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Finance and banking

Business Focus >>

The new manufacturers The new manufacturers

A great British renaissance has been taking place. From Aberdeen to the West Country, the zing is back in manufacturing. It’s about time this spectacular story was told.

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Opposites don't attract in a good JV

by Catherine Woods - Tuesday, 22nd January 2008 -

Opposites don't attract in a good JV

Thinking about a joint venture? Stagecoach Group FD Martin Griffiths says you’ve got to be “very comfortable” with your potential partner for it to work.

“You have to have a similar understanding and ethos,” he adds.

Stagecoach, the UK transport company that also has operations in North America, has a few JVs on the go. One of those – Virgin Rail Group – is with Richard Branson’s Virgin Group.

Griffiths says the working relationship between the two companies is good from the top down. “Brian Souter, our CEO, has a good relationship with Richard Branson. It means we all have a high mutual respect for each other.

"These things would typically come unstuck because of people issues. If the people work well together and gel well, you have every chance of success.”

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BUSINESS NEWS >>

Banks back luxury tea enterprise

By Kate Pritchard - November 21, 2008 5:11pm GMT

Melissa Choi, the 34-year-old entrepreneur behind luxury green tea firm Choi Time, is one of just two companies to secure a Small Firms Loan Guarantee from NatWest this year.

Projecting a rosier future

By Simon Kearsley* - November 21, 2008 4:37pm GMT

During a downturn it’s natural to think about ways in which you can reduce your monthly bills, but the act of scrutinising costs isn’t just about shedding pounds, it can also help you understand how to maximise profits.

FD watch

By Catherine Woods - November 21, 2008 3:58pm GMT

New finance directors have been appointed at Barrie & Hibbert and I-Financial Services group.

James Caan nabs a bargain

By Rebecca Burn-Callander - November 21, 2008 3:06pm GMT

House prices may be falling. The economy is in tatters. But there is a silver lining if you happen to have some spare cash lying around.

What to do if an employee is a BNP member

By Catherine Woods - November 20, 2008 4:12pm GMT

If you've spotted the name of one of your employees on the BNP membership list that's been made public, the worst thing you can do is dismiss them on the spot.

Brochures on Saving and investing

BUSINESS COMMENT >>

Real Business’s search for a diarist

By Catherine Woods - November 21, 2008 5:10pm GMT

Do you fancy yourself as a bit of a writer? Would you like the chance to publicly or anonymously share what’s happening in your business with the world wide interweb?

TGI Friday: Let the gags begin

By Rebecca Burn-Callander - November 21, 2008 10:57am GMT

The Friday funnies are something of a Real Business tradition these days. Check out our hilarious gems from Chuckletown. 

Mandelson backs the Dancing Pig

By Kate Pritchard - November 20, 2008 5:11pm GMT

At the National Business Awards on Tuesday, Peter Mandelson revealed where his real loyalties lie. And it’s not just with small businesses.

Global Entrepreneurship Week begins...

By Matthew Rock - November 17, 2008 9:50am GMT

And, boy, do we need it...

Hold onto your sides: it's the Friday funnies

By Rebecca Burn-Callander - November 14, 2008 3:44pm GMT

Take five and have a little chuckle at the best business humour around.

Business Comment 

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