Export To EU - Business News

The European Union is committed to pursuing its engagement with South Africa and to strengthening the strategic partnership with its largest trading partner in Africa.

Portugal has managed to improve its competitiveness ranking after a sequence of six years of reporting successive drops. While crime and theft and poor public health were of no concern to business people and investors in Portugal, the difficulty in obtaining finance, restrictive labour laws and bureaucracy were the main reasons the country did not fare better in the rankings.

Denmark has been developing a strategy to boost business cooperation with Russia, the Danish Foreign Minister Lene Espersen said.

Invest Sweden is a government institution under the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Sweden. Since its establishment in 1995, it has been offering specialist insight on doing business in Sweden to companies worldwide.

The Finnish business community is actively campaigning for foreign direct investment (FDI). Politicians, too, are now brainstorming on how to raise international interest in Finnish companies.

Business leaders on Sunday voiced skepticism over the ability of Premier Silvio Berlusconi, dogged by a sex scandal and at the mercy of squabbling allies, to quickly adopt the severe austerity measures sought by the European Central Bank and uneasy financial markets.

Germany's diversity of lifestyle, preferences and ethno-culture has formed an open-minded and tolerant society. Despite social developments, the family continues to be a significant unit of identity and pride for Germans. Good education, a high standard of living and great freedom enable the country to deal positively with transitions and challenges. Germans respect perfectionism in all areas of business and private life. Order, privacy and punctuality come first for German people.

Residents of this capital radiate a sense of well-being and it's not only because they live in a beautiful city built on 14 islands that draws comparisons to Venice. It's also because they call home one of Europe's fastest growing economies.

The Irish economy will return to positivity in 2011 with the growth expected to be double that of the European Union average, according to employers' body Ibec.

IT'S been seven years since I was last in Paris. The dog poo littering the streets has gone, but so much remains the same. This magnificent city continues to go about its business, fueled by the utter certainty of its residents that they are in the most superior place in the world.

Irish energy storage group Gaelectric is partnering with the Chinese wind turbine manufacturer XEMC Group to co-develop three new wind farms in Ireland, valued at €18m. The two companies have also signed a Letter of Intent to co-develop Gaelectric's remaining wind energy projects in Ireland and the US.

China Power International (2380.HK) generated interim net profits of 412 million, up 50.74 percent, as it benefited from increase in electricity prices in some region and growth in hydropower business, reports yicai.com, citing a company filing. All percentage changes cited in this article are year-on-year.

Sweden is keen on expanding its business and investment legacy in India as it explores symbiotic trade ties across a range of sectors, Ambassador of Sweden to India Lars-Olof Lindgren said on Tuesday.

Sweden gets the top spot in a global study of "useful connectivity"that measured 50 countries in terms of infrastructure, complementary skills, software and informed use of information technology and communications for socio-economic growth.

Italy's manufacturing sector unexpectedly grew in July due to an increase in foreign demand as well as the presence of outstanding business, results of a survey by Markit Economics showed Monday.

The investment by Canadian and American "carpetbaggers", who bought Bank of Ireland shares at rock-bottom prices and "saved"the bank from State ownership, has hindered and not helped Ireland's path to economic recovery.

Harsco Corp. , Harrisburg, Pa., has been awarded two multi-year contracts in France that will expand its logistics and handling services to two steel industry customers. The contracts are expected to generate an additional $10 million in revenue over the duration of the contracts.

The Confederation of Danish Industry, The Danish Agriculture & Food Council and The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark are organizing the visit of a Danish business delegation to Vietnam in the fall of 2001. The purpose of the visit is to explore business opportunities in the emerging market.

Greece and Germany plan five business cooperation initiatives to trigger growth and boost the Greek economy, said Michalis Chrisochoides, Greece's growth, competitiveness and shipping minister.

The British government is committed to a long-term, productive and friendly partnership with Pakistan. The United Kingdom views Pakistan as a long-term strategic partner and would continue to support all its endeavours aimed at expansion of trade relations between the two countries.

Olli Rehn has given his strongest backing yet to an interest rate cut and believes Ireland should be rewarded for its good behaviour.

The German-Nigerian Business Association says trade between both countries is on the increase with the current volume put at over 2.5 billion euros, against two billion euros in 2009.

Atea Oy has entered into agreement to acquire all shares of DemiDoo Oy, a IT security service company in Finland.

BRITAIN and Ireland should continue working together and strengthen their 'special' relationship in order to take full advantage of the expanding beef market, the Irish Agriculture Minister has said.

Studies have shown than when prices at the petrol pump rise, there is a corresponding leap in internet searches for the electric car.

Exeter-based Flybe has announced that it will enter the Finnish market with the acquisition of a local carrier.

Brazil's minister for Development, Industry and Foreign Trade, Fernando Pimentel called Thursday in Sao Paulo for a boost to the partnership between Brazil and Portugal for expanding business by the two countries in African markets.

President Asif Ali Zardari Thursday said Britain and Pakistan need to work closely to further enhance their partnership in diverse areas mainly in trade, investment with a view to eliminate militancy and terrorism from his country and promote peace and security of the region and the world.He was speaking to a delegation of British businessmen headed by Mr. Martin Donnelly, Permanent Secretary, UK Department of Business Innovation and Skills (BIS), who called on him this afternoon.Those who attended among others included representatives and CEOs of well known companies and business groups including Standard Chartered, Mott MacDonald, JCB, Shell, Lagan, Mabey Bridge and Bestway.

The Stockholm suburb of Solna retains its position as the most business-friendly municipality in Sweden, according to new rankings by the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise (Svenskt Näringsliv).

Finnish based international rental company Cramo has acquired Gothenburg based general rental company Tidermans Hyrmaskiner and Tidermans Hyrmec through its Swedish operation.

At a business conference in London last week H.R.H. Prince Michael of Kent set the tone when he said in opening remarks, "2011 may well go down as a watershed year in Russian post-Soviet history."

The fourth meeting of the UAE-Italy Joint Economic Committee had been productive and highly encouraging, according to Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, UAE Minister of Economy.

