BOSSES at Durham-based construction firm Esh Group have hailed a landmark year after announcing a jump in turnover of 31 per cent. Company chairman Austin Donohue revealed record results to staff at an annual meeting yesterday. Turnover for the group
THE number of customers joining Virgin Mobile has nearly halved in the first quarter, the firm revealed yesterday. However, the mobile phone firm insisted its move into the contract market had proved successful. The company added 77,000 active users in
THE RSPCA today reveals the "horrific face" of animal cruelty across the region as new figures show a year-on-year rise in complaints to the charity. The organisation graphically illustrated a number of appalling cruelty cases, and said it had seen a
A NORTH-EAST theatre group is bringing to life a story of Captain James Cook's seafaring adventures as part of the Tall Ships event. Performers from three over eden, who can be seen in the horror film The Descent, are interpreting Bob Beagrie's Endeavour
A number of British servicemen have been charged with war crimes. The charges follow two separate incidents involving mistreatment of Iraqi detainees. The first case involves three members of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment (QLR), which was formerly based
FINE, thank you very much. And grateful for the many Get Well wishes I received, not least a welcome clutch from Northern Echo readers. To those who had hoped they had seen the back of me, if only journalistically, I acknowledge their kindness in not
TWO teenagers who were killed by a train while messing around on railway tracks at Easter were more than twice over the drink-drive limit, an inquest into their deaths has heard. Stuart Adams, 15, and Lee Mullis, 14, had been part of a group of around
A MAN who said he opened the country's first refuge for male domestic violence victims appeared in court yesterday to admit two charges of deception. Mike Kenny claimed he set up the North-East charity It Does Happen -raising £21m sponsorship in less
LUIS BOA MORTE'S hopes of a move to Newcastle United could hinge on whether Graeme Souness has any cash left to spend after landing two of his priority signings. Boa Morte is a long-term target of Souness but Fulham are not willing to allow the winger
The Pope does it. Tony Blair does it. George Bush does it more often than most. So should we. Take proper holidays, that is. APPARENTLY, an amazing number of us don't take the holidays we are entitled to. Instead of sunning ourselves on a beach, or sightseeing
THE RSPCA today reveals the "horrific face" of animal cruelty across the region as new figures show a year-on-year rise in complaints to the charity. The organisation graphically illustrated a number of appalling cruelty cases, and said it had seen a
APPARENTLY, an amazing number of us don't take the holidays we are entitled to. Instead of sunning ourselves on a beach, or sightseeing, lying late in bed or even just sitting round at home putting our feet up, we'd rather be in the office, factory, shop
A NEW pawnbrokers and jewellers will be opened in Darlington tomorrow. Darlington Football Club manager David Hodgson will perform the official opening of Ramsdens, in Tubwell Row. Darlington football tickets, signed footballs, T-shirts and carvery vouchers
A TEXTILE designer who is hoping to set up her own company is holding her first exhibition this weekend. Donna Thirkettle, a qualified designer, from Cotherstone, near Barnard Castle, will display her textile work at the exhibition, at Barnard Castle
EMRE Belezoglu was always expected to achieve great things in football when he was kicking a ball around the streets of Istanbul. Unearthed by Galatasaray during the halcyon Fatih Terim days, there was an immediate feeling that they had discovered a gem
POLICE arrested four people in connection with the suspicious death of a man yesterday. The body of Kevin Durnin was found in the front garden of a house in Lawson Walk, close to Stockton town centre, at about 4.20am. Three males and a female from the
A REMOTE pub has become the first in the region to be granted a 24-hour licence to serve alcohol - because there are so few people about to object. The Langdon Beck Hotel, nestled high in the North Pennines, may be surrounded by more sheep than customers
A MAN accused of shooting a pensioner in a Sunderland pub was not in a bar elsewhere at the time, as he claimed, a court heard. Robert Fox, 37, is accused of shooting Fred Fowler, 72, when he and Robert Chapman, 36, allegedly opened fire at the Tap and
COMPULSORY VOTING: THE question of compulsory voting in the General Election has been raised many times in the past, but only now, I believe, by a Government Minister (Echo, July 5). Geoff Hoon, Leader of the Commons, has done the right thing in raising
Steve Harmison expects to be given a physical battering by Australia's pacemen after being identified by Glenn McGrath as the key to England's hopes of regaining the Ashes. But Harmison is ready, willing and able to hand out similar treatment after revealing
