectors’ leading trade events in June.  

Chord (St Paul’s Square) Ltd has released the three penthouses at its St Paul’s Place scheme in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.  

Law firm Mills & Reeve will be hosting a musical salute to the British military by staging a charity concert in aid of military patients raising funds for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity.  

Law firm Harvey Ingram has merged its Planning & Development, Social Housing and residential plot sales teams, to create a new Development & Regeneration team.  

Britain’s top overseas trade representative and Olympic Games guru is to be guest of honour at an exclusive lunch hosted by the British American Business Council (BABC).  

Investors should consider crystallising investment gains now, to take advantage of current low rates of capital gains tax (CGT), ahead of a potential increase in CGT in the emergency budget, according to one of the region’s most respected investment advisors.  

The business community has called for a regional plan to create jobs across the West Midlands.  

The British Council for Offices (BCO) has recognised Argent’s Eleven Brindleyplace as one of the finest workspaces in the Midlands & East Anglia at its annual regional awards.  

A graduate recruitment specialist is restoring confidence in this year’s university leavers who have a bleak outlook on the jobs market, with a wide variety of opportunities on offer in the West Midlands.  

Many councils and other public bodies are set to show the red card to staff wanting to watch the World Cup, a survey has revealed.  

Six hardy Birmingham bankers are putting their best feet forward to mark the start of Yorkshire Bank’s link-up with Mary Stevens Hospice in Stourbridge.  

A Birmingham Van Centre has confirmed its commitment to supporting local sporting talent by announcing a sponsorship with Birmingham BRC Roofing Brummies Speedway team.  

The Birmingham office of Clearwater Corporate Finance (“Clearwater”) has advised private equity house, ISIS Equity Partners (“ISIS”), on its sale of the UK’s leading database marketing company, Occam DM Limited (“Occam”), to St. Ives plc (“St. Ives”).  

PwC has scooped a top award at the 2010 Private Equity Awards, winning the title of ‘Professional Services Firm of the Year’.  

Birmingham telecommunications firm, Interactive Telecoms , has this week expanded its new business arm, Interactive Telecoms Minutes, by introducing its new ’Agent’ programme which will offer hope to the victims of the white collar recession in the region.  

Tax experts at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in the Midlands are predicting a ‘once in a generation’ Budget that will have significant impact on businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals in the region.  

San Carlo, in Temple Street is expanding its successful group of Italian restaurants with a new venue in Leeds city centre.  

The £8.7m ACT-UK Simulation Centre opens today in Coventry as the UK’s first virtual reality training facility for the construction industry.  

A unique approach to delivering global manufacturing solutions is reaping dividends for ten world-leading engineering companies in the Midlands.  

A display team set to perform at this year’s Cosford Air Show have painted their aircraft in the Spitfire colour scheme and dedicated them to the brave ‘few’ of the Battle of Britain.  

A Coventry-based PR agency is bridging the gap between the corporate and volunteer world, by donating time to promote the volunteering cause.  

State-of-the-art robotics, high spec Formula 1 parts and a unique ten-strong manufacturing coalition will be headlining the ‘Made in the Midlands’ Zone at MACH 2010.  

MACH 2010 is organised by the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA). The exhibition, in Halls 4 and 5, will showcase examples of some of the UK’s best metalforming, metalworking and manufacturing technology companies.  

John Challinor from Newcastle, Staffordshire has expanded his telecoms business AudioTech by joining the Walsall company Cloud Net’s Associate Partner programme, to sell Cloud Net’s internet phone systems for small business users.  

Birmingham-based Stoford Developments is one of three Midland companies that are going the extra mile to achieve the lofty aims of a major charity challenge.  

A company which specialises in digital video technology has put itself in the picture to land more business after completing the move to a new home.  

Flexible working is the most valued benefit for employees in the Midlands, ahead of material perks such as bonuses, according to a new PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) survey. The findings come as the new Government promises to extend the right to request flexible working to all employees.  

An organisation which is playing a major role in boosting the creative and cultural learning experiences of young people across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire has appointed a new high profile chairman.  

A unique and valuable collection of paintings go under the hammer on the 4th June at Midlands-based auction house, Biddle & Webb which will be included in other lots in their Fine Quarterly Picture, Antique and Silver Auction.  

Leading employment experts have welcomed the Government announcement that unemployed people will be given greater incentives and support to get back into work under proposed radical reforms to the welfare system.  

Developments in low carbon technology will be on the agenda in June after the Manufacturing Advisory Service announced it will be hosting its first national showcase event at MIRA’s internationally renowned testing and design facility in Nuneaton.  

Nearly half of businesses in the Midlands intend to hire new staff in 2010, according to a new industry survey.  

Leading national law firm Irwin Mitchell has announced the promotion of eight solicitors to salaried Partnership status and also revealed that two other key figures have become the first non-lawyers to gain equity status as the firm continues to adapt its structures.  

Coventry University has signed up with universities across the UK to take part in the first University Week campaign and has managed to enlist the support of Channel Four’s news anchor, Jon Snow in helping to promote the week.  

The unique and inspiring Shopping Village at St. Modwen’s Trentham Estate and Gardens is continuing to attract retailers with vibrant new foodstore Brown and Green.  

People who worked in heavy industry in and around Nuneaton are being urged to attend a free hearing advice event.  

Fashion and fillies will come together as Ladies’ Day at Warwick Racecourse looks odds on to become a firm favourite with race-goers.  

Leicester-based art and design supplier Specialist Crafts Ltd has strengthened and expanded its portfolio with the strategic acquisition of on-line competitor Crafty Computer Paper. Both brands will now continue to trade under their existing names and through their own websites.  

A fifth generation family farming business in Staffordshire is looking to the future after its incorporation into a limited company.  

The specialist not-for-profit division of chartered accountants Clement Keys has secured a contract to provide audit services to the Scout Association County of Birmingham.  

Leading provider of bespoke cable assemblies, integrated products and logistics services, CHH, has embarked on a major growth strategy, following its recent rebranding to CHH CoNeX and strengthening of its team of directors with the appointment of Shaun Ashmead as director in charge of operations.  

Business leaders across the Midlands have revealed the pride they place in product quality in the Great British Business report by HSBC Commercial Banking.  

Inviron, the leading building services and facilities management provider, is a great place to work. But don’t take our word for it - ask the five members of staff who are all about to reach an impressive milestone of 21 years service with the company.  

A West Midlands graduate recruitment specialist is encouraging visitors to learn the etiquette of social networking when looking for a job at this year’s National Graduate Recruitment Exhibition (NGRE) on 11 and 12 June at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.  

While many large companies will welcome the corporation tax cut to be announced in the Budget, small companies will lose out from likely changes to capital allowances according to PKF Accountants & business advisers.  

Lawyers in DLA Piper's Finance and Projects team are celebrating after closing a seven-year PFI project for Birmingham City Council worth £2.7 billion.  

Birmingham surveyor and Girl Guide leader Sarah Heynes is seeking support from the city’s professionals to help her with a trip to the land of the pharaohs.  

Local events venue Perry Barr Greyhound Stadium has seen bookings increase this year despite the credit crunch.  

SEGRO, the UK’s largest owner of industrial property has recently announced a rebranding of its successful Lymedale Cross Estate in Newcastle under Lyme.  

One of Britain's great motor racing circuits could soon be in new hands and once again looking forward to an exciting and optimistic future.  

Orbit Heart of England Housing Association and its development partner Orbit Homes have appointed Wates Living Space (Midlands) to deliver the first social housing scheme in the Midlands to achieve PassivHaus Certification – the world’s leading standard in energy efficient construction.  

Following new rules introduced by the government on the 30th April, Harvey Ingram’s Personal Injury team has settled one of the UK’s quickest ever personal injury claims, by taking it from start to finish within eight working days.  