Germany has no reason to fear long-term investments in its economy and corporate sector by Chinese firms, but it needs to ensure its intellectual property rights are upheld, ministers said on Monday.

IBEC, the business representative group, today published its second quarter Business Sentiment Survey, which shows that business confidence among Irish firms is on the rise. The number of firms intending to hire new staff within the next three months nearly doubled to over 20% in quarter two, when compared to the same period last year.

The German Ifo (Information and Forschung) Business Climate report was published earlier this morning, surprising many investors with a modest uptick beyond expectations. Most analysts, myself included, had expected the report to show a stronger downtick than even the forecast 113.6. The actual reading of 114.5 in fact beat last month's reading of 114.2!

The Minister for Justice has confirmed that Ireland plans to review the visa requirements for foreign entrepreneurs wishing to develop startup businesses in the country. There were 218 'Business Permission' visa applications approved in period 2008-2011.

RETAILER JD Sports has bought a long-established menswear chain and gained a stronger foothold on the Continent as part of its continued expansion.

The European Union wants its ambitious free trade agreement with South Korea to serve as the model for other deals it is pursuing in Asia, a trade official said Monday.

Poor trade figures The truth is that the trade figures between Finland and Nigeria have been very low. I am sure none of us is proud of it, because they (figures) really show that not enough attention has been paid to increasing them.

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou sacrificed his finance minister on Friday and put his main Socialist party rival into the job to force through an unpopular austerity plan and avert bankruptcy.

WHILE Irish people have traditionally looked west for economic salvation, times are changing and many companies and individuals are looking eastwards these days to take advantage of Germany's booming economy and the shared currency which reduces risk.

As growth slows in the UK and US, Costa and Starbucks are racing each other to expand in eastern markets

The intense security surrounding the Queen's visit masks its true purpose - to lay the political ghosts of the past to rest and cement a new trading partnership between Europe's English-speaking neighbours No chances are being taken with the Queen's visit to Ireland this week.

UK Business Secretary Vince Cable, Foreign Secretary William Hague and Trade and Investment Minister Lord Green have set out how they plan to make the UK one of the leading destinations for global investment.

The embassy of Ireland and the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam held a seminar entitled "Irish Businesses - Southeast Asia"in Ho Chi Minh City on May 13. With the twin themes of "Ireland: Lessons Learned and The Road to Recovery"and "Doing Business in Southeast Asia", the event introduced Ireland's stable socio-economic situation, highly skilled workforce, strong corporate culture and effective public services to help Irish businesses seek cooperation with Vietnamese and Southeast Asian partners.

The US owner of TGI Friday's, the American-themed restaurant group, is to invest £70m in the UK over the next four years in a move that could create as many as 5,000 jobs.

BRITISH businesses finished the last fiscal year in better financial health than they started it, according to a survey.

Jobs Real Estate Classifieds Dining Guide Conferences Ad Price Subscribe Contact us PDF Issue #1653 (15), Wednesday, April 27, 2011 Follow sptimesonline on Facebook Follow sptimesonline on Twitter Follow sptimesonline on RSS Follow sptimesonline on RSS * Номе * News * Business * Opinion * Arts & Culture * Restaurants * Photos * World * Magazine * City Info Перевести на русский Перевести на русский Print this article Print this article Finland Gears Up For Joint Forum By Galina Stolyarova The St. Petersburg Times Published: April 27, 2011 (Issue # 1653) Innovation in management, energy efficiency, information technologies and healthcare are some of the key topics of the forthcoming EU-Russia Innovation Forum, which will be held in the Finnish town of Lappeenranta on May 25 to 26. The small town on the Russian-Finnish border is getting ready to receive representatives of more than 300 Russian and 200 European companies, representing some of the most important businesses on the continent as well as leading politicians from across the European Union.

Leaders of Spain and Qatar agreed here Tuesday on several initiatives aimed at enhancing a budding bilateral relationship.

Egypt's Finance Minister Samir Radwan discussed with visiting French Minister of State for Foreign Trade Pierre Lellouche means of promoting French investments in Egypt during the coming phase.

Sweden's krona rallied to the strongest in more than 2 1/2 years against the dollar after the nation's central bank raised its benchmark interest rate for the sixth time since July to curb inflation.

The UK and Ireland office of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, held a Dubai business seminar in partnership with The Islington Chamber of Commerce on 23 March at their office in London.

Speaking at the promotion held at the Privrednik business club, head of the economic department at the British Embassy in Belgrade Alex Brooks said that the goal of the organization is improving the business environment in Serbia and the relations between British and Serbian companies.

Sweden has, again, beaten all other countries at what the World Economic Forum describes as "fully integrating new technologies in...competitiveness strategies and using them as a crucial lever for long-term growth."

Spain's business confidence improved in the three months to April after declining in the previous two quarters, survey data released by the High Council of Chambers of Spain showed Thursday.

Germany is raising its forecast for growth this year as its recovery from the recession rolls ahead.

Dixons' best chance of surviving is to close its UK business and concentrate on its Scandinavian business.

Danish companies continuously announce increasing profits, the daily newspaper Børsen writes.

A BUSINESSWOMAN has the world at her feet after being instrumental in expanding an Ellesmere Port firm overseas.

Spanish Crown Prince Felipe and his wife, Princess Letizia, arrived in Israel Sunday evening on a two-day state visit to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. During their visit they are to meet with local scientists to review Israel's scientific achievements.

Italy's industrial production rose in February as executives expected reviving global trade to support the recovery in Europe's fourth-biggest economy.

LAW firm McGrigors has agreed a transatlantic tie-up with US company Husch Blackwell in its second foray outside of UK territory in less than a month.

French mutual insurance giant Covea increased its presence in the UK market yesterday with the acquisition of Yorkshire's Provident Insurance for an undisclosed sum.

PARIS: The Bank of France said Friday it expects the economy to have grown more slowly than expected in the first quarter but it would still put in a very strong performance at 0.7 percent.

