European markets were broadly lower this morning as investor focus shifted from the euphoria of the bailout package to concerns surrounding its sustainability and its failure to address the underlying problems i.e. Greece’s competitiveness and economic growth prospects. The latter was accentuated by the downgrade of Greek government debt from…

The CBI has called for the Government to use the March budget to deliver on its proposals put forward in the Autumn Statement.It wants a £500m package of tax cuts including a new capital allowance to attract investment into types of infrastructure which do not currently qualify; new forms of…

Shares in Europe fell on Tuesday despite the overnight agreement by European finance ministers on a second bailout for Greece. A messy default was avoided but the Greeks must make yet more spending cuts and accept the permanent presence of EU monitors in exchange. Private sector bond holders would be…

The third round of Regional Growth Funding is set to open soon, and Deloitte are encouraging businesses who are considering applying to consider their bids very carefully to ensure success.In the first two rounds North East businesses have so far been very successful, attracting more than £93 million of investment.…

Ten SMEs have been shortlisted as finalists for HSBC’s £200,000 Business Growth Grant Competition.A wide range of companies including a designer and manufacturer of innovative cycle racks, e-logistics provider, mobile app firm and a pudding producer are all in the running.On March 2, the finalists will pitch to a panel…

A Teesside-based software provider specialising in services to the gas and oil sector is set to expand rapidly thanks to a £500,000 investment from the Finance for Business North East Technology Fund.Datum 360 was formed in 2009, but has quickly established itself as an expert in specialist engineering informatics, working…

Palio Capital Partners have responded to demand for non-bank finance  by unveiling plans to provide senior debt and mezzanine loans to SMEs.The firm is aiming its services at businesses with an enterprise value of between £10- £100 million, and the model has already been enthusiastically received by European investors and…

With external costs increasing faster than the eye can see, the question of how to finance a fleet of vehicles is increasingly playing on the minds of fleet managers and business owners nationwide. While vehicle finance may be an appealing alternative to buying a fleet, there is actually a more attractive…

Following the success of the last five years, the Nigel Wright North East Accountancy Awards are back, and asking the Region to nominate the best in the finance and accounting sectors!  The sixth North East Accountancy Awards will recognise excellence within the fields of accounting and finance and presents the biggest…

British retail sales data was the most significant domestic news out today, given its insight intoconsumer spending which accounts for the majority of our economy. The volume of sales includingpetrol increased 0.9% from December, way ahead of the anticipated 0.4% fall. This monthly figuremeant that sales rose 2.0% over the…