CONTROVERSIAL plans to extend a quarry near an ancient monument were discussed by county councillors for the first time yesterday. Tarmac Limited wants to extend Nosterfield Quarry, near Ripon, North Yorkshire, to a site at nearby Ladybridge Farm. The
NEW £7.5m striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu will make his bow in a Middlesbrough shirt tonight - as manager Steve McClaren prepares to lose out on Stephen Appiah. Appiah has been targeted by Boro boss Steve McClaren since the turn of the year but is on the verge
FOOD producer RHM was valued at £958m yesterday as the City clamoured for a slice of the maker of Hovis bread. Investors ordered more than six times as many shares as were on offer in the firm, which also produces Paxo stuffing and Mr Kipling cakes. Shares
THE company behind a controversial market in Spennymoor has switched its attentions to a neighbouring town after failing in its bid to host the events. Noble Promotions wants to hold weekly tabletop sales at a Bishop Auckland car park after its appeal
A SCHOOL on a run-down estate has been given a glowing report by education chiefs. Whinney Banks Primary School, in Middlesbrough, has achieved the highest accolade that school standards watchdog Ofsted can give. It was the first in Middlesbrough to be
THE war on crime will reach new heights tomorrow as police and other agencies launch an all-out effort to curb criminals and their activities. A district-wide No Crime Day is to be staged across Hambleton - and the public are being urged to do their bit
A STREET theatre show will take place at the weekend as part of the Tall Ships celebrations. Powerful images, breathtaking lighting effects and spectacular pyrotechnics combine when Spanish theatre company XarXa Teatre performs Veles y Vents in a free
A STREET theatre show will take place at the weekend as part of the Tall Ships celebrations. Powerful images, breathtaking lighting effects and spectacular pyrotechnics combine when Spanish theatre company XarXa Teatre performs Veles y Vents in a free
A COUNCIL has won praise from the Ministry of Defence for its support of the Army's reservists programme. A certificate signed by the Secretary of State for Defence General Sir Michael Walker has been presented to Richmondshire District Council. The council
A DECISION on plans to build a village primary school was yesterday deferred for a site visit. An application has been submitted for outline planning permission for the school at Low Lane, in Sutton under Whitestonecliffe, near Thirsk. The parish council
A BID to build homes on a greenfield site should be rejected, say planners. An application to develop five detached houses and four affordable town houses at Sunnyside, Red Lane, Masham, near Ripon, will be heard by Harrogate Borough Council on Tuesday
PEOPLE are being invited to attend consultation evenings on plans for the future of Durham City centre. The city council's 2020 Vision and Masterplan have attracted a lot of interest. Almost 2,000 questionnaires have been filled in and its website has
TEENAGERS are being offered a chance to spice up their holidays with a bit of adventure. There are still places available on several activities aimed at 13 to 16-year-olds in Hartlepool that have been organised by the council's sports development team
DETECTIVES investigating the death of an 11-year-old boy have arrested a man. A 42-year-old from Sunderland was arrested yesterday by police officers investigating the death of Dean Pike, following a fire at his home in the Hendon area of Sunderland in
DOG lovers will do their bit next week to raise money for charity. The North East and Counties Doberman Society is to stage a companion dog show at Brandon Community Centre, in Brandon Lane, Durham City on Sunday, July 31. Proceeds from the show, which
FANS of Darlington Football Club yesterday recognised the spirited performances of captain Craig Liddle - by naming a new beer after him. The long-serving defender announced his retirement from league football at the end of last season and has been granted
COUPLES planning to marry can get all the latest information and advice they need for organising their big day at one of the region's biggest wedding fairs. Preston Hall, in Eaglescliffe, will host the open day and wedding fair on Sunday and Monday, August
A STRANGER has donated an electric wheelchair to a disabled man after his was stolen and wrecked. Paraplegic John Rowbotham was devastated when he returned from a church service to find it missing from the driveway of his home in Princess Avenue, Blackhill
A PEACE plan is being drawn up in a bid to solve disputes caused by travelling families as they pass through a rural area every summer. It is hoped the plan will end trouble that regularly flares up as the travellers make camp for weeks in and around
A MAN'S body has been found hanging in woods by railway workers. Cleveland Police were alerted on Monday to an area of woodland to the rear of Boulby Drive, Loftus, east Cleveland. Officers are appealing for help to identify the body of the man, who was