Aviva, one of the leading European life insurance and pensions groups, achieved a pre-tax profit of €227 million in Spain in 2010, which represents an increase of 20% compared to the previous financial year.

BUSINESS surveys continue to point to a rebound in growth for the first three months of this year, but economists are divided on the extent to which the UK economy will recover.

The lack of advertisements on TVE has no doubt improved the results of Spain's national private TV companies but analysts are surprised as to the extent of this lift.

Spain has always been beholden to those with economic power, but Zapatero's meeting with business leaders brings it into the open

Goodrich Corp. said Friday that it plans to buy Italian aerospace control system maker Microtecnica for 330 million euros ($462 million).

Fed up with trying to find a job in Sweden? Why not try starting your own business? As The Local's Geoff Mortimore discovers, it's not always easy, but there is plenty of help available, regardless of your Swedish language skills.

FOREIGN DIRECT investment (FDI) in France rose by 22 per cent last year, making it the most successful European country at attracting overseas companies.

Rome: Italian business confidence unexpectedly rose in March as the economic recovery gained pace after the worst recession since the Second World War.

Bank Sarasin, a Switzerland based private bank, is planning to open a new branch in Cologne, Germany, in June 2011.

Return to: EBR Home | Power Generation | Wind Wind News Vestas to supply turbines for wind farm in Sweden EBR Staff Writer Published 30 March 2011 Vestas has secured an order from Eolus Vind to deliver turbines with a total capacity of 44MW for the Tolvmanstegen wind farm in the municipality of Stromstad, Sweden.

Howden, which operates a plant in New Philadelphia, has acquired Thomassen Compression Systems, a Netherlands-based company that designs, assembles, installs and services custom-made horizontal piston compressors.

Packaging group Ardagh, which is controlled by Dublin financier Paul Coulson, has agreed to acquire an Italian company in a deal understood to have an enterprise value of about €125m.

Stockholm continues to be a hot pick in Northern Europe for investors. During 2010, 183 qualified foreign direct investments were made in the region which was an increase of 12 percent compared to 2009.

David Cameron and Nick Clegg have travelled to Nottingham in a bid to support chancellor George Osborne's Budget message that the government would be "putting fuel into the tank of the British economy".

Italy welcomes Chinese investors and its embassy in China will do all it can to direct and help more Chinese companies find business opportunities in the country, Italian Ambassador to China Attilio Massimo Iannucci said in Shanghai.

Chancellor George Osborne has made clear that the UK is "open for business" with yesterday's (March 23rd) Budget Statement.

HELSINKI: The Bank of Finland said Thursday it expects the Finnish economy to grow by 3.9 percent and reach pre-recession levels this year.

Family dynasties loom large over French business and nowhere more so than in the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris, where a giant portrait of Pernod Ricard chairman Patrick Ricard and his son, Paul-Charles, stares down.

Mercedes Grand Prix CEO Nick Fry has been appointed one of the UK government's new Business Ambassadors. Fry will now be charged with briefing ministers and UKTI (UK Trade & Investment), on Britain's motorsport industry.

The Italian government has approved measures to protect companies in strategic sectors from foreign takeovers.

Denmark can share its latest technologies and experiences in training workers and enhancing corporate social responsibility with Vietnam to boost trade relations between the two countries.

The United Kingdom will expand business links across emerging Indian cities in 2011-12 as part of its ambition of doubling bilateral trade with India over the next five years, U.K.'s Minister for Trade and Investment Stephen Green said on Friday.

The European Union's efforts to provide assistance to Pakistan's economy through trade concessions following the floods have passed through the European Parliament.

A NEW ZEALAND aerospace company has opened its first UK office in the North-East.

The Copenhagen Business Task Force was launched last week by Mayor Frank Jensen to investigate ways of improving business in the city and stimulating growth in the regional economy.

Cisco is posting an optimistic outlook for the economic recovery of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the UK.

Germany's finance minister says the government will reduce its budget deficit in 2012 to euro31.5 billion ($44 billion), bringing it back below the eurozone mandated ceiling of 3 percent of GDP.

Despite its reputation as an international city, life in Stockholm can still be lonely and complicated for people who move here from other countries. But a new members club is aiming to give foreign diplomats and professionals a jumpstart to life in the Swedish capital.

THE manufacturing sector is continuing to drive the economic recovery in Wales, latest figures have revealed.

Business activity in Scotland rose in February at its strongest pace for 44 months, according to a new survey.

Strolling the broad, prosperous streets of Munich, it is worth recalling the times over the past decade when Gordon Brown used to boast in his budgets about how the UK economy was leaving Germany for dead.

enewable energy company American Superconductor Corp (NASDAQ: AMSC) said Monday it has agreed to acquire Finland-based The Switch Engineering Oy for EUR 190 million (US$265 million).

UK business confidence is at its highest in four years.Data from KPMG's Global Business Outlook survey reveals output growth expectations in manufacturing are the highest in its nine-year history.

Italy's economy expanded more than originally reported in the fourth quarter as gains in exports more than offset weak consumer demand.

technology policy director Erkki Ormala said Finnish industry needs to integrate into global business, Prima magazine reported.

Prudential has reported UK new retail business profits of £257m, up 15% on last year.

The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (ICHAM) and the Hanoi Business Association (HBA) signed a cooperation agreement here on Wednesday to promote bilateral trade relations between Vietnam and Italy.

France's Central Bank said on Tuesday that the country is expected to see its economic growth rate at 0.8 percent over the first three months of the year, thanks to boosted services activities.

As the restructuring of Spain's savings banks enters a key phase, an opportunity is opening up for U.S. hedge funds and private-equity firms to play a role.

The Danish Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest professional business organisations in Denmark with more than 200 employees, offices in the three major Danish cities, and an EU office in Brussels. The Chamber represents 20,000 Danish companies and 100 trade associations in service sectors such as trade, tourism, business services, IT, welfare services and transport.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is to hold an event this week encouraging the region's business to trade with Canada.