Black Country sports car manufacturer Westfield Sportscars Ltd has hosted a top level delegation from one of Malaysia’s leading corporations to cement a deal to increase its production fivefold over the next three years.  

International real estate advisor Savills, on behalf of their client IM Properties, has brought to the market Haseley Manor Estate near Warwick.  

The Institute of Applied Entrepreneurship (IAE) is em’bark’ing on a new venture called Operation Husky.  

Drivers Jonas Deloitte’s Birmingham team has received outline planning permission on behalf of Slough Borough Council for the first phase of the Britwell & Haymill Regeneration project.  

HSBC Private Bank has relocated from Stephenson Place to new offices in Birmingham’s central business district (CBD), facilitating the expansion of the team and benefiting from its location at the heart of the city’s financial and professional communit  

Six new managers have been appointed by Barclays to run branches across Birmingham.  

Government initiatives have unequivocally failed to help small and medium sized businesss (SMEs) and the new coalition must act now if SMEs are to help the UK recovery.  

The Ipex exhibition has kicked off the summer on Broad Street and what proves to be a very lucrative coming year for the street.  

Miller Homes West Midlands new site in Northfield enjoyed great success as it opened this weekend, with interest in the new homes evident with prospective buyers watching as prices were unveiled.  

The pilot who will man the controls of a de Havilland Venom at this year’s Cosford Air Show is one of only a very few civilian pilots ever to fly an ex-military jet.  

Samantha Halliwell, an audit senior with Horwath Clark Whitehill, has won a major accountancy award.  

Leading facilities management company Romec, which has a major regional centre in Smethwick, has appointed Dr Stewart Davies from Serco Integrated Services (SIS) as its new managing director.  

Sutton Coldfield based charity and restaurant pioneers Pier 39, devoted themselves to an intense three year mission back in 2008 to raise a whopping £10,000 for charity by November 2010.  

West Midlands firms looking to expand into Europe should be looking to the Benelux countries of Belgium, Holland and Luxemburg.  

Knowle-based Quicksilver PR is celebrating a hat-trick of new client wins. The consultancy has been appointed to deliver media relations and marketing communications for three very different organisations.  

Birmingham based shoe retailer Cloggs.co.uk has been shortlisted in the Drapers Footwear Awards 2010.  

The big ‘V-bombers’ will be strutting their stuff to kick off this year’s Cosford Air Show – but for once they will not be the biggest aircraft in the skies.  

A planned cap on non-EU immigrants into the UK will undermine accessibility to the skills and talent which the UK lacks, said business leaders in Birmingham and Solihull yesterda  

Business Voice WM welcomed the Queen’s Speech go-ahead for high speed rail.  

The CEO of McCann Erickson, together with two members of the team, are undertaking a gruelling challenge to raise money for charity, after one of their colleagues was diagnosed with inoperable cancer.  

Aston Business School and leading Midland’s marketing agency McCann Erickson are launching a new programme of exclusive morning business seminars.  

Rider Levett Bucknall has been awarded a ‘hat-trick’ of projects by Opus Land reflecting the trend of green shoots activity in the private sector marketplace, despite ongoing concerns regarding availability of funding.  

A Birmingham charity has been commemorating the long and loyal service of its volunteers.  

Cuts announced today by the Chancellor will have a damaging impact on the private sector’s ability to drive forward the economy in Birmingham and Solihull and to create jobs, said business leaders.  

The 2010 edition of the British Chambers of Commerce’s ‘Burdens Barometer’ shows that the cumulative cost to businesses in the West Midlands of new regulation since 1998 has risen to £6.73bn.  

The UK arm of one of the world’s biggest chain manufacturers whose distribution centre is near Bentley Bridge in Wednesfield, is launching its new website at the Total Processing & Packaging Show at the NEC during 25-27 May.  

The West Midlands ICT Cluster is helping local organisations promote themselves online by providing free access to a video publishing platform, Buto (http://buto.tv). The platform formats video for use on the web so that technology companies can then publish videos on a website, blog, forum or social network.  

The Business Finance subsidiary of Halesowen-based accountancy firm, Nicklin LLP, has expanded its pool of expertise with the appointment of a new consultant.  

Cloud Net today announced a further extension to its growing business telephone services portfolio: the Cloud Net Live Answering System (CLASS).  

Business Voice WM is calling for a more co-ordinated approach to flood prevention.  

St. Modwen has successfully completed the bespoke construction of a £3 million building for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service at its Trentham Lakes business park in Stoke-on-Trent.  

A Birmingham-based theatre company has been praised by both the city council and UK Youth Parliament (UKUP) for the sex education it provides to schools.  

Fundraising for the charity chosen by Midlands law firm Challinors as the sole beneficiary for 2010, has got off to a flying start thanks to a £5,000 donation by the Midlands committee of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), which is to be matched by a £5,000 pledge by Challinors.  

Two former classmates have joined forces to start a new business committed to increasing the safety of electricity in the home.  

Browne Jacobson has advised Leumi ABL, the specialist asset based lending subsidiary of Bank Leumi (UK) plc, on its £2.5m asset based lending (ABL) facility to support the management buy-out (MBO) of Grantham based ATC Drivetrain UK.  

With IBM are reportedly considering reducing their global workforce from 400,000 permanent employees to 100,000 by 2017 by “ crowd sourcing “ or hiring sub-contractors, leading Black Country law George Green LLP warns local employers to tread carefully when looking at alternatives to employing people.  

An ambitious young Birmingham entrepreneur’s business is going up in the world – after expanding into the balloons market.  

A leading West Midlands accountancy firm is reaching new heights after agreeing a link-up with the UK’s largest air ambulance service.  

On the announcement by the new government of the potential scrapping of regional development agencies, Simon Topman, chairman of West Midlands Chambers of Commerce said: “West Midlands Chambers of Commerce are very concerned that removal of the regional development agencies (RDAs) will take away a vital component to business development across the region.”  

West Midlands companies will be given a unique insight into embracing social media marketing when one of the sector’s leading figures hosts a series of interactive workshops.  

The phased opening of the £170 million new Walsall Manor Hospital began on Thursday 20th May with the official launch of the Family Health and Diagnostics Centre.  

The UK’s largest processing and packaging exhibition will open its doors this Tuesday, providing thousands of visitors with the most comprehensive insight into the latest developments across both these sectors.  

Award-winning artist and Coventry University graduate, Adam Hussain, has added another accolade to his growing collection after winning a national award for his work.  

Social Enterprise is going back to school this year with the aim of promoting the sector to more than 10,000 young people in the West Midlands.  

Innovative companies from Walsall are being urged to take advantage of the first ever Showcase event held by Winning Opportunities in Walsall (WoW) on May 25th.  

Leading companies such as IBM, Ricoh, Emirates and Seven Trent Water will come together to debate the future of marketing in July.  

The ongoing expansion of leading Midland law firm Harris Cooper Walsh has beentaken a step further with three new appointments.  

Care Companions, who provide care in their own homes for the elderly and adults with dementia and learning disabilities, has nominated the Norman Laud Association as its charity of the year.  

Midven, a leading Midlands venture capital company, has realised its investment in Dynamic Change Ltd, in a deal that generates an eight times cash multiple return for its Advantage Growth Fund.  

The lions are set to roar for Midlands law firm MFG Solicitors. It is to host a staff Training and Development Day on Thursday, June 3, at West Midlands Safari Park.  

The cost of corporate insurance is rocketing and this is hitting company profits. The recession and the associated increases in claims and fraud are being blamed, and the situation is only likely to get worse, according to Sharon McErlean, a solicitor in the Insurance Department of DLA Piper in Birmingham.  