The Tyne and Wear Metro system could grind to a halt without more Government money, transport officials warned today. The 25-year-old light rail network - the UK's largest outside London - is in urgent need of investment, operator Nexus said. Nexus and
CHILDREN are using their talents to give their community centre a new lease of life. Youngsters from Sunnybrow, near Willington, have been aided in their quest by a £2,500 grant from the County Durham Foundation through the Neighbourhood Renewal Community
TRADERS are being urged to help make Christmas a brighter experience this year. Durham City's Chamber of Trade is inviting all businesses - members and non-members - to an open meeting to discuss proposals to increase the amount of festive lights in the
TWO sisters who attacked a neighbour after she said they had been sleeping with their brother have been fined. Claire Luck, 29, from White Hart Crescent, Darlington, and Debra Luck, 26, of Graham Court, Darlington, both pleaded guilty at the town's magistrates
MORE than one in ten of the working age population in the North-East claims incapacity benefit, according to a report. The figures, released by Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson yesterday, mean that the region has the highest proportion of claimants
The Friends Reunited website has reconnected thousands of lost loves and school friends, as well as being responsible for a number of broken marriages. As it celebrates its fifth anniversary today, Lindsay Jennings looks at a national phenomenon. DONNA
AN explosion wrecked a couple's latest attempt to celebrate their wedding after a previous marriage attempt was called off. Richard Mahoney, 44, and new wife Judy, 38, held a Caribbean-themed wedding party near their home after their first wedding was
The North-East should be a front-runner in introducing road pricing in the UK according to a new report by an influential think-tank. Such a scheme could tackle congestion hot spots within the region without the need for expensive new road building, says
A Jack Russell enforces his own brand of justice to any customer who does not buy a drink at the pub where he lives. Four-legged Jack patrols the Ship Inn, in Guisborough, east Cleveland, making sure regulars buy a drink. He greets all comers with a wagging
ABOUT 200 people enjoyed the sounds of the Australian outback and the hypnotic beat of samba drums at a youth festival yesterday. The multi-cultural fiesta at Fishburn Community Centre provided a varied programme of activities including workshops on how
Ever since he was a boy, RAF Squadron Leader Ian 'Shiney' Simmons dreamt of flying Spitfires. Joe Willis talks to the pilot about his passion and his work to commemorate the heroes of the Battle fo Britain. THERE is no more beautiful aircraft than the
AN Internet firm based in Darlington has won several new clients, boosting employment opportunities. Intermedia Limited is the North-East's longest established Internet firm and has recently won contracts with Siesta Travel and Niven Architects. This
TWO teenage footballers have been signed up for Sunderland's FC's academy. Matthew Haymer and Steven Wayson, both 14, will get one day a week of intensive football training for the next year. The boys are pupils at Eastbourne Comprehensive School, in
STEPHEN ELLIOTT'S return to the Sunderland side could be watched by a few extra supporters after making new friends on their tour of North America. The Black Cats' first game in the United States - having played two in Canada - will be against the Seattle
CHEMICAL manufacturer Johnson Matthey yesterday pleased shareholders with the announcement of successful start to the financial year. Speaking at the company's annual meeting, chairman Michael Miles said results were in line with expectations. Matthey
MARTIN Scott is hoping the Sunderland effect will rub off on his Hartlepool United side, after increasing his old boys network to six at Victoria Park. Darren Williams became the sixth ex-Sunderland player on the Pool staff after moving from Cardiff on
ONE of Britain's biggest warships dropped anchor yesterday on her way north. HMS Invincible stopped at Scarborough, North Yorkshire, en route to North Shields, North Tyneside, for the Tall Ships Race. The aircraft carrier was the latest in a series of
TERRORIST bomb victim Helen Bennett had been due to fly back from her family holiday today to prepare for her best friend's wedding. Instead, her body was returned to the North-East by Turkish military aircraft late last night. The 21-year-old, of Spennymoor
A DECISION on plans to build a village primary school was yesterday deferred for a site visit. An application has been submitted for outline planning permission for the school at Low Lane, in Sutton under Whitestonecliffe, near Thirsk. The parish council