The State of Qatar and the Republic of Portugal on Monday signed an agreement on enhancing technical , economic and commercial cooperation in addition to a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Air Transport.

The economies of Japan and Germany, similar in many respects, are often compared. Not only did both rise from the ashes of World War II to become the leading economies in their regions, but they also formed strong manufacturing bases, large numbers of successful midsize companies and enjoyed extreme success in the global export market.

The rebirth of the UK's construction sector is an opportunity for firms in Northern Ireland, where building sites remain almost deserted, an economist said.

INSURER Admiral has posted a 23% increase in its 2010 profits, as strong growth in the UK motor insurance business offset a drop in earnings at its confused.com price comparison site.

AN ONLINE comparison website has enjoyed a 300% rise in post-tax profits. Moneysupermarket.com, based in Flintshire, saw a jump to £7.7million in 2010.

"Our message is simple: Britain is now open for business," Prime Minister David Cameron Taking its title from early speeches by David Cameron, BSR is preparing to publish a Special Supplement 'Britain Open for Business' with Rossiyskaya Gazeta, the official gazette of the Russian Federation. The supplement to be published in July focussing on British-Russia trade and investment opportunities is the shop window for a BSR project promoting Britain to senior Russian decision makers in government, business and industry across the Russian Federation. The supplement will be produced in cooperation with the Trade Mission of the Russian Federation in the UK. It will be supported by extensive materials in both English and Russian on the BSR web site, www.bsr-russia.com.

Operating profits at British Gas rose 24% in 2010 to £742m, its parent company Centrica has said. The news comes two months after the UK utility announced a 7% rise in domestic energy bills, which it blamed on rising wholesale prices.

Britain's offshore oil and gas industry is enjoying a sustained boom in investment and job creation, according to the sector's annual business survey.

MUMBAI: The UK nuclear business community is very optimistic about nuclear commerce with India in the form of joint ventures.

Sheffield Forgemasters has maintained profit levels despite the global slump in the demand for steel which pulled down turnover by more than a tenth.

DCC has agreed a deal to buy Pace Fuelcare, a British oil distribution business, for €27.7m.

Burberry and Tate & Lyle head list of possible buys for rivals in resurgent corporate sector.

Governor Deval Patrick announced today that leading business executives and senior government officials will take part in the Massachusetts Innovation Economy Partnership Mission.

Jules Kroll's new American bond ratings business is investigating opportunities in Europe and Asia in a bid to become a global rating agency.

London, Feb 4 (IANS) The UK-India forum was 'fantastically important', said British Prime Minister David Cameron, who hosted the first meeting of the CEOs grouping at Downing Street and discussed ways to improve trade between the two countries.

Santander managed a 15% rise in profits in its growing UK banking business in 2010, but the Spanish group's core continental Europe business dragged down its overall profits.

AS MORE small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) look to extend trade links internationally, Santander Corporate Banking is well placed to guide them through the complex environment of international business.

Belfast is the UK's second most attractive city for foreign investors, the UK Trade and Investment Department has claimed.

Move links with Starbucks, Debenhams, 02 and more but puts Facebook on collision course with Groupon and Google.

Private equity giant assembles 'one of the top five largest funds in history' despite slowdown.

Healthcare manufacturer Philip Kennedy says demand overseas for his products is booming, but uncertainty looms at home.

STEEL production rose by near- ly a quarter in the UK last year as the world economy recovered.

THE Thai firm in talks to buy the Corus steel plant in Redcar may seek a listing on the London Stock Exchange.

Trade and Investment Minister Lord Green will today host the largest trade event ever held for business representatives of all eight Nordic and Baltic countries as well as the UK.

A FERTILISER company with a production facility in Middlesbrough is set to be bought by a US firm.

A CO ARMAGH concrete company has won contracts in the UK and Ireland worth almost £1.9m.

The man expected to be China's next prime minister is in the UK on a visit designed to shape the British-Chinese trade relationship for the next 20 years.

Chief executive Chris Moore believes timing is everything in a market boosted by Britons' newfound desire to eat at home There is no room for stragglers in the pizza kitchen. Every moment counts. The head of the delivery chain Domino's Pizza reckons split-second timing is the very essence of its remarkable success in catering for Britain's seemingly insatiable appetite for stay-at-home comfort food.

A DARLINGTON firm of specialist franchise advisors has recorded a 50% increase in enquiries as firms around the country look for new ways to expand their businesses.

UK turnaround specialist Endless has acquired Liberata Limited, a supplier of business processing outsourcing services to the public sector, in the firm's first London deal and its biggest investment to date.

Businesses have reason to be optimistic about a recovery in the UK economy, according to Royal Bank of Scotland.

Business leaders have predicted "bumpy times ahead" for British companies in the new year, but said opportunities for growth will be there for the taking.

THE leader of the CBI business lobby group warns in a New Year message of "bumpy times ahead"for British firms - but says the UK economy is likely to keep heading in the right direction.

Sahaviriya Steel Industries (SSI), Thailand's largest hot-rolled steel producer, is mobilising US$1 billion partly through an issue of 5.24 billion new shares to finance the purchase of a steel plant in the UK and expand the facility in the next two years. The acquisition of Teesside Cast Products (TCP) in northern England from India's Tata Steel Group will be completed in the first quarter of next year and lift SSI's sales to three million tonnes in 2012 from this year's 2.3 million, with targeted revenue of 70 billion baht, said president Win Viriyaprapaikit. SSI's board of directors yesterday approved the increase in registered capital by six billion baht ($200 million) as part of its fund-raising plan. The capital increase is subject to endorsement from a shareholders' meeting on Jan 25.

BRITAIN'S corporation tax regime is still out of step with that of other countries despite George Osborne's recent 4 per cent reduction in the headline rate, according to the director of CBI Scotland. Iain McMillan says the government needs to rethink Britain's tax system as the public finances recover because Britain remains at a disadvantage to many European competitors.

