Birmingham Post

Halfords Head Office Could Be Next for Jobs Axe ; Exclusive

The economic downturn looks set to strike another big high street name this week a mid claims that Halfords is set to cut a quarter of its head-office staff. Following the fall from grace last week of Woolworths and MFI, the Worcestershire company,which employees 10,500 people across 450 UK stores, said it was "reviewing all the activities" carried out at its Redditch office and confirmed it was in the process of major restructuring.

Space Shuttle Detours to Sunny California

Space shuttle Endeavour and its seven astronauts landed safely back on Earth last night. The space shuttle landed in California, after being diverted there by stormyweather at Nasa's Florida spaceport.

Fall in Car Sales Leads to 'Help' Call by Firms

West Midlands industry has been harder hit than manufacturing in any other part of the UK as the financial crisis infected the real economy this autumn. The latest quarterly survey of manufacturing by the EEF and Grant Thornton attributes the region's woes to crumbling demand for motor vehicles.

Architects Behind the Cube Are Set to Close Edinburgh Office

The award-winning architecture firm behind what is set to be Birmingham's most eye-catching building has been forced to close its Edinburgh office to cope with the economic downturn. MAKE architects, headed up by Ken Shuttle worth, said work from the office would be spread across its Birmingham and London studios as the headcount came down from 130 to about 100.

Bank Expected to Shave Another 0.5pc Off Rates ; Update

The Bank of England is widely expected to cut interest rates by at least another 0.5 per cent this week as it tries to stave off a deep recession. The Monetary Policy Committee surprised markets last month by slashing the base rate by 1.5 per cent to a 53-year low of 3 per cent.

The Knock-On Effects Hurt ; City View in Association with Www.Rbs.Co.Uk

We may not even technically be in recession yet but already the casualties in the war against cost are beginning to mount. As one organisation struggles, so their pain is passed down the food chain until it reaches source and there is nowhere else to go.

Throwing Down the Gauntlet to Institutions ; in Association with Www.Rbs.Co.Uk Midlands Integrating Asian Businesses Within the Mainstream

A prominent figure in the Asian business community has challenged large institutions in the West Midlands to address an undercurrent of prejudice limiting opportunities for Asian business leaders. Arun Bajaj, chairman of the Institute of Asian Business, has criticised key business groups in the region for failing to involve Asian businessmen in strategic decision making and for the subsequent under-representation of Asian business interests.

Five-Year Investment Plan Aimed at Bolstering the Influence of Asian Business Leaders in Region ; Background in Association with Www.Rbs.Co.Uk

After fears that it may close, the Institute of Asian Businesses (IAB) has agreed a five-year investment plan with the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce to bolster the influence of Asian business leaders on regional economic policy. Senior figures and members of the IAB have spent the past 12months considering its future and how to ensure it provides the right kind of support to Asian owned businesses and maximise the potential of emerging Asian businesses and entrepreneurs.

Asian Firms Will Help Turn Tide of Recession ; in Association with Www.Rbs.Co.Uk

The West Midlands' thriving Asian business community will help the region recover from the financial constraints of the recession, according to an economic figurehead. Dr Singh Sahota believes the debtless structure of many of the region's largest Asian-owned businesses will trigger a quicker upturn in economic productivity than in any other region.

More Parks, Less Traffic Please ; in Association with Www.Rbs.Co.Uk

Name? Victoria Marcer Age? 33

Harris Takes On New Role to Build On Brum Success ; in Association with Www.Rbs.Co.Uk

Former Aston Science Park chief executive Derek Harris is joining construction consultancy Emprima in a move aimed at expanding the business. Managing director Neil Pountney said Emprima intended to confront the present economic difficulties head on, positioning the firm at the heart of Birmingham's continuing growth and development.

New Chambers Boss Determined to Respond to Regional Issues ; in Association with Www.Rbs.Co.Uk

City business boss Simon Top man has taken up the top job at the newly renamed West Midlands Chambers (WMC). He is the first person to take up the post since it was renamed from the Confederation of West Midlands Chamber of Commerce. He takes over from David Burton, who stood down at the group's annual meeting after four years in the job.

3i Leads Third Bid for Airport ; Travel in Association with Www.Rbs.Co.Uk

Private equity group 3i is reported to have teamed up with one of the world's biggest pension schemes to table a bid for Gatwick Airport. The group's infrastructure fund is said to be working with the Ontario Teachers' Pension Fund on a bid for the airport worth more than pounds 1.5 billion.

Approaches for Leather ; Retail in Association with Www.Rbs.Co.Uk

Furniture retailer Land of Leather is understood to have received approaches from a number of potential bidders. The Kent-based group is thought to have received some preliminary takeover inquiries.

Bidders Circle Woolworths ; Retail in Association with Www.Rbs.Co.Uk

Woolworths could be broken up as early as this week as about a dozen serious bidders circle the high street chain, according to reports. Parts of the group's 815 store portfolio could be sold off in parcels to rival retailers, despite administrator Deloitte receiving several bids for the entire group.

Compass Points to a Good Buy ; Share Tips in Association with Www.Rbs.Co.Uk

Sunday Telegraph Compass (306.25p), the world's largest catering company by market capitalisation, is likely to benefit from the economic downturn as businesses outsource their catering services to cut costs.

Office Parties to Go Ahead Despite Gloom ; Workplace in Association with Www.Rbs.Co.Uk

Consumers Believe Interest Rate to Rise ; Rates in Association with Www.Rbs.Co.Uk

Thomas Vale Buck the Trend with Profits High ; in Association with Www.Rbs.Co.Uk

Construction firm Thomas Vale has bucked the trends to bring home record half year results. Turnover for the six months ending September 30 saw a 20 per cent rise to pounds 109.5million compared to pounds 91.4million in the same period last year.

Industry at All Levels Is in Need of Quick Help ; Automotive Europe Scheme Is Good but Alone Not Enough - Smmt

Britain cannot rely on the European Union alone to protect Its "strategically vital" automotive Industry In a time of global crisis. That was the message from Graham Smlthln a speech to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' annual dinner as UK carmakers were enlisting government help In coping with haemor-rhaglng sales and slumping production levels In the face of the economic crisis.