A West Bromwich hotel is hoping to make up for the town’s sad lack of pool facilities by offering children a free swim during the school holidays.  

Highcross has completed the sale of a 2.6 acre plot at its Finepoint business park in Kidderminster to Wyre Forest District Council.  

A work accident specialist at national law firm Irwin Mitchell has expressed concern over the number of inspections being carried out by the Heath and Safety Executive (HSE), after statistics show that inspection levels have fallen by almost 70 per cent.  

West Midlands metal manufacturer, Bird Stevens Ltd is exhibiting at this year’s SubCon exhibition at the NEC for the very first time.  

CitySprint has donated £1726 to the national charity Help for Heroes as part of a donation scheme it launched at the end of 2009.  

A Coventry firm of solicitors has successfully won a business tender to provide legal services to a major Housing Group which could result in further jobs in the City.  

Employers should make themselves aware of new rules on staff training, according to advice from Midlands’ employment law specialists W.H. Law LLP.  

Commenting on the April inflation figures, published today by the ONS, Mike Dell, President of Black Country Chamber of Commerce said: “Today’s figures state that inflation has hit 3.7%, well above the 2% target outlined in the budget earlier this year  

The Lord Mayor of Coventry, Councillor Jack Harrison was the guest of honour to oversee the burial of a time capsule at the ground-breaking ceremony on Tuesday 18 May to commence work on the new Students Building at Coventry University.  

Exporters from across the West Midlands have been encouraged to look to the Nordic and Baltic countries as they bid to expand their businesses.  

A five strong, all female team from GVA Grimley has ran away with the trophy in the annual West Midlands Royal Town Planning Institute’s Young Planners Quiz.  

Businesses are being warned to review and update IT system security in the wake of recent statistics which indicate cyber security breaches are the fastest growing criminal activity in the world.  

CB Richard Ellis Group, Inc. (CBRE) have announced the acquisition of M3 Agency LLP (M3), a leading industrial and logistics real estate services specialist in the United Kingdom (UK). The acquisition of M3 represents a significant step in the development of CBRE’s industrial services offering in the UK and across Europe.  

The ICT Cluster is supporting a number of regional initiatives, including recruitment services, work placement, career advice and training, designed to encourage small businesses to take on graduates from local universities, rather than the students leaving for technology hotbeds around Reading, Swindon and London.  

Rooney, Ronaldo and Messi – just some of the greatest names in football who will NOT be taking part in a fun five-a-side tournament taking place in Birmingham.  

Teams from accountancy firm Prime Chartered Accountants rowed their way to over £1500 for charity in the annual Dragon Boat regatta at Stratford-upon-Avon.  

Tough times ahead for businesses were signalled today as inflation rose to a 17-month high of 3.7 per cent in April driven by rising food costs and Budget duty hikes.  

Walsall Regeneration Company (WRC) has announced the appointment of three new directors to its board.  

McCann Erickson Birmingham has announced the appointment of one of the biggest creative signings of recent years. Billy Mawhinney has joined the agency this month to take on the role of Executive Creative Director.  

Birmingham is hosting a major international exhibition this week, set to attract around 75,000 attendees and generate over £50m economic impact for the city. Ipex is the largest English-speaking global technology event for print, publishing and media and takes place 18 – 25 May at The NEC.  

Companies in Coventry have been urged to check their insurance documents – or risk being left out of pocket.  

A Walsall saddler is beating the economic downturn by finding new markets overseas, with help from UK Trade & Investment.  

Plans for a radical reform of the tax system by the new coalition government could lead to a mass stampede to the sales, according to experts in the Midlands offices of accountants and business advisers Horwath Clark Whitehill.  

Wolverhampton based packaging specialists Belpac are preparing to exhibit at The Total Processing & Packaging Event to be staged at the NEC between 25-27th May.  

If anyone doubted that a change of Government would not signal a change in the economic environment, today’s news of dramatic increases to the rate of capital gains tax (CGT) sets the tone according to Sarah Moss Partner at the Birmingham office of PKF Accountants & business advisers  

Birmingham building services provider JS Wright has received a coveted award from a world-renowned training organisation for investing in its people.  

West Midlands telecoms specialist, Synkronicity has been nominated for a national award just 6 months after launching an innovative and cost saving business telephone VoIP service.  

Key Technologies plc, the Midlands-based specialist engineering group, is set to acquire the business and assets of Primetake Ltd, a specialist developer, manufacturer and supplier of special purpose ammunition and equipment.  

Visitors from all over the UK have given their seal of approval to one of Warwickshire’s top farm attractions.  

Midlands-based public relations and business promotions specialist, Evopr.com, has been engaged to promote and launch a totally new business and accountancy software package, aimed exclusively at the small business market.  

With the World Cup just under a month away, leading Black Country law firm George Green LLP warn local employers to be careful when dealing with unauthorised absence by football fans.  

One and a half thousand people have been placed back into work across Leicestershire and Northamptonshire thanks to the Pathways to Work programme. The programme supports those that are unemployed and receiving health related benefits into sustainable jobs.  

Halesowen-based firm of chartered accountants, Nicklin LLP, is celebrating this week after winning the highly coveted Small Accountancy Firm of the Year award at one of the industry’s best known regional awards ceremonies, for the second year in a row.  

A special relationship between Riverside, Mansell and two West Bromwich primary schools has been cemented with a painting competition aimed at underlining the dangers of construction sites.  

Birmingham-based law firm Cobbetts LLP, has been ranked as the leading adviser to basic materials companies on AIM for the sixth consecutive quarter, according to figures from Hemscott, the independent international provider of financial data.  

Businesses across the Midlands are anxious to hear what the new coalition Government has in store to improve business confidence. Leading employment lawyer Fergal Dowling, partner and head of employment law at the Midlands’ offices of law firm Irwin Mitchell, considers what could happen.  

Black Country Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Business to Business Exhibition and Table Top Trade Show on Tuesday 18th May 2010, at The Regency Banqueting Suites, Wolverhampton.  

A Walsall event hire company is celebrating after scooping a top industry award.  

Belgrade Car Valet Service is set to speed into action this month in the Belgrade Plaza car park, which is situated off junction nine of the ring road in the city centre.  

The Institute of Directors West Midlands is to further enhance Brindleyplace’s reputation as a leading business destination, through its relocation to Eleven Brindleyplace in June.  

International real estate advisor Savills has won both the Targetjobs National Graduate Recruitment Award and The Times Graduate Recruitment Award following its continued commitment to recruiting and employing the best young graduates.  

One of the UK’s leading business experts returns to Shropshire and Worcestershire next month, with the aim of encouraging growth and boosting sales.  

A new penalty regime for late PAYE payments which could cost businesses thousands of pounds has been introduced by the taxman.  

Black Country Reinvestment Society (BCRS) the Wolverhampton based not for profit loans company, has helped a Coseley manufacturing company grow out of the recession.  

This month sees the celebration of International Ideas Week 2010, and one Midlands-based financial consultancy are proud to fit the bill.  

Researchers at Coventry University’s Centre for the International Business of Sport (CIBS) are preparing themselves for a summer of frenetic research activity, ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.  

Innovators and industry experts from several leading companies will be revealing how to find a competitive edge in a packed programme of free seminars in the Technology Innovations Theatre at Total Processing & Packaging 2010, which takes place at the NEC from 25-27 May.  

Willmott Dixon Construction has been named the Midlands most sustainable constructor at the West Midlands Constructing Excellence Awards.  

A Midlands IT company has warned businesses of the dangers of not backing-up their files after saving ten years’ worth of data for a construction firm.  

The Chief Executive and representatives of Birmingham Settlement cycled approximately 500 miles from London to Paris all in the name of charity!  