Office for Budget Responsibility's borrowing forecast may well be missed, which could leave Osborne with a tricky decision Since October there has been a growing sense that the UK economy is back "on track", as chancellor George Osborne puts it. The third-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) figures revealed the fastest growth in that part of the year for a decade: 0.8%. Meanwhile, directors of large UK companies generally agree that recovery is real, despite the spending cuts and tax increases to come.

• Foreign companies bought $87bn worth of British businesses • British firms spent $39bn on acquiring overseas businesses

A controversial NAFTA provision that allows corporations to seek compensation from governments is likely to be included in any eventual free-trade deal with Europe, say sources close to the negotiations.

Swedish construction group Skanska sees opportunity in 'huge gap between supply and demand' in UK housing market

Business connectivity in the UK could become the best in Europe as the government announces a new investment strategy to support the rolling-out of next generation network access.

The UK's economic growth quickened last month, according to a leading think-tank, as a survey indicated that companies' improving optimism could signal the economy is passing a "turning point".

Tesco has reported improved sales for the third quarter, driven by the economic recovery and efficiency savings.

A NEWPORT company is celebrating after being named the UK's most outstanding business.

Sun Life Financial of Canada, UK is closing to new business.

The Government is set to launch a bid to persuade international companies to stay in Britain by pledging an immediate reform of two corporate taxes that are blamed for driving businesses overseas.

The London 2012 Olympics could bring big business opportunities to Austria, experts said in a conference in Vienna today (Thurs).

UK family businesses are showing signs of being upbeat about the future, with 64% saying they are aiming to expand, according to the UK findings of PwC's latest Family Business Survey.

The Government's charm offensive on the so-called BRIC nations continues on Wednesday as Vince Cable leads a delegation of 37 business leaders on a three-day trade mission to Moscow. The Business Secretary will be joined by bosses from Britain's biggest companies including Rolls-Royce, British Airways, Rio Tinto and Diageo in a bid to "strengthen ties and promote trade" with Russia.

The government's announcement that most intra-company transfers (ICTs) will be exempt from a cap on migrant skilled non-EU workers is a "good result"for the UK economy, according to John Cridland, CBI director-general designate. Yesterday, Home Secretary Theresa May announced the government is introduce a cap of 21,700 on the number of skilled workers from outside the European Economic Area allowed into the UK.

AFTER narrowly avoiding a Thirties-style Great Depression, the UK economy is headed for a brighter future, a leading Bank of England figure told The Northern Echo yesterday.

The number of U.K. business insolvencies fell 17 percent in October from a year earlier as companies' financial positions improved, Experian Plc said.

What do Birmingham airport, the Channel tunnel rail link and the engineering conglomerate Tomkins have in common? They've all been bought by Canadians. The folks north of America's 49th parallel have no qualms about snapping up British assets, but it's a rather more complicated situation when foreign bidders try to enter Canada.

U.K. retail sales rose in October for the first time in three months as consumers bought more sports gear and games and brought forward spending to avoid next year's increase in value-added tax.

Smartphone-maker HTC has announced the launch of HTC Business in the UK - a separate division devoted to promoting and supporting the use of its handsets in a professional environment.

Foreign Secretary William Hague spoke at the launch of the report, offering support for the Group in "realising its vision of UK and Indian businesses collaborating on low carbon opportunities".

Continued collaboration between the UK and China to improve the Intellectual Property (IP) environment is essential for ensuring continued innovation and economic growth, Business Secretary Vince Cable said on November 11, 2010.

The UK India Skills Forum (UKISF), formed by the UK India Business Council (UKIBC), will be joining hands with Centum Learning Ltd, a Bharti Associate company and National Skills Development Corporation (NSDC) in enabling the Indian joint venture to train 12 million individuals over a 10-year period, in 383 districts of India.

British companies are seeking to boost growth further afield than the sluggish home market, China and India being their main targets. As premier David Cameron leads the largest ever trade mission to China this week, accountants Ernst & Young have published an eye-opening report, Competing for Growth.

On Wednesday, British Prime Minister David Cameron finished a two-day official visit to China. Trade and economic objectives were earmarked as the key items on the agenda from the outset. The visiting delegation was picked accordingly and, besides the prime minister, also included four Cabinet members - Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, Business Secretary Vince Cable, Energy Secretary Chris Huhne and Education Secretary Michael Gove, as well as 43 UK business leaders. The Voice of Russia's Boris Volkhonsky has more details.

Carrier BT claims its newly opened Customer Innovation Showcase Centre in Beijing can help ambitious UK firms explore the lucrative Chinese market.

UK business levels are moving up, according to research by HSBC Holdings plc (LON:HSBA).

Some of Britain's top private sector leaders have been appointed business ambassadors to promote overseas trade, the government said on Tuesday.

The FTSE 100 Index hit a two-year high as investors were cheered by the US Federal Reserve's move to boost the economic recovery.

For the fifth year in a row, Singapore has placed first out of 183 countries in a World Bank ranking of the countries where it is easiest to do business. Rounding out the top five were Hong Kong, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA.

Demand for new UK workers reached its highest level for nearly a year in October, the recruitment company Reed will say today. Reed's Job Index rose three points to 107 in October, its highest point since the index began at the end of last year.

George Osborne says the economy is growing strongly, but how much of that is down to a construction rally that is already petering out?

HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and HH Sheikha Mozah Nasser al-Misnad met a number of British businessmen at the Buckingham Palace yesterday afternoon.

FEARS of a double dip recession relaxed yesterday on the back of better-than-expected figures for economic growth.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said Britain's government is listening to the complaints of business about its proposed immigration cap, which companies say is preventing them from bringing in staff they need.

Spanish wind energy company Gamesa plans to base the worldwide center of its offshore wind energy business in the UK.

The equipment rental unit of Hertz Global Holdings Inc. has acquired Rent One Italy, a company that provides power generation equipment to telecom and event companies in Italy, Hertz announced Monday.

The number of business travellers heading to the UK from around the world has risen by 3% this year so far compared with the previous year, according to figures released by VisitBritain ahead of this year's Business Travel Show in Dubai.