MOUNTAINEER Alan Hinkes is to be made an honorary citizen of his home town. In May, Hinkes, from Northallerton, North Yorkshire, became the first Briton to climb the world's 14 highest peaks when he conquered Kangchenjunga, in Nepal. On Monday night,
BISHOP Auckland FC headed south last weekend to mark the 50th anniversary of one of their most memorable matches. The Bishops travelled down to take on Rymans PremierLeagueside Hendon FC, who they faced in their 1955 FA Amateur Cup final win at Wembley
BANKS and post offices were given the go-ahead yesterday to charge fees for up to ten per cent of withdrawals from Britain's cashpoints. The Treasury rejected demands by a committee of MPs to stem the "very worrying" spread of fee-charging machines. Instead
FOR rather longer than perhaps was ideal, we had chance on Saturday evening closely to examine Durham's expensively reborn bus station - an astonishing improvement, though not even Durham County Council can do anything about some of the fellow travellers
A STEWARD is accused of stealing thousands of pounds in little more than a year from a village social club. Christine Tate, 42, is alleged to have taken £14,773 from Southside Social Club, in Easington Village, east Durham, where she worked for 14 years
AN Internet firm based in Darlington has won several new clients, boosting employment opportunities. Intermedia Limited is the North-East's longest established Internet firm and has recently won contracts with Siesta Travel and Niven Architects. This
More than 500 Asda workers in the region are expected to go on strike next week. Union officials said staff at the supermarket's depot in Washington, Wearside, had voted to take part in three days of walkouts in a dispute over pay. The GMB union said
The Nightmares Next Door (C4); This World: Property To Die For (BBC2) - FAMILIES taking part in The Nightmares Next Door have one thing in common - you wouldn't want them as your neighbours. There are the student party animals, the family with five dogs
North-East golf fans can look forward to watching rejuvenated Seve Trophy captains Colin Montgomerie and Jose Maria Olazabal in September after both produced their stunning best at The Open at St Andrews. And the possiblity remains of Ashington's Kenneth
A FAMILY business closed its doors with a parting tribute to the town it has served for more than a century. Generations of children have had their feet measured and bought their first footwear from Robinsons shoe shop in Bishop Auckland since it was
JOEY HUTCHINSON is counting down the days before the League Two season begins after vowing to put his ten-month injury nightmare behind him. The 23-year-old is relishing the opportunity to make up for lost time after missing most of last season with cruciate
MILLIONS know Susie Amy as glamour girl Chardonnay with a starring role in the sloppy scripts of TV's Footballer's Wives, but her toughest acting test so far is surely that of recently-blinded Suzy facing a psychotic killer and his accomplices in this
Police today named the man who drowned in a reservoir at the weekend as Stephen James Forrest of Doxford Walk, Hemlington, Middlesbrough. The 23-year-old was out with family at Cod Beck Reservoir, near Osmotherley, North Yorkshire, on Saturday when he
MORE than one in ten of the working age population in the North-East claims incapacity benefit, according to a report. The figures, released by Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson yesterday, mean that the region has the highest proportion of claimants
DURHAM embark on five days of cricket at Derby under floodlights tonight, hoping that the county championship's weakest team will allow them to get back on track. After the championship thrashing by Lancashire followed by Sunday's totesport debacle against
BRITAIN rightly prides itself as a country of tolerance which accommodates a variety of cultures, understands different points of view, and is sensitive to infringements of freedom. But there is a point at which tolerance, understanding, and sensitivity
DETECTIVES investigating the death of an 11-year-old boy have arrested a man. A 42-year-old from Sunderland was arrested yesterday by police officers investigating the death of Dean Pike, following a fire at his home in the Hendon area of Sunderland in
A BUSINESS trouble-shooter is expected to file a £40m bid for MG Rover within 48 hours, it was reported yesterday. David James said he would aim to develop MG as a small-scale "niche" car manufacturer at Longbridge, but has no interest in reviving mass
A SIX-WEEK consultation exercise on a new plan that will shape all future developments in Hambleton gets under way next month. Residents will be able to visit a series of surgeries and meetings to have their say on the proposals and question those behind
FOUR girls have set off on a pony trek to mark the 65th anniversary of their school's Second World War evacuation. In 1940, pupils from Fyling Hall School, near Whitby, were moved to Inglewood Bank, near Penrith, Cumbria, to escape German bombers. While
