North West housebuilders continue to struggle despite upturn
Despite some signs of recovery in the property market, research by R3 shows that housebuilders continue to face tough challenges, with over a third (34%) of firms in the North …
R3 welcomes new payday loan proposals
R3, the trade body which represents insolvency practitioners, welcomes the new proposals from the Financial Conduct Authority on the regulation of the payday loan industry. R3’s North West regional chair …
Retailers delaying administration as quarter day approaches
The North West’s retail sector could see a spike in insolvencies following the next rent quarter day which falls this Sunday, says insolvency trade body R3. Rent quarter day sees …
Virtual headhunting’ big data firm secures £525k venture capital
A new type of recruitment business which has revolutionised the way employers source fresh talent received a £525,000 investment this week from The North West Fund for Venture Capital, managed …
Architects set for growth with £100k Rosebud funding
A Preston-based firm of architects has secured a £100,000 finance package from Lancashire’s Rosebud Fund to help it take advantage of an upturn in the property market. Established in 1991 …
Economy not out of danger yet, small businesses say
Over half of all businesses in the North disagree with the Chancellor’s statement that the economy has moved ‘from rescue to recovery’, according to the latest Business Distress Index from …
Tracer offers versatile C-scan solution
A new freehand scanning system from Phoenix Inspection Systems provides accurate X-Y positions for C-scan inspections without the constraints of a scanning frame. The Tracer is a low-cost, lightweight system …
3D printing ‘will create need for advanced inspection methods’
3D printing – the new process by which parts can be ‘printed out’ on demand – is set to revolutionise manufacturing. However it will also create a demand for enhanced …
Diagnostics firm raises a further £1.3m for expansion
Biofortuna, the Wirral-based diagnostics company, is expanding its custom service has secured a £1.3m investment to expand its business. The funding round was supported by all current investors – Enterprise …