A Polish government official says the country's economic growth accelerated slightly to 3.1 percent in the second quarter compared to the previous year.

Alun Thorne speaks to Marketing Birmingham boss Neil Rami about a new era for inward investment in the city

Construction and professional services provider Balfour Beatty is buying Canada-based Halsall in order to widen the geographic base of the Parsons Brinckerhoff professional services business bought last year.

Indian and Scottish business relations will be further enhanced with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) signing partnership agreements with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) Tuesday.

Tanzania needs innovative skills to tap the huge export potentials to the European markets, Finland in particular.

PARIS - Canada is facing mounting pressure from two opposing forces as it prepares for the next round of negotiations later this month on a comprehensive Canada-European Union free-trade agreement.

Russia and the Netherlands geographically could not be more different. Russia spans nine time zones and has a population of some 140 million, while the Netherlands is crammed onto a littoral plain smaller than the Moscow region, and its population of 16 million is only slightly larger than that of the Russian capital.

Intec, one of the world's leading providers of Business Support System (BSS) solutions, today announced a multimillion dollar contract with a leading Colombian operator to standardize its operations on Intec's Wholesale Business Management Suite (WBMS), including InterconnecT, Intec Roaming and Inter-mediatE. The selection was driven by the need for convergent products able to support the demands of next-generation networks and the services they enable.

An unexpected rise in UK service sector activity in September has given an extra lift to the market.

Manchester has climbed four places in property consultancy Cushman & Wakefield's European City monitor to 12th, overtaking Birmingham as it becomes the UK's most favourable city to do business in.

A major consulting firm is bringing almost 50 jobs to Northern Ireland.

Chancellor George Osborne today made a dramatic pledge to "do everything" to make Britain the most competitive place in the world to do business.

Sales on Britain's high streets were much higher than expected this month, rising at their fastest rate in six years as consumers defied the grim economic outlook.

UK business investment rose 0.7 percent in the second quarter of the year compared to the previous quarter, powered by a rise in manufacturing spending, data released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) showed on Tuesday.

Lloyds TSB Middle East, part of one of the world's largest banking groups, and the British Embassy's UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) the UK government's international business development body have travelled from the UAE to Britain in order to advise businesses on setting up in the Middle East.

Business ISP Andrews & Arnold ( AAISP ) has revealed that it will launch its own mobile data ( Mobile Broadband ) service in October 2010, although this is still subject to final confirmation with the carrier. The product will consist of 3G data SIM cards that allow full IPv4 and IPv6 connectivity using AAISP IP address space and routing.

The Portuguese government is "confident"it will reach its target of narrowing the budget deficit this year and will take any measures necessary to meet that goal, Government minister Pedro Silva Pereira said today.

The Global Power Group of Foster Wheeler AG (FWLT - Analyst Report) established two new service centers in Germany and Finland, thus expanding its power boiler service business in these countries. The power plants, in proximity to the service centers, will have access to auxiliary parts, boiler pressure vessel gears and boiler modernization equipments.

Associated British Foods, the food and retail group owned by the Weston family, announced 13 September that trading for the second half had risen substantially and that it expected strong full-year results for the year ending 18 September.

In order to assist the Indian financial sector on setting up regulated business within the United Kingdom (UK), Deloitte and UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) released a guide for India Inc. to this effect.

Confidence levels among businesses in the transport & storage sector increased in Q3 2010 while the outlook across the whole economy weakened, states the latest ICAEW/Grant Thornton UK Business Confidence Monitor (BCM).

Globally renowned cutting tool manufacturer, the Tungaloy Corporation is delighted to announce that it has now opened a new facility in Birmingham to service the UK marketplace. The Japanese company has been successfully producing high specification cutting tools, indexable inserts, and additional industrial products for over 70 years.

Danish tax laws for shipping more desirable Two Swedish shipping firms have in recent weeks packed up and moved across the water to set up business in Denmark, a trend which is expected to continue.

Historically, companies' dividend payments have been much more stable than their profits.

The German bank has opened a branch in Denmark for investment banking, and thus extended their already very successful business in Scandinavia. The new office in Copenhagen, Denmark underlines the importance for the German bank. The Danish market is characterized by continuous growth and provides for the Corporate and Investment Bank, Deutsche Bank, many business opportunities. The subsidiary in Copenhagen will focus on the direction of Klaus Bisgaard initially on the financial transaction with debt (Debt Capital Market Services).

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk will woo Indian business during his three-day state visit to India that starts Sep 6 as the country 'is a role model not only for Poland but for the European Union', a former ambassador said.

The UK economy grew at its fastest rate in nine years in the second quarter, helped by the struggling construction sector bouncing back after the big freeze.

The U.K. economy expanded faster than previously estimated in the second quarter in the biggest growth spurt since 2001 as companies rebuilt stocks and construction work surged.

The Swedish government has raised its growth forecast, saying the economy recovered faster than expected in the first half of 2010.

Each of this year's 30 finalists in the 3i Private, Grant Thornton Mid-Cap and Coutts & Co Large-Cap Business of the Year categories offer insights into the approaches and industry sectors that have defied the recession over the last year.

EXPERIAN has reported a big 33 percent reduction in business insolvencies for June 2010 compared to last year.

Conveyor manufacturer Newland Engineering, based in Hyde, is toasting overseas orders totalling £86,000.

Business groups have given cautious approval to the Coalition Government's efforts to cut the deficit and restore public finances during its first 100 days in power.

Norway's central bank kept the benchmark interest rate unchanged for a second meeting as policy makers pointed to signs of a "moderately"improving domestic economy, while noting that risks remain to a global recovery.

Finland's industrial production growth continued to improve in June, official data showed Tuesday.

The French economy will grow 0.3 percent in the third quarter, boosted by a pick-up in industrial output, the Bank of France said in its first estimate.

The French economy will grow 0.3 percent in the third quarter, boosted by a pick-up in industrial output, the Bank of France said in its first estimate.

The Bank of Spain says the country's economy grew during the April-June period, the second consecutive quarter of growth after nearly two years in recession.