Outrageous, disgusting and unacceptable. Those are the words of the RSPCA used to describe some of the worst cases of animal suffering it tackled last year, as it published figures outlining the scale of the problem. The Northern Echo examines some of
SIXTY Wear Valley residents have registered for a Ton Up Challenge to walk or run 100 miles over the summer months. The challenge is part of Wear Valley District Council's contribution to a regional Million Miles Challenge, promoted by Sport England and
health care assistant Deborah Thompson and staff nurse Ann Kershaw really went that extra mile to help patients. The duo, who work at the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, completed a sponsored walk on the North York Moors, raising £3,400 for a bladder
RICHMONDSHIRE'S talented sporting youngsters have been honoured at an awards ceremony. The annual Richmondshire Junior Sports Awards ceremony was held at Richmond Lower School. Prizes were presented to the district's outstanding young sports people at
THE eight district winners of the North Yorkshire Community Police Officer of the Year Awards have been announced. The top beat bobbies were nominated by residents, community groups, police supervisors and organisations working with the police. The Hambleton
SOLDIERS showed their caring side when they raised money for a special care baby unit. The soldiers from the 1st Battalion The Kings Regiment at Catterick Garrison raised £1,000 for the unit at Northallerton's Friarage Hospital. They took part in an It's
DENTAL hygienists are being trained to fill and extract teeth as part of a revolution in North-East dentistry. Suzanne Oliver, 47, is one of three therapists to graduate as a new type of dental therapist from Newcastle Dental School. It is believed she
PEOPLE with allotments have been urged to clear away anything which might be a fire risk or other safety hazard. Hartlepool Borough Council has made the appeal as part of an ongoing safety campaign across all of its allotments following a serious incident
AN angry mother has hit out after the thief who stole her son's motocross bike was caught by police but the machine was not recovered. Joanne Carless was delighted when she heard the youth had admitted stealing her son's bike - which was a Christmas present
GREEN activity sessions to keep village children occupied through the summer holidays got under way yesterday. Nature Rangers, organised by the West Rainton Green Group, is aimed at five to 11-year-olds in West Rainton and Leamside, and previous sessions
A SERIES of summer activities have been organised to keep children in Hetton-le-Hole busy throughout the holidays. Hetton Sports Complex, in Barnard Park, has organised a number of sessions to last throughout the summer. From 1pm to 2.30pm, every Tuesday
HENRY HALL'S hopes of landing a ninth career success received a major boost with the news that he'd drawn stall one for Catterick's £10,000 5th Regiment Royal Artillery Handicap. An inside berth over sprint trips generally represents a significant advantage
A PROJECT to bring door-to-door transport to east Durham's elderly and disabled was launched yester-day. The Easington District health appointment and social car scheme, which has been funded by Easington Primary Care Trust and the Neighbourhood Renewal
North-East golf fans can look forward to watching rejuvenated Seve Trophy captains Colin Montgomerie and Jose Maria Olazabal in September after both produced their stunning best at The Open at St Andrews. And the possiblity remains of Ashington's Kenneth
MORE than £5m of luxury apartments in a flagship city centre development have been sold in less than a week. Agents Knight Frank said yesterday that two-thirds of the apartments, in Freeman's Quay, part of Amec's Walkergate development in Durham City,
TRADERS who claim roadworks have drastically reduced their daily takings have called for compensation. Businesses in Church Road, Stockton, said the roadworks on the nearby Riverside had gradually eroded their profits over the past year. But they added
AN open day is being held today to seek people's views about a new community resource centre in Pelton Fell, Chester-le-Street. It forms part of the larger regeneration project that involves building 250 houses in the area. The idea of the consultation
A COMMUNITY has said goodbye to a school that has served generations of the same families for more than 100 years. Yesterday, pupils of Harrowgate Hill Infant School released scores of maroon and blue balloons, as they enjoyed their last day at the school
A COUNCIL'S success in stubbing out smoking in its offices and grounds has earned it an award in a scheme recognising employers for promoting clean air. Teesdale District Council struck gold in the National Clean Air Awards, which are sponsored by the
TRIBUTES have been paid to a former magistrate and council clerk whose work helped develop the growing town of Newton Aycliffe. John Farquhar, who was town clerk and chief financial officer at Great Aycliffe Town Council for 27 years, died at Darlington
