Daily Post

City Report

JITTERS over interest rates impacted on world markets as investors awaited the US Federal Reserve's next move on borrowing costs. Analysts expect the uncertainty to continue for the next couple of sessions as investors prove reluctant to commit new money to markets ahead of the announcement on US interest rates on Thursday night.

Wall Street

Brokers Launch New Move to Cash in On Region's Booming Local Economy

ANDREW WEAVER and Jerry Scriven have launched a new brokerage to capitalise on Mersey-side's booming SME sector. Sunbelt North West will help those wishing to buy or sell businesses worth up to pounds 3m.

Gaming Group to Stay in City After Merger ; Exclusive: Talks Under Way Over Pounds 700m Link-Up

STANLEY Leisure's headquarters will remain in Liverpool even if a proposed merger with a rival London-based casino operator goes ahead, the Daily Post can reveal. Stanley this week confirmed it was in talks with London Clubs International (LCI) over a possible tie-up that could be worth more than pounds 700m.

Surfing an Exciting New Route On the Digital Highway

CHANNEL 4 yesterday became the first major UK broadcaster to simultaneously broadcast its programmes on television and online. It has some pretty amazing implications for the way we communicate. C4 may be the first, but they will most certainly not be the last to offer this service to their customers. Similar arrangements are being put in place by the other major broadcasters.

Toxteth Celebrates Business Spirit

EXACTLY 25 years to the day after the Toxteth riots, those involved in a community project are coming together to celebr ate entrepreneurial spirit in the area. Based in a small office in Toxteth TV, a centre providing hands- on film, TV and video production training for young people who are interested in pursuing a career in media, BizFizz is slowly changing lives within the local community.

Tea Company Aiming to Brew Up a Success Story

A NEW tea company has set up in Merseyside and intends to take on the UK's leading brands. Lancashire Tea will begin operating from a factory in Newton-le- Willows with eight staff, thanks to a pounds 250,000 cash injection.

Keen Interest in Retail Redevelopment Opportunity

SUTTON Kersh holds its latest property auction tomorrow with commercial property investors showing keen pre-auction interest in the potential redevelopment opportunity presented by Honeys green Precinct in West Derby, Liverpool. The purpose built neighbourhood shopping facility comprises of nine retail outlets complete with car parking facilities, and produces pounds 17,250 per annum. Once fully let, potential investors can expect approximately pounds 37,250 per annum.

Don't Forget Ba Is Still a Great Success Story

THERE were smug smirks of self-satisfaction from some corners of the aviation industry at the end of last week when it was revealed British Airways was under investigation over allegations of price-fixing.

1m Square Feet of City in Safe Hands ; Bill Gleeson Talks to the Founder of the Biggest Commercial Property Owner in Liverpool

LIVERPOOL property firm Downing recently splashed out pounds 51m to buy Royal & SunAlliance's Liverpool office. That move took Downing's total commercial property space in the city to 1m sq ft, making it the largest commercial landlord in the city. In addition to the pounds 51m purchase price, Downing is investing another pounds 10m in upgrading the 390,000 sq ft property.

Pounds 300m Vision for the Regeneration and Transformation of Islington

DOWNING is a major partner in the Islington Regeneration Company, a project which involves various land owners, plus Liverpool City Council and Liverpool Vision, and is focused on a pounds 300m revitalisation of the 22-acre district which was once home to Liverpool's rag trade. Mr Downing said: "That's a classic example of how regenerating an area will help what is already there.

Clamour for Credit Goes On ; Market Watch

DEMAND for credit in the UK is as strong as ever, according to figures released yesterday. Mortgage lending hit a new high during May but consumers continued to repay their credit card debt.

Trading Gossip: We're Trembling with Excitement After a Release From North

WE'RE trembling with excitement after a release from North West creative consultancy, Fortyeight. Despite the World Cup and Wimbledon being in full swing, some of you may be looking for a even greater buzz. Well Fortyeight has the answer - the ... er ... North West Business Card Competition. "Having an eye-catching card can be the difference between your new client placing it on their desk as a reminder to give you a call, or putting it straight into the bin," said director Tim Good.

Trading Gossip: A Press Release with a Difference Landed On Our Mat Last Week

A PRESS release with a difference landed on our mat last week, United Utilities and Amec, sent an invite to the launch of their new business park at Lingley Mere, Warrington, on the back of a packet of seeds. "Plant the seeds and make a wish," it says.

Trading Gossip: Some Residents of Wirral Will Be Coining It in When the British

SOME residents of Wirral will be coining it in when the British Open Golf Championship comes to Hoylake next month. As wealthy players like Tiger Woods, below, and spectators arrive, some householders are letting out their properties for a tidy sum.

Trading Gossip: Strange Goings-On in the Plaza

STRANGE goings-on in the Plaza, the former home of Littlewoods, in Old Hall Street. Strolling through one of the upper floors the other day, Trading Gossip came across an office with fabulous views. Peering in, we saw two desks, ready for action but not a soul to be seen. On the door is a sign for property company, DTZ.

Latvian Welcome with a Very Elaborate Menu ; Business Lunch

BARRY MANILOW was crooning in the background as the Monro's Latvian waitress turned to us, as she was writing on the blackboard menu, and asked: "Do you spell strawberry with an 'a' or an 'o'?" I knew then this was going to be no ordinary business lunch. Not that I'm complaining. I wouldn't even know what the Latvian for strawberry was never mind how to spell it.

Regional Business Awards

Sponsored by KPMG

Rewarding Success

THE biggest event in Merseyside's business calander takes place tomorrow, when around 500 guests from the region's business community will assemble at the city's St George's Hall. Awards and recognition will be given to some of the region's top companies and business people, for a wide range of activities that have made an impact on the prosperity and productivity of the local economy.

Making Hometown Headlines

BROADCASTER Peter Sissons will be master of ceremonies at this year's Regional Business Awards. The one-time head boy of Liverpool Institute said: "I am looking forward to the awards evening very much.