As head of Medef, France's CBI, Laurence Parisot is fighting to put the interests of business at the heart of the state

Italy's economy expanded for a second quarter in the three months through June, a sign that the country's recovery from its worst recession in six decades is gathering strength.

France and Germany drove faster expansion of Eurozone services in July while offsetting muted growth in Spain and fall in Italy. At 55.8 in July, up from 55.5 in June, the Final Markit Eurozone Services Business Activity Index indicated expansion of the Eurozone services economy for the eleventh consecutive month. The final index came in below the flash estimate of 56.0 but was in line with the average seen during the second quarter, thereby suggesting no loss of momentum at the start of Q3 from the near three-year high rate of expansion seen in Q2.

The euro zone's dominant service sector picked up speed last month, a survey showed on Wednesday, allaying fears of a double dip recession, but strong growth in Germany and France masked weakness in southern Europe.

Spanish manufacturing operating conditions continued to improve modestly in July. July data indicated that operating conditions in the Spanish manufacturing sector strengthened again during the month, with both output and new orders continuing to rise. However, the latest improvement was only modest as signs of recovery remained only tentative.

Inditex SA, the world's largest clothing retailer, said first-quarter profit jumped 63 percent, beating analyst estimates, as the company increased sales outside its home market of Spain.

The gap between electricity prices in the U.K. and the Netherlands is set to narrow next year as utilities complete the first cable linking the two nations.

A hotel serving Liverpool John Lennon airport has proved its level of service is among the best by coming in the top 10 of a UK business travel poll.

Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney said the global financial system has become more stable, and the risks to the Canadian and world economies have shifted more toward how fast governments narrow budget deficits and business investment accelerates.

The Canadian government said today that the country's large telephone companies such as BCE Inc. and Rogers Communications Inc. may be covered by new rules that will make it easier for foreigners to invest in Canada.

French oil and gas company Total SA said Monday it has increased its investment in solar energy by acquiring an ownership stake in a U.S. startup firm AE Polysilicon Corp.

Paris 92100 , France. The new office will offer the full range of Copernicus international services including the business to business matchmaking service "Connecting Markets"and the acclaimed market entry support of the Interim Key Account Manager Service.

Korea and Denmark have promised to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in developing renewable energy sources and improving fuel efficiency.

Finland wants to exploit the friendly investment climate of Nigeria to boost its business, said Paavo Vannrynen, the Finnish minister of foreign trade and development.

Finland's Helsinki Stock Exchange General Index, the best-performing developed equity market this year, will extend its gains as Nokia Oyj and Finnish companies closely tied to economic growth keep rising, according to the country's top-ranked fund.

Finland wants to exploit the friendly investment climate of Nigeria to boost its business, said Paavo Vannrynen, the Finnish minister of foreign trade and development.

French industrial production rose in January as foreign demand for aircraft, vaccines and electronics lifted exports.

The U.K. consumer services sector saw its best volumes in over two years in the three months to February, while activity in the business and professional services sector also stabilized, a survey released Monday finds.

French business confidence fell in February on concern that growth may slow as President Nicolas Sarkozy's government phases out economic stimulus measures.

Norway's sovereign wealth fund, the world's second largest, said the value of its investments rose a record 26 percent last year as markets rebounded.

German factory orders surged in January, more than cancelling the previous month's decline, boosted by demand for goods such as machinery and equipment.

Despite a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.73% in local currency terms and of -0.68% in US dollar terms from 2004-2009, our outlook for Italy's drug market is even less optimistic over the next five years. From 2009-2014 a CAGR of -2.10% is projected in local currency terms (-4.17% in US dollar terms), largely as a result of the impending patent cliff and the subsequent consumption of lower-value generic drugs in place of the high value patented drugs, which previously accounted for the majority of Italy's drug expenditure. As an example, the European patent for Pfizer's Lipitor (atorvastatin) - Italy's leading molecule - is set to expire in 2011.

Norway's vast fund for oil wealth posted a 25.6 percent return on investment for 2009 -- its best ever -- as international markets recovered from the global financial crunch, the central bank said Friday.

Global fast-food chain McDonald's plans to open 31 new restaurants in Turkey in 2010 as sales increased in the country, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported Thursday.

Wind power provides a fifth of Denmark's electricity, most of it generated by giant wind farms built on land and in the country's coastal waters.

A country of unique culture, history and geography, Poland increasingly attracts foreign business from all over the world thanks to recent economic changes. The last decade has been very successful for the country's economic growth and transformation. Joining NATO in 1999 and the European Union in May 2004 have opened the Polish market to foreign investors and development opportunities. Poland receives one of the largest pools of EU funding for development and infrastructure which makes it very attractive to foreign investors. Its location in the heart of Europe where Western and Eastern values meet creates an ideal opportunity for business development. Below are some of the key benefits of doing business in Poland.

The U.K.'s dominant service sector expanded sharply to an over three-year high in February, boosted by strong new orders and business activity, data showed Wednesday, adding to evidence that first-quarter gross domestic product grew at a faster pace than in the final three months of 2009.

Poland's economy, the biggest in eastern Europe, grew at a faster pace last quarter on sustained exports and revived corporate investment, indicating interest rates may be raised by the end of this year.

Britain was one of the few European countries to record a rise in house prices in 2009 according to a new report, giving further impetus to signs of a sustained recovery in 2010.

Italy is without doubt one of the centres of European civilisation and has a history which stretches back far beyond any modern European states. The country's prime location on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea boasts varied landscapes from arid grasslands to snowy mountains. Italians are a proud people who draw confidence from their history and rich cultural heritage.

French and Russian business leaders pledged to strengthen economic ties Tuesday with cross-border deals in sectors ranging from heavy industry to the more controversial oil and gas market.

German stocks advanced for a third day, sending the DAX Index to its highest level in more than a month, as Deutsche Lufthansa AG reported a smaller-than- estimated loss for 2009 and carmakers rallied.