More than 150 guests attended the launch of Brendan Fleming Solicitors new Private Client Department at Birmingham’s leading live music venue The Jam House.  

Willoughby PR, an award winning agency with offices in Birmingham and Nottingham, has announced the launch of its new digital division WPR Digital.  

BPG Investments Ltd has acquired Northampton House in Solihull, West Midlands. The 7,000 sq ft mixed-use building was purchased for circa £2 million, representing an equivalent yield of nine per cent.  

As part of its centenary celebrations, Birmingham-based Dunlop Aircraft Tyres has commissioned the publication of a new book and commemorative film which tell the story of the company past and present and which outline its future direction.  

The Wolverhampton office of chartered accountants Haines Watts has been joined by a new consultant as part of a programme to increase its share of the market in small and medium-sized businesse  

The latest manufacturing best practice workshops take place in the West Midlands next week, with the overriding aim of helping local companies boost efficiency, reduce waste and increase their profits.  

A Birmingham-based firm of residential property management specialists has significantly expanded by opening a new office.  

Birmingham IT and telecommunications hub, Interactive Telecoms has received a Best Business accolade for its unique new ‘end to end’ telephony service targeting the SMB (small medium businesses) market place.  

Drivers Jonas Deloitte’s Birmingham planning team has been appointed by Wiltshire Council to examine how military and civilian communities located on the Salisbury Plain can become more integrated and sustainable.  

A Solihull-based property developer has agreed the sale of two care homes in the UK for just under £20 million.  

Japanese companies remain hugely important to the future of the West Midlands, according to a legal expert.  

Birmingham needs to replicate its successes in the golden age of the industrial revolution if it is to take maximum advantage of the knowledge economy, a seminar featuring some of the region’s most exciting digital businesses was told.  

A new 180-berth marina near Stone has enjoyed a whirlwind first two months after its state-of-the-art facilities and traditional farm shop proved a huge hit with locals and boat owners across the UK.  

Businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire have urged the new coalition Government to provide the base for a sustained economic recovery.  

The Crosby Project, a low cost property initiative by Crosby Lend Lease, is soon to be a sell out success with just two of a total 38 properties available under the scheme now remaining.  

Commenting on the latest labour market figures released today by the ONS, President of Black Country Chamber of Commerce, Mike Dell said: “We are disappointed but not surprised that the numbers of people unemployed in the UK has increased to 2.51 million during the first three months of this year.”  

Drivers Jonas Deloitte has been named the professional agency team of the year and the office agency team of the year at the 2010 Property Week Awards.  

A Birmingham-based public relations and communications consultancy is celebrating after recently securing not one, not two, but three new client wins.  

A Birmingham van centre has completed its transformation following the investment of £250,000 by its new owners, Swansway Garages  

Don’t let your hopes for an exciting new business turn sour in a partnership fall-out, an expert has warned.  

The hung parliament and mounting import inflation could prompt an interest rate rise and stifle economic recovery unless agreement between political parties on when and how to reduce the deficit can be reached soon, according to the latest Business Trends report by Midlands’ accountants and business advisors BDO LLP  

Entrepreneurship will lead the economy out of economic darkness, say business leaders in Birmingham and Solihull.  

Business leaders in Birmingham and Solihull are calling on the new government to act now to provide a business-friendly economic environment which will bring unemployment figures down quickly.  

B&Q and Hotel Chocolat are the latest top names to join the list of companies taking part in the Packaging Innovation Seminars at Total Processing & Packaging 2010.  

Business leaders in Birmingham today urged a period of stability as the new coalition government settles in.  

Ed Vernon, the chairman of Midlands based finance and HR recruitment specialist Macildowie, has just returned from a business trip with a difference - as a guest of President Obama and Hillary Clinton at the White House.  

Martin Holcombe, Chief Executive of Birmingham Settlement, Ed Coley, a Birmingham Settlement Board Member, and Mark Sargeant, Facilities Co-ordinator, hit the saddle and left from London on May 4 and will arrive in Paris on May 7.  

Horwath Clark Whitehill has been named Accountancy Firm of the Year by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in the West Midlands region.  

It’s bargain time for first-time property buyers if they can secure the finance, according to Bigwood director Jonathan Hackett, head of the firm’s residential agency business.  

For the majority of first time buyers, taking the first step onto the property ladder can be a confusing process, with the dilemma of deciding whether to buy a home or rent. Another key factor in the decision-making process is location with buyers looking for an area that can offer city feel with rural appeal nearby.  

Birmingham’s hotel industry has experienced a boost with an increase in both hotel occupancy and room rates throughout the city and wider area.  

Developer Broadlands Wolverhampton Limited, a joint venture between Peveril Securities Limited and B& R Properties Limited, has announced that international information technology services company, Atos Origin, has signed a deal to take 20,000 sq ft (1,858 sq m) of grade A office space at Wolverhampton Business Park.  

Celebrations were in full swing when Gateway Family Services hosted a glittering awards ceremony to recognise the achievements of 170 learners.  

Business leaders in Birmingham today welcomed the news that Kraft Foods intends to create a new global Centre of Excellence for chocolate research and development at Bournville.  

Highcross has sold a 39,000 sq ft headquarters building at its i Quarter office and industrial development at Central Park, Rugby in an £8.9 million deal.  

Unemployed people in inner-city Birmingham whose goal is to get a new job are receiving vital support from a £6million employment initiative being unveiled at a one of the city’s top football clubs.  

Celebrating 250 years in business, King Sturge was joined by former Welsh Guard, Simon Weston OBE, as they rallied the troops for its 1760 anniversary charity appeal.  

Birmingham City Council has won a major national HR award adding another accolade for excellence in HR across the private and public sector.  

Irwin Mitchell has strengthened its highly-respected Employment team in the Midlands with the recruitment of a new Partner – the latest in a series of new faces to join the law firm as it continues to expand its offering and expertise.  

The search is on for 100 people who believe that charity begins at home and are willing to give £1000 each for three years to support grassroots causes in the community.  

A swift political decision is fundamental for economic stability, West Midlands business leaders said as the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to keep interest rates at 0.5 per cent.  

Accountants and business advisers Friend LLP have chosen to become the third tenant at Argent’s latest building, Eleven Brindleyplace.  

A Redditch Electrical Engineering specialist, MSE Mechanical & Electrical Services has appointed two new apprentices thanks to Birmingham Electrical Training (BET) and the Government Employer Grant Scheme.  

Midlands’ employment law specialists W.H. Law has welcomed Charlotte Wood on to the team as a fully qualified solicitor.  

Two-thirds of small business owners in the West Midlands believe it will be at least a year before the economy begins to return to normality.  

Midlands-based auctioneers, Biddle & Webb have had a quantity of fantastic items go under the hammer recently, including a ukulele once owned by George Formby and some Lone Range memorabilia.  

Following the disappointing announcement of a hung Parliament, Mike Dell, President of Black Country Chamber of Commerce expresses his concern.  

City living is continuing to win the vote of today’s young professionals, according to Crest Nicholson. The developer’s award-winning Park Central scheme in Birmingham is scoring highly with homebuyers who want to enjoy all the lifestyle benefits of owning a stylish apartment in a prime city centre location.  

Oldbury-based Mayfair Fire Protection Ltd and the business and assets of Professional Fire Solutions Ltd have been acquired by AIM-listed Green Compliance plc, headquartered in Cirencester.  

Birmingham city centre’s first organic hair salon, Puro Hair, will open its doors in June, heralding the arrival of a new concept in hair styling and colouring.  

Oakland Distribution, a subsidiary of Midlands multi temperature supply chain specialist Oakland International, has developed a new scheme in conjunction with The Dairy Trader, unique within the UK,  

Midlands law firm Challinors marked the latest step in its programme of innovation for value-added services for clients with the launch of its all-new Business Support Unit at Birmingham’s Opus Restaurant last week.  