THE work of hundreds of students across Darlington went on show to the public last night. The exhibition marked the end of more than two terms of work at 11 schools in the west end of town and surrounding villages. The schools were: Hummersknott School
THE family of a young Spennymoor woman killed by a terrorist bomb in Turkey are expected to return home with her body this week. Helen Bennett, 23, of South Street, was among five people killed when an explosion ripped apart a minibus packed with tourists
POLICE searching for a man who disappeared while swimming in a reservoir recovered a body from the water yesterday. A police officer patrolling by Cod Beck Reservoir, near Osmotherley, North Yorkshire, spotted the body. It was recovered by firefighters
IT WAS just after 4.30am on Sunday when the first pile of clothes was left among the red and blue plastic carrier bags adorning the car park. Minutes later, 1,700 bare bottoms and their liberated owners made their way across the Millennium Bridge at Newcastle's
FIREFIGHTERS were last night tackling a second suspected arson attack in less than 24 hours at a derelict sports hall. The hall at Mannion Park, South Bank, has become a target for vandals, who are putting lives at risk across Teesside. The claim was
POLICE are appealing for witnesses to an alleged road rage incident in a south Durham village on Monday afternoon. A red Rover car was almost forced off the road in Spencer Street, Eldon Lane, near Bishop Auckland, shortly before 2pm, leaving the occupants
SIXTY Wear Valley residents have registered for a Ton Up Challenge to walk or run 100 miles over the summer. The challenge is part of Wear Valley District Council's contribution to a regional Million Miles Challenge, promoted by Sport England and launched
THE campaign group battling to keep Hurworth School in its village location last night revealed a new name and a fresh desire to oppose council chiefs. Dozens of people packed into Hurworth village hall for the latest public meeting aimed at gathering
GNER has criticised the owner of the North-East's railway stations for holding up badly-needed improvements, a report to MPs has revealed. The train operator said Network Rail's procedures for approving station revamps were "slow-moving and bureaucratic
A Jack Russell enforces his own brand of justice to any customer who does not buy a drink at the pub where he lives. Four-legged Jack patrols the Ship Inn, in Guisborough, east Cleveland, making sure regulars buy a drink. He greets all comers with a wagging
A TEXTILE designer who is hoping to set up her own company is holding her first exhibition this weekend. Donna Thirkettle, a qualified designer, from Cotherstone, near Barnard Castle, will display her textile work at the exhibition, at Barnard Castle
A MAN accused of shooting a pensioner in a Sunderland pub was not in a bar elsewhere at the time, as he claimed, a court heard. Robert Fox, 37, is accused of shooting Fred Fowler, 72, when he and Robert Chapman, 36, allegedly opened fire at the Tap and
Sandy Taylor, chief executive of County Durham and Darlington Priority Services NHS Trust, is the guest at a meeting of support and campaign group Rethink on Tuesday, at 5.30pm, in the Four Clocks Centre, Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland.
A NEW pawnbrokers and jewellers will be opened in Darlington tomorrow. Darlington Football Club manager David Hodgson will perform the official opening of Ramsdens, in Tubwell Row. Darlington football tickets, signed footballs, T-shirts and carvery vouchers
A TEXTILE designer who is hoping to set up her own company is holding her first exhibition this weekend. Donna Thirkettle, a qualified designer, from Cotherstone, near Barnard Castle, will display her textile work at the exhibition, at Barnard Castle
A FAST-GROWING new ball game has crowned its first world champions after a gruelling final in the North-East. One of two teams from Northallerton College, in North Yorkshire, took the honours in the final of the Rock-it Ball competition, held in Darlington
The Nightmares Next Door (C4) This World: Property To Die For (BBC2) FAMILIES taking part in The Nightmares Next Door have one thing in common - you wouldn't want them as your neighbours. There are the student party animals, the family with five dogs,
ROAD safety chiefs hope to halt a worrying increase in deaths caused by drink-related accidents on the region's roads. The number of fatalities in the North-East and North Yorkshire rose from two in 2001 to eight in 2003, while the total number of accidents
A TEAM of business experts have joined forces to help entrepreneurs in the region. The Enterprise Group is made of up of private sector specialists who offer tailor-made services to people with business ideas taking them to the start-up stage and beyond
CHOCOLATE maker Thorntons said yesterday annual results should hit market hopes as it reaped the rewards of a drive to sell its products through other retailers. Although same-store sales fell at its own high street chain, sales through outlets such as