Polish policy maker Andrzej Rzonca, who joined the central bank's rate-setting board in January, forecast faster economic growth than the bank's Feb. 26 estimate through 2011 and 2012.

Poland's use of EU funding has been the most efficient of all new member states, contributing to the country's resistance to the recession, high-ranking Polish politicians and business figures claimed last week.

UK manufacturers are becoming gradually more confident about the economic outlook, a fresh study by the Engineering Employers Federation and business advisers BDO claimed.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev will seek to boost Russian-French relations during a state visit to France, seeking energy and transport deals and defense sales.

Foreign Trade Minister Zafer Cağlayan has said that the current economic ties between Turkey and France do not reflect their actual potential, calling for improvement in bilateral commercial relations and the establishment of joint investments in third countries.

The secretary general of the OECD says Spain's debt load is not big enough to put the government's solvency in question.

A senior European Union official based in Turkey has expressed an optimistic perspective of Turkey's economic performance in 2010, labeling Turkey "a key part of the EU's global competitiveness."

Gordon Brown has announced plans for the UK and Spain to work together to boost the skills and employment opportunities of young people.

The Irish ambassador to Turkey, trade representatives of Ireland, and business leaders interested in improving trade between Turkey and Ireland gathered in Istanbul on Wednesday to discuss trade opportunities.

Danish toymaker Lego Group plans to start selling board games in the United States this summer as it extends its business beyond colorful building blocks.

France's economic growth increased more than economists forecast in the fourth quarter as government incentives stoked car production and bolstered consumer spending.

RUSNANO Deputy CEO Andrey Malyshev and Reijo Munther, Director, Materials technology, of Tekes, the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation, signed a memorandum on standardization and regulation in nanotechnology at a recent Russian-Finnish roundtable.

Finland is redoubling efforts to restore fiscal health in response to European Union signals it won't tolerate excessive budget deficits as the northernmost euro member vies for investor favor for its debt sales.

Sweden has nabbed the top spot from the United States on a global scorecard that measures nations' digital connectivity and how it contributes to economic growth.

Water knowledge will be flowing between Australia and the Netherlands next month, when a delegation of Dutch water experts visits Australia (7-12 March).

GERMAN exports tumbled by nearly one-fifth last year, the biggest fall for 60 years and one that officially knocked the country off its perch as the world's top exporter, government data showed yesterday.

The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Nick Anstee, will be visiting Bahrain next week with a team of 14 leading British financiers to boost business between the UK financial sector and the kingdom.

Poland's government increased its forecast for economic growth this year to 3 percent from 1.2 percent and said public debt won't exceed the threshold that would force spending cuts or higher taxes.

A trade delegation comprising 21 companies from the southeast of the United Kingdom arrived in Saudi Arabia Saturday on a visit to Riyadh and Jeddah that will continue until Mar. 11.

The turnover in the industry in December last year by 3 percent over the same month one years earlier. Reported that the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) Monday.

The number of Swedish firms filing for bankruptcy declined by 14 percent in January in comparison with the corresponding month in 2009. 484 companies went to the wall during the month.

Poland may fulfill European Union demands to cut its budget deficit below the 3 percent of gross domestic product cap required for euro adoption in 2012 as economic growth accelerates, a senior government official said.

On 3 February, 2010, UK Trade & Investment hosted the inaugural Investor Relations Business Meeting at the British Embassy in Moscow. The event was organised by UK Trade & Investment and PR Newswire Europe in partnership with Finance & Investment Markets Players Club (KIFIR).

French business confidence climbed in January to an almost two-year high and the country's economy will probably expand by 0.5 percent in the first quarter, the central bank said.

Paris-based Hi-media, a publicly held company that operates an ad network, a publishing business and a payments platform around the world, has opened a San Francisco office to expand its micropayments business to the U.S. Release.

Giving deadlines as a pressure tactic against Turkish businesspeople while negotiating "will not work,"according to a study conducted to show cultural differences between Turkey and the Netherlands.

The Swedish government plans to establish closer ties and collaborate with the Qatari government in the Education and Environmental Technology sectors.

France's trade deficit narrowed 22 percent last year on lower energy costs and as companies such as Airbus SAS boosted exports after the worst recession since World War II.

Deutsche Bahn AG, Germany's state- owned train operator, expanded its reach in Britain's privatized rail market with a seven-year contact to run streetcars in northeast England.

Businesses and other entities in Denmark have until May 1 to acquire a government license to handle materials that might be employed to produce biological weapons, the Copenhagen Post reported Tuesday (see GSN, Jan. 19).

Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy have unveiled a new 10-year plan, including 80 projects designed to improve Franco-German cooperation. The goal is also to better promote European ideas globally.

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu said on Thursday that they consider fate of Eurasia as fate of the humanity, adding, "if we succeed in using Eurasia's potential in trade, communication and energy correctly, this region will become one of the leading parts of the world."

The vast majority of UK businesses need to be aware that they fall under a new set of regulations which recently came into force, warns Kings Hill-based solicitors Vertex Law. The Provision of Services Regulations 2009, a set of rules which integrate the EU Services Directive into UK legislation, now cover companies offering any sort of economic activity in return for payment.

Norway's central bank kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged, after raising it twice last quarter, as higher mortgage rates eased concern of an asset bubble and allowed the bank to use policy to curb krone gains.

Retail sales in Germany, Europe's largest economy, increased in December as the improving economic outlook bolstered Christmas spending.

Business conditions in the Turkish manufacturing sector improved in January, a report released by Markit Economics showed Monday. The HSBC Purchasing Managers' Index for the manufacturing sector rose to 53 in January. A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 suggests contraction.

As Turkey debates the benefits of hydropower, Poyry, a Finnish expert in consulting and engineering, signs a contract for the development of hydroplants on the main branch of the Euphrates. Poyry is committed to being a global thought leader in engineering-balanced sustainability by 2020, says Vilho Salovaara of Poyry's Energy business group

U.K. house prices will increase by about a fifth in the next four years as banks step up lending and interest rates remain low, the Centre for Economics and Business Research said.