Businesses are being given the chance to get the edge over their competitors after a new service which allows organisations to rank themselves against their opposition was launched.  

The last 24 months have been challenging at best, with many businesses across all industries facing decline and even closure as the UK starts to emerge from the sharpest financial downturn ever seen.  

One of the UK’s most successful middle distance runners and the voice of UK athletics went the extra mile for businesses in Birmingham.  

Pennycuick Collins, one of Birmingham’s largest owner-managed property management consultancies, has appointed Adrian Roddick as partner. Mr Roddick has today become Pennycuick Collins’ fifth partner and he is the second partner to join from Bruton Knowles within the past 12 months.  

The West Midlands has demonstrated that it continues to lead the world in innovation and manufacturing excellence.  

Visitors to this year’s Total Processing & Packaging exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham, from May 25th to 27th can receive free expert advice on all types of packaging challenges, from design requirements and material suitability to environmental considerations and cost reductions.  

Aston Business School and leading Midlands’ marketing consultancy McCann Erickson, are joining forces to offer business leaders in the region an exciting new programme of exclusive business seminars in an effort to bring the business community together.  

A Stourbridge company has received three new orders from its long-term client Waitrose.  

A Midlands Virtual Worlds solution provider Daden Limited has won first place and second place prize respectively in two categories of this years inaugural US Federal Government's Virtual World Challenge (FVWC). Birmingham based Daden entered both its PIVOTE and Datascape systems into the Challenge.  

Business Studies students from Birmingham Metropolitan College are once again sharing their entrepreneurial skills with the Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield business community through a conference providing updates on amendments to the laws governing their businesses.  

Civico, Majestic12 and Spysure stood out among the Birmingham companies nominated by their peers as examples of businesses providing innovative or novel solutions and potentially helping to bring attention and jobs to the Birmingham technology community.  

National property and construction consultancy Wakemans is overseeing remediation works at the former Goodyear factory site in Fordhouses, Wolverhampton, which will pave the way for phase one of a major new residential development.  

Over 100 Black Country businesses have been helped over the last 12 months by Corus Group subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise.  

Sessions of York were placed into administration on Wednesday 21st April. The following day, Lincolnshire based Paragon were made aware of the opportunity to purchase the assets of the business and have moved swiftly to conclude negotiations with the administrator, securing local jobs and the future of the business.  

Elderly residents of a new Sandwell housing regeneration development have been saying a big “thank you” to Mansell and Riverside employees who made and distributed blankets to help them keep out the cold.  

The first quarter of 2010 saw institutional investors make their largest net commitment to the UK property market for more than three years, reveals the latest research by national property consultancy, Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH).  

A dozen West Midlands businesses joined forces this week to put on one of the biggest ‘Fit 4 Fun’ events ever held in the region.  

Commercial and residential property investors and landlords will have the rare opportunity to access practical help and guidance and legal updates at a new series of workshop seminars to be run by Halesowen practice, Challinors White & Billingham.  

Stoford held a pre-completion tour of Severn Trent Water’s new operation centre in St John’s Street, Coventry to showcase the stunning £60million flagship office scheme.  

Consumer electronics and digital innovation are set to thrive in Birmingham following the launch of a dynamic new partnership between Birmingham Metropolitan College and Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd - the first of its kind between a further education provider and a global leader in digital convergence technologies.  

Breathing Space, a Walsall based charity which helps people set up their own business, has signed up to Cloud Net Connect – an internet phone system, designed for small business, charities and start ups.  

KUKA is playing a key role in the development of an innovative automated system for assembling complex aircraft structures in collaboration with Europe’s leading airplane manufacturer.  

Sterling Homecare Limited has recently been sold to City & County Healthcare (formerly London Care). This is the first bolt-on acquisition for City & County since it was acquired by Sovereign Capital.  

Partner at Sydney Mitchell, Dean Parnell, has taken up the presidency of Birmingham Law Society.  

Conservative plans for financial reforms would place additional operational onus on businesses to detect fraud by rogue employees and leave company directors increasingly liable for fraudsters on their payroll, fraud lawyers are warning.  

Dudley and District Business Club’s new chairman has thrown out a huge welcome for growing businesses.  

Household cleaning giant Jeyes has appointed a man with vast international experience as its new Group Chief Executive Officer.  

Formula 1 fanatic Ruth Coleridge is racing ahead in her legal career after qualifying as a solicitor at Dudley based law firm Hawkins Hatton.  

An award-winning independent book publisher will be the speaker at the next leading ladies lunch organised by Solihull Chamber of Commerce and Industry on May 14.  

One of Britain’s most prominent business leaders has helped to boost Birmingham’s finance and accountancy markets by officially launching Alexander Daniels, a major new financial recruitment consultancy based at Baskerville House.  

Managers of retail businesses in the Midlands are being urged to apply for FREE scholarship places to the Oxford Summer School, the jewel in the crown of the UK’s retail training.  

Debbie Bisseker, Head of Visitor Services at Cadbury World was announced as the silver winner in the Outstanding Customer Service category at a glittering awards ceremony in Brighton last week. Debbie’s success follows her recent gold triumph at the regional Heart of England Excellence in Tourism Awards at the end of 2009.  

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has praised a Midlands engineering company for putting “British manufacturing on the map” during a visit to its Halesowen headquarters.  

Cladding specialist James & Taylor announce the completion of the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA) which has moved from London to a permanent new home in Coventry.  

A Coventry firm which is leading the fight against terrorism has been shortlisted for a national award following the success of its products.  

The multi-purpose Ricoh Arena has picked up another piece of silverware after scooping an award for the success of the cashless payment system at Coventry City matches.  

Hard pressed company bosses across The Midlands will not give their employees time off to watch England in the World Cup Finals.  

A Coventry housing association is cementing its commitment to supporting residents from ethnic minorities by breaking down cultural and language barriers.  

Midlands law firm Browne Jacobson can announce four new partners and eight new associates.  

An established family-run business has capped a successful year by moving premises and launching a new showroom in the heart of Halesowen.  

Building features made by a Kingswinford company may not be antique but they have defied the doubters and stood the test of time.  

Work is set to start Birmingham’s first affordable ‘zero-carbon homes’ as part of the final phase of an £17.1m development of the former Nimmings Farm Estate, following the sale of land to West Mercia Homes Limited.  

The Birmingham office of national commercial property consultancy, Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), has made a senior appointment to its Office Agency department as it gears the team up for the next financial year.  

Former Chief Executive of Bristol Street Motors, John Tustain, owner of Tustain Motors Limited, has purchased two North-East based Vauxhall dealerships in his latest venture within a booming motor retail sector.  

The University of Birmingham will be the location for the final televised Prime Ministerial Debate, to be broadcast by the BBC on Thursday 29 April at 8.30pm.  

Lumejet, a technology company based in Coventry, has become the latest recipient of investment from Midven’s Early Advantage Fund.  

Solicitors at Midlands law firm Challinors are throwing down the gauntlet to clients and fellow professionals across Birmingham and the West Midlands to pick up their stumps and don their whites for this year’s Indoor Cricket Tournament.  

The Midlands’ leading transatlantic business organisation has merged with Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCI), it was announced today (Thursday, April 29).  

A prolonged period of pricing stability, increased lending and the return of many buyers to the market mean the number of transactions is set to rapidly increase by the end of the year, according to the latest Private Company Price Index (PCPI) and Private Equity Price Index (PEPI) from Midlands accountants and business advisors BDO LLP.  

Business leaders and regeneration specialists are backing a £35m bid for government funds for a major road improvement scheme to unlock the potential of one of the most important development areas in the Midlands.  

