“If you ain’t cheating, you ain’t trying…”

Richard Lutz reports on the bankers that have been stealing from us and continue to steal from us

Out of the EU and into EFTA

A majority of voters would prefer the UK to be a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) as opposed to the EU, according to a new survey published today by the Bruges Group.

The return of the good times?

But will they by-pass Birmingham? John Duckers takes issue with the city’s obsession with food when really it’s manufacturing that drives job creation.

Practise entrepreneurial alchemy

The Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning is offering budding entrepreneurs and creative minds the chance to practise real alchemy during a high-octane start-up weekend at Cambridge Judge Business School

Total shutdown of Greek ‘BBC’ is unacceptable for an EU democracy – Bennion

The sudden shutdown of all channels of Greece’s national broadcasting company by the Greek government is ‘unacceptable for an EU democracy’, says West Mids and Warks Lib Dem MEP Phil Bennion.

3rd successive year of growth for Aerospace Forum

Coventry and Warwickshire Aerospace Forum now boasts a turnover in excess of £100m and saw turnover grow by 15% last year and creating more jobs

Birmingham to bowl over cricket fans

Edgbaston Cricket: A rise in the number of expected visitors to the city – and an increase in those coming from outside the region – has boosted the tournament’s economic impact on Birmingham to £15.5 million

Marketing event to aid international development

The need for businesses to develop their international marketing capabilities will be the focus of an event held at the University of Wolverhampton this June.

Consumer price inflation slows

The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) grew by 2.4% in the year to April 2013, down from 2.8% in March.

Industry leaders to debate how to boost SMEs at free innovation masterclass

Leaders from some of Europe’s largest companies will be gathering in Birmingham to discuss the role that open innovation and collaboration can play in boosting the economy

Midlands Co-operative’s profits rise again

Midlands Co-operative Society continues its strong business performance with the announcement of its year end results to 26 January 2013

Labour claim residents paying for Business Rate collection failures

Companies in Walsall owe over £2 million in unpaid business rates while the council makes cuts in public services and care for vulnerable people, claim Walsall’s Labour Group.

The Budget – March 2013

Here’s a round up of some reactions to today’s budget speech by George Osborne

Hezza raises hopes for city funding

Today the Government has endorsed Lord Heseltine’s review “No Stone Unturned”, which recommends a single funding pot strategy for cities.

Government backs Ofgem’s countdown to simpler, clearer and fairer energy market

The Government has today backed Ofgem‟s countdown to simpler, clearer and fairer energy market.

Say goodbye to free waste bags in Birmingham

A number of changes to waste collection services have been announced by Birmingham City Council in its 2013/14 budget

Beer duty escalator takes its toll

3 million fewer UK adults visit the pub on a regular basis

Reaction to the Autumn Statement

Neil Rami welcomes the Chancellor’s support for Lord Heseltine’s proposals

Birmingham unveils its economic zones

• Zones combine spatial and economic planning to attract £1.5 billion of investment
• Six zones across the city have the potential to create nearly 50,000 jobs