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Manufacturing offers economic hope
Wednesday 5 September 2012 8:00
The decline in manufacturing slowed in August, raising hopes that UK could be dragged out of recession before the year is out. The manufacturing PMI jumped to a four-month high of 49.5 in August, close to the 50 mark that separates growth from contraction.
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FSA calls for software clarity
Wednesday 5 September 2012 6:00
The FSA has called on the main high street banks to detail their efforts to prevent a software glitch like the one that hit RBS earlier this year, the Financial Times reports. A letter, sent by two senior FSA executives, also demands the names of senior managers who could be held personally responsible if information technology systems experience problems.
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Apple calls for ban
Tuesday 28 August 2012 8:00
Apple has outlined eight Samsung mobile devices that it wishes to have banned in the States in the aftermath of its legal victory against the electronics giant.
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G4S takes hit
Tuesday 28 August 2012 7:00
Security firm G4S has taken a £50m hit on its Olympics failing contract as the group reported a 60% fall in first-half profits. Nick Buckles, G4S chief executive, said: "We were deeply disappointed that we had significant issues with the London 2012 Olympics contract and are very grateful to the military and the police for their support in helping us to deliver a safe and secure Games."
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Struggling manufacturers are fewer in number
Tuesday 28 August 2012 6:00
The number of manufacturers faced with rising funding costs has reportedly fallen to the lowest level since 2007, a survey has found. EEF, the manufacturers' organisation, said credit easing programmes such as the recently launched Funding for Lending scheme, which aims to lower the cost of credit for small and medium-sized firms, may be helping.
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School leavers not fit for SMEs, claims report
Wednesday 22 August 2012 9:00
Britain’s largest business group by members has claimed that a major proportion of school leavers are falling woefully short when it comes to having the skills needed for the workplace.
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Action needed, says IoD
Wednesday 22 August 2012 9:00
Two-thirds of 1,200 members questioned in a new poll by the Institute of Directors (IoD) claim to see little or no chance of Britain emerging from recession this year. The IoD says its members want the government to do "a lot more" to boost confidence, such as simplifying taxes.
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From the horse's mouth
Wednesday 22 August 2012 8:00
Mongolia may not be top of everyone’s exports wish-list but armed with the right product it can be a land of opportunity, as one North East SME has discovered.
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Mixed fortunes for architects
Wednesday 22 August 2012 8:00
The latest figures from the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) show mixed fortunes in employment and workload experienced by architects working in different UK locations and sectors.
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Durham firm lands Aston Martin deal
Wednesday 22 August 2012 7:00
Work wear and uniform supplier Workwear Express has completed what it describes as "a lucrative" contract with luxury car brand Aston Martin to kit out 800 of its UK staff. The Durham-headquartered group's client list also includes 3 Mobile, Pure Gym, Greggs and global automotive business, Faureica.
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Rural jobs boost
Wednesday 22 August 2012 3:00
A £3.2m project which is expected to create up to 300 new jobs and support hundreds of businesses in Northumberland and Durham has been announced. Northumberland and Durham is one of five regions to benefit from a Rural Growth Network, set up to help rural areas overcome the barriers to economic growth such as a shortage of business premises and poor broadband access.
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Channel 4 deal
Monday 20 August 2012 10:00
Broadcaster Channel 4 has appointed digital agency Th_nk to create a multi-platform content experience for a major new drama series, 'Utopia'. The North East-headquartered firm has been tasked with creating and designing a multi-platform experience to generate and engage an audience for the six-part conspiracy drama prior to the show airing next year. “We will be working with the production company Kudos and the show's scriptwriter Dennis Kelly to build digital elements into the production, which is a new approach for Channel 4,” the firm said.