Businesswomen in Bromsgrove who are interested in finding out about a new networking group are being invited to catch up on the details over a cuppa.  

Visitors to Winterbourne Botanic Garden will be able to explore the estate in full when Winterbourne House opens its doors to the public for the first time on Saturday 1st May.  

Businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire have voted against a hung Parliament in a series of straw polls.  

The Armoury Group’s demolition of two multi-story tower blocks has paved the way for the regeneration of a dilapidated area of Solihull.  

A team of apprentices and technical trainees from construction company Mansell have been getting their hands dirty, cleaning up a local school pond.  

Despite the doom and gloom of the recession, a West Midlands graduate recruitment specialist has seen a growing number of graduate placements within the manufacturing industry as businesses strive to succeed in 2010.  

Fusion Building Consultancy director, Gavin Stephens has continued to roll out the hugely successful Guitar Guitar brand, project managing the fit out of the premier music retail tenant at 100 Hagley Road.  

A globe-trotter has finally come “home” to West Bromwich after spending two years travelling the planet – and is hoping his new job will now help bring other travellers to his corner of the world.  

Coventry’s largest social landlord is linking up with Enterprising Coventry to find jobs for suitable candidates.  

Businesses are still not taking identity fraud and theft seriously enough and in many instances, customers’ identities are being put at risk according to a Birmingham accountant.  

Integrated communications agency Seal is celebrating a new business win having delivered a first class pitch to leading UK parcel delivery network Hermes (formally Parcelnet).  

Jurys Inn, the Best Independent Hotel Brand 2010*, opened its new central reservations office at its hotel in the city centre on Broad Street this week.  

A leading West Midlands business support organisation has a new occupant in the managing director’s hotseat.  

Roof workers in Staffordshire and Shropshire are being invited to a free event next month (11 May) aimed at reducing the number of injuries to them and the public.  

Leading property consultant GVA Grimley this week unveiled research highlighting the importance of urgent and fundamental solutions to unlock and resuscitate existing policy on regeneration in the UK.  

Businesses that make extensive use of Royal Mail and Parcel Force services could be in for a significant cash wind fall following changes to the VAT position on Royal Mail services.  

Birmingham radio station BRMB has teamed up with Lookers Vauxhall and Cadbury World to bring back its twenty-six mile charity Walkathon on 6th June.  

Alliance 4 the Black Country, the organisation representing the area’s growing professional and financial community will be hosting a unique law seminar on Thursday 29th April at the Molineux, Wolverhampton.  

Chartered accountants Clement Keys has warned that a raft of changes to the VAT system which are all effective from 1 April 2010 – will have a major impact and businesses should make sure they understand the new rules in order to avoid penalties.  

Walsall companies are being urged to tap into a new support programme launched today, which is challenging local businesses to reignite the town’s ingenuity by developing the products and services of the future.  

Prominent businessman Sir David Bell has congratulated the city’s leading business and professional services organisation for its vision for the next 20 years, preceding a special anniversary lunch being held today (27 April 2010).  

Is this the way to Amarillo? No, but 60s singing sensation Tony Christie may find a few blooming amaryllis when he visits the West Midlands to support a local charity’s flower festival.  

Crest Nicholson has released 56 apartments at Park Central in Birmingham city centre, with this latest collection of new homes including exclusive properties with views across eight acres of parkland at the heart of the award winning development.  

You don’t even have to call yourself a director to be sued for every penny you’ve got, a Midlands expert has warned.  

Lawyers for Business (LfB), a Midlands-based company which provides legal services nationwide, has appointed a local man to expand its operation.  

Leading building services provider JS Wright is all set to boost Birmingham’s world-class educational standing by fitting out its 5,000th student apartment within the city.  

Stourbridge mechanical and electrical company Kershaw Mechanical Services has been awarded a new £1.3m school contract.  

Clearwater Corporate Finance (“Clearwater”), in partnership with law firm Wragge & Co, will host two free morning seminars for business leaders with an interest in understanding the relevance of initial public offerings (IPOs) to their companies.  

LaSer UK, the Solihull-based leading provider of credit and customer marketing programmes, has appointed Lynda Brennan as its new Head of Human Resources.  

Law firm Browne Jacobson has successfully advised Natural England on the buy-out of William Sinclair's peat extraction rights at Bolton Fell Moss in Cumbria.  

Forget YouGov, Ipsos-Mori and ICM – a West Midland t-shirt designer has the inside story when it comes to who is leading the General Election opinion polls.  

Out-of-pocket travellers who were stranded in Europe and unable to return to the UK whilst the world’s skies were closed to aircraft, may be able to claim financial compensation through a key piece of European legislation, according to Paul Griffiths, senior partner and commercial litigation specialist at Midlands law firm Challinors.  

An impressive line up of leading companies and organisations will debate the topical industry issues and latest trends that are driving and shaping the packaging industry at the Packaging Innovation Seminars, one of the highlights of this year’s Total Processing & Packaging exhibition which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham from 25th to 27th May.  

Birmingham City Council has today unanimously resolved to grant planning approval for Regal Tower, a 200m high mixed-use building situated on the corner of Broad Street and Sheepcote Street. Thought to be the highest building outside of London, the scheme will be developed by Midlands based developer, Regal Property Group.  

An automotive expert at Coventry University said that in spite of recent speculation, Jaguar Land Rover will be closing one of its plants in 2015 but at this stage, it is still not certain which one.  

Halesowen-based firm of accountants, Nicklin LLP, has issued a reminder that more businesses will now have to file their VAT returns online and pay any money due electronically for VAT periods starting on or after 1 April 2010.  

Politicians have been warned not to turn their backs on the West Midlands once the General Election is over.  

The Stourbridge-based Western Region of Mansell has started work on a contract worth £8.3 million to build sheltered housing for a Birmingham charity which can trace its roots back to 1525.  

Enoch Evans Solicitors in Walsall have converted to limited liability partnership (LLP) status as of 1st April 2010.  

The Birmingham office of national commercial property consultancy, Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), has appointed Ian Kibble as Head of Office, where he will also lead the Agency team. Ian is taking over from Terry Corns, who has headed up the Birmingham office for five years, and is now retiring from this role.  

Birmingham-based Clearwater Corporate Finance has delivered a strong increase in M&A transaction figures for its financial year ending 31 March 2010 despite the overall meltdown in M&A activity globally. The firm attributes this to its increased sector focus, investment in cross border capability and its innovative deal origination strategy.  

The public markets team at Cobbetts LLP has seen an increase in the number of businesses seeking to raise capital on the London markets, after advising on seven AIM transactions announced in the first quarter of 2010 and helping clients to raise more than £75m.  

Phase one of the St. Modwen developed Trentham Lakes District Centre has reached full occupation following the letting of the final retail unit to Set In Stone Hair Design Ltd.  

Leading professional services consultancy Begbies Traynor Group held its first major Banking Conference at the Hotel du Vin in Birmingham, where keynote speakers Jon Moulton of Better Capital and Larry Morris of Mesirow Financial Consulting, the firm’s New York joint venture partner, addressed an invited audience of more than 80 senior bankers and staff.  

Embracing equality and diversity can be a work winner, businesses have been told.  

Mike Dell, President of Black Country Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate three local firms in winning awards at the Prestigious Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2010 ceremony.  

Commenting on the latest labour market figures released today, President of Black Country Chamber of Commerce, Mike Dell said: “We are disappointed but not surprised that the numbers of unemployed has risen in the first quarter.  

Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, has started rolling out its new safety education program to children across the Midlands.  

Businesses must vote against more red tape in the general election, a leading accountant has claimed.  

Ex Baggies player and Bolton Wanderers’ Paul Robinson today (21st April) officially opened the Salts Healthcare “Techstep Education & Research Centre”, the first purpose built clinic in the UK ‘solely’ for the understanding, development and support of the human foot.  

CitySprint, the UK’s largest privately owned SameDay Courier network with a ServiceCentre in Birmingham, Warwick and Nottingham, has been awarded a two-year contract extension with Serco – one of the world's leading service and outsourcing companies which has been delivering essential public services for more than 40 years.  

Don’t get fleeced by the bargain buy from Hell, business executives have been warned.  

An astonishing half of all West Midland companies know nothing of the Government’s clampdown on corporate bribery.  

Tony Davis, the CEO of MedilinkWM, the Life Science industry association dedicated to driving forward relationships between industry, academia, and the public and private healthcare and social services, has been appointed Chairman of the Board of MedilinkUK and to the start-up Board of the new Health Innovation and Education Clusters (HIEC) group.  

Anticipated cuts in public sector jobs will make it difficult for the West Midlands to maintain the latest fall in unemployment figures announced today, said business leaders.  

A Coventry man who was made redundant could act as an inspiration to others in a similar position after landing a new role.  

Universal McCann Central has added to its budding portfolio, having been appointed by travel price comparison site icelolly.com and online brand Genting Casino.  

Business advisory firm Deloitte has appointed Isabel Drabble as its new marketing manager in Birmingham.  

Marketing Birmingham has been shortlisted for the ‘Best Operations Team’ category of Conference Awards 2010 for its work on the Rotary International Convention.  

Kennedys, the national top 50 law firm, has experienced significant growth following its office opening in Birmingham last year.  

Midlands truck dealer the Hartshorne Group is celebrating after a successful Commercial Vehicle Operator Show at the NEC.  

With the flight ban affecting thousands of people due to return to work from Easter breaks, Nick Jew, employment partner at the Birmingham office of DLA Piper, explains where firms stand if staff can't make it in  

Online accounting systems are the way forward for SMEs and start-up businesses, says leading Midland chartered accountants Prime.  

Absolute Invoice Finance (“Absolute”), the specialist business financier, has appointed James Cresswell as regional manager in its Midlands office, in response to strong demand from the region’s SMEs for alternative funding solutions.  

Over 15 young Birmingham apprentices are celebrating being hired and employed by West Midlands contractors after the regions leading provider of electrical installation training, Birmingham Electrical Training (BET) put The Employer Grant scheme into action.  

West Midlands professionals need specialist training if they are to take advantage of the growing Islamic finance market, a meeting in Birmingham heard.  

A leading Midlands IT firm is urging small and medium-sized companies to act fast in taking advantage of an interest free loan to upgrade their IT equipment.  

The Translation People, one of the UK’s leading translation service providers, has launched an office in Paris to deal with its rapidly growing French client base.  

It is probably an ironic twist of fate that one of the leading lights from Coventry University’s Business School finds himself stranded in the US with a bunch of volcano experts.  

As the Icelandic volcano continues to bellow and the Easter holidays are now over, the number of stranded passengers unable to return to home and to work grows day by day.  

In an initial survey of its 2,500 members, the majority of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry members said their companies had been affected by the shutdown of European airspace. The survey is ongoing.  

The disruption to air travel caused by the Icelandic volcano eruption was continuing to have an increasing impact on Midlands businesses today.  

Browne Jacobson has achieved a major recognition for the quality of its legal service by The Law Society.  

Birmingham Airport is planning for the future. Chief Executive, Paul Kehoe, is determined to increase momentum in the airport’s development and today announced three new appointments to strengthen the airport’s senior management team.  

Leading Black Country law firm George Green has promoted three solicitors, Simon Griffiths, Kirsty McEwen and Stephen Meade all become associates.  

A new residential home specialising in dementia care has opened in Rugby creating thirty new jobs.  

Apprentices and management trainees from the Stourbridge-based Western region of Mansell Construction Services are spreading the word to promote a new companywide safety initiative aimed at making safety personal.  

It's time to get those tatty receipts for late night curries and sensible business lunches out from that old tin box, an expert has warned.  

As work on the exciting redevelopment at Edgbaston gains momentum, the international cricket ground has appointed Helen Johnson into the newly created role of head of non-Match day sales.  

A new right for employees to request time off work to study or for training came into force on 6th April. It applies to businesses with 250 or more employees and will be extended to all employers, regardless of size, from 6 April 2011.  

Birmingham’s Jam House has struck a new culinary chord to accompany its international live music offering this spring.  

This was the view of speakers at Barclays Corporate’s ‘Building Connections’ event at the Latitude Club, Snow Hill, Birmingham, attended by West Midland’s property experts.  

LDC, the Midlands’ leading private equity provider has today announced that it has completed its investment in the new ‘Exceed - Midlands Advantage Fund’, which has been specifically established in order to support growing businesses across the West Midlands region.  

Harborne has become the second target for a leading Midland law firm’s major expansion plans. Solihull-based Harris Cooper Walsh (HCW) sees the move as an important step in its future programme of development, a significant part of which is free legal helplines and later opening hours.  

Deeley Construction, which is part of the Deeley Group based at George House in the city, has created a Special Projects Division to carry out a range of works from property alterations and refurbishments to niche projects.  

Executive director at Business Voice West Midlands, James Watkins, will speak at the next Black Country Diners Club (BCDC) event, sharing his thoughts on the future of the region with the West Midlands’ business community.  

Work costing over £2 million to build extra bedrooms and improve facilities for elderly people with dementia at two homes in Nottingham will start this spring.  

The future of UK plc and the economy of Coventry and Warwickshire will be the subject of a major business conference in June.  

A growing Midlands adhesive company is sticking with its successful business formula as it expands into new markets overseas.  

Business fortunes in the West Midlands have improved dramatically in the past year, according to new figures released today (April 15).  

Lack of accuracy and timely advice and support in the corporate finance procedure are major factors in causing possible deals to be lost, according to leading Midlands chartered accountants Prime.  

A new website designed to support the UK tourism industry in the build up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games has been launched.  

A Coventry based company is set for a smooth ride after agreeing a deal to supply suspension parts to a prestigious automotive firm.  

Gallan Group has signed a multi-million pound contract with Travelodge to develop a 60 bed hotel in Cannock and create more than 100 jobs during the construction.  

Work accidents may be decreasing, but a health and safety expert says there is plenty of room for improvement as the West Midlands’ region loses a reported 2.7million working days per year to work-related illness and accidents.  

Three key MPs from the region will be quizzed by business leaders at a General Election debate organised by Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCI).  

The best in cutting-edge technology in the West Midlands is set to be displayed at the forthcoming MACH 2010 exhibition after the launch of a new Zone was announced.  

The interim Solihull Town Centre Business Improvement District board is working towards taking on its first employees.  

Birmingham Metropolitan College have continued to establish themselves as teaching and learning innovators by scooping a prestigious BECTA Next Generation Learning Award.  

Local business rates specialists Ruddle Merz has achieved a saving of over £40,000 for prestigious nationwide family clothing brand Joules.  

Managers and support staff from a number of Black Country stores turned decorators when they volunteered to give a popular community centre a makeover.  

Fast and bold monetary policy response and lessons learned from previous downturns have helped soften the blow to business.  

The West Midlands ICT Cluster held the inaugural meeting and networking session for its ICT Excellence Club at the end of March 2010.  

The return of a familiar face has brought music to the ears of a Midlands accountancy firm.  

A desire to cut costs in the face of tough market conditions prompted NS Clarke Transport to invest in its first five Mercedes-Benz tractor units a year ago. So well have they performed that the Staffordshire-based bulk haulier bought another couple last summer, and has now purchased seven more.  

A fifteen year old student was tried and tested last week at a locally based PR consultancy in Knowle.  

DLH Visual Communications based in Streetly, Walsall is changing its name and will be known as DLH. The change of name is a result of the range of projects the Company has undertaken during the past twelve months.  

Black Country Reinvestment Society (BCRS) the Wolverhampton based not for profit loans company, is celebrating their small business loan fund reaching £5 million, with plans to extend it to £10 million within two years.  

A company has set up a warehouse base in the Black Company to distribute metal cutting equipment around the UK and Europe.  

Birmingham’s newest landmark building, 100 Hagley Road, has received its first ground floor retail tenant, the premium music retailer, GUITARGUITAR.  

The Birmingham professional community has cited its greatest priorities and biggest frustrations on the city’s key transport issues in the latest survey from Birmingham Forward.  

In the run-up to the General Election and a potential change in government and in the wake of numerous legal reforms for businesses, Midlands law firm Challinors is giving public and private sector businesses and organisations their first chance to get up close and personal with its new team dedicated to corporate clients, at the latest in the firm’s face-to-face events.  

Not all Trusts are tax planning vehicles used by the super rich to avoid paying tax as some would have us believe, according to tax experts at MFG Solicitors.  

UK businesses are registering resounding rises in confidence and output, but the recovery is at risk without more business investment to support it, according to the latest Business Trends report by Midlands’ accountants and business advisers BDO LLP.  

Government plans to strengthen the law around so-called ‘pre-pack’ administrations are coming under fire from Black Country insolvency expert John Travers.  

The new managing partner at Yorkshire Bank’s Financial Solutions Centre at the Ricoh Arena has pledged to continue supporting agricultural businesses in the region.  

The President of Midcounties Co-operative is going over the top to raise funds for Walsall Hospice.  

This year the nation celebrates one of the most iconic times in modern history - the Battle of Britain.  

Daden Limited a virtual worlds solution provider based in Birmingham UK are pleased to announce their move into new physical offices at Faraday Wharf within Birmingham Science Park Aston.  

DLA Piper has recruited David Hayes to lead its real estate practice in Birmingham.  

Visitors to the region are set to receive a world-class welcome as part of an interactive showcase at Birmingham International Airport.  

Rising personal debt levels could mean that businesses face an increased risk of fraud.  

Administrators from accountants and business advisers PKF in Birmingham have confirmed the sale of the assets of Hagley-based Advent Computer Training and Access 2 Careers, securing the future for thousands of students.  

One of the region’s leading VAT authorities has said that even without the UK’s deficit, the rate of VAT is “sure to increase”.  

Military aircraft operators could soon benefit from new foreign object damage (FOD) resistance tyre technology that has been developed by Birmingham-based Dunlop Aircraft Tyres and that is being used for the first time on the new Airbus Military A400M.  

The steps towards embracing technology to integrate key building functions through collaboration across the NHS, end users and industry, were debated by a panel of experts at a recent Modern Built Environment workshop event, organised by Alvolution, a division of MedilinkWM.  

MPs have backed the demands of the business community for stronger action for affordable housing in rural areas.  

Birmingham and London law firm Martineau has clearly signalled its intentions to drive growth in 2010 with the appointment to its Private Capital Group of high profile Midlands lawyer Lesley Davis.  

Late payment of tax is about to get a whole lot more painful, an expert has warned.  

Business Voice West Midlands has stepped up the pressure for action to spruce up ‘shabby’ Birmingham International Station.  

Companies in Coventry and Warwickshire believe the economic recovery will kick in over the next 12 months according to a key survey that measures business confidence in the region.  

Midlands truck dealer the Hartshorne Group is to exhibit for the first time at the giant Commercial Vehicle Operator Show at the NEC.  

North Staffordshire is playing an important role in the launch of a new DNA profiling machine thanks to the expertise of a local engineering firm.  

Crytek, one of the world’s biggest video gaming companies, has moved its UK headquarters into Nottingham city centre.  

Business owners are being warned to ensure they have watertight shareholder agreements in place or run the risk of a perfectly healthy business having to be shut down.  

Leading Black Country law firm George Green LLP has appointed a new assistant solicitor who has completed his training contract with the firm.  

The Midcounties Co-operative is celebrating ‘outstanding’ performance with a 19% increase in trading profit to a record £19.3 million.  

A new initiative to bring Darlaston businesses together to benefit each other and to support and help shape the area’s regeneration has been launched.  

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has ramped up the number of investigations into insider trading in the last three months, stepping up its efforts to crack down on market manipulation.  

Eighteen of the city’s top young professionals are locked in a fierce battle to become the tenth Birmingham Young Professional of Year.  

The West Midlands remains one of the country’s hotspots for business failures, according to the credit insurer Euler Hermes UK, but the rate of failure is slowing.  

One of the city’s leading accountancy firms is celebrating after being nominated for a top award for the second year running.  

Employers are about to experience a significant switch in how employees record their health condition when the ‘sick note’ becomes the ‘fit note’ from April 6, according to Midlands-based health insurer BHSF.  

Businesses in the West Midlands are being urged to take advantage of an exciting opportunity to find out more about trading in Bulgaria and Romania from experts in these countries.  

A Midlands-based corporate law expert, who advised on the flotation of fashion firm SuperGroup Plc, says he has been delighted with the response from City investors.  

An innovative Solihull company is making waves in the Middle East with the help of UK Trade & Investment after being handed an award which recognises the standard of its products.  

The taxman has gone from get tough to get even tougher, a Midlands expert has warned.  

Business Voice WM is urging the public to vote for free in a national competition that could boost the tourism sector in the Midlands.  

The hunt is on to identify needy areas of the West Midlands willing to trial super fast broadband.  

Six of the West Midlands’ most promising up-and-coming filmmakers will receive funding by Screen West Midlands to support their production through the digitshorts scheme.  

A leading Midlands’ family lawyer has welcomed the new changes to legislation that will make it easier for gay male couples to be recognised as the parents of children born to surrogate mothers.  

Despite the news that the £3.3m needed to save the Staffordshire Hoard for the Midlands has now been raised, Birmingham’s Opus restaurant is urging diners to pledge towards the £1.7m required for the final phase of the campaign.  

The title of Dudley Business Brain 2010 at Dudley and District Business Club has been taken by Bryan Manley of Alchemy Translations.  

Black Country Chamber of Commerce has announced Mike Dell as the new Chamber President, succeeding Peter Mathews CMG who stepped down on 31stMarch 2010.  

A KUKA robot is helping one of the UK’s leading bespoke furniture makers to expand its end-to-end manufacturing capabilities by undertaking a variety of finishing operations.  

Following the Chancellor's Budget announcement last week Pat McFadden, Minister for Business, visited Black Country Chamber of Commerce member Chamberlin & Hill Castings Ltd in Walsall, part of the Chamberlin plc group of engineering companies. Pat McFadden's visit follows the good news in the Budget that used foundry sand will continue to qualify for the lower rate of landfill tax.  

Business leaders in Birmingham and Solihull warned today that a slight improvement detected in the local economy over the past three months will be difficult to sustain in the next quarter.  

A Black Country insolvency practitioner is calling for a culture change at HMRC to help avoid the unnecessary demise of many potentially viable Black Country businesses.  

Halesowen-based firm of chartered accountants, Nicklin LLP, have further proved that they are one of the best when it comes to helping businesses achieve their goals and ambitions, by successfully securing a loan of £50,000 to develop a client’s thriving company even further.  

Browne Jacobson has bolstered its insurance credentials after being appointed to provide legal advice to Fusion Insurance Services.  

An iconic aircraft removed from display flying due to its involvement in operations in Afghanistan is to return to Cosford Air Show for the first time in four years, bosses revealed today.  

A West Midlands based cabinet member has visited an automotive manufacturer in his constituency to discover how it has shifted its business into new areas.