The UK Knack Group Reviews Today’s Events …

Hull-based manufacturer secures funding for recruitment plans Envirodoor, a Hull-based manufacturer of specialist industrial and hygienic doors, has secured a 600,000 equity linked investment from Finance Yorkshire, allowing it to continue its growth plans. The investment, which follows an increase in orders, will support marketing, recruitment and research and development programmes.

Expansion at Watergate Bay Hotel in Cornwall means potential new jobs Watergate Bay Hotel in Cornwall has secured a seven-figure funding package with HSBC, to support a £3.6m development of self-catering holiday homes.  12 new properties will be built on land behind the hotel, potentially creating new jobs.  Turnover is expected to increase by 10% as a result of the expansion.

New Aldi supermarket in Chester creates 30 new jobs Aldi Stores is planning to open a supermarket in Chester, creating 30 jobs. The store would be located in a 30,000 sq. ft. unit formerly occupied by Focus, which would be sub-divided.  Aldi would occupy 15,400 sq. ft., with Home Bargains occupying the remaining space. Aldi has a turnover of £2.7bn and 7,400 staff.

Home Bargains store in Chester brings 50 new jobs TJ Morris is planning to open a Home Bargains store in Chester, creating 50 jobs. The store would be located in a 30,000 sq. ft. unit formerly occupied by Focus, which would be sub-divided.  Aldi would occupy 15,400 sq. ft., with Home Bargains occupying the remaining space.

CA in Prudhoe launches apprentice recruitment campaign CA, which manufactures Velvet toilet tissue at its factory in Prudhoe, Northumberland, is to recruit ten new apprentices to mark National Apprenticeship Week 2013.  The recruitment will increase the number of apprentices at the factory to 40 by the end of 2013. Turnover £534.8m, 1,030 employees.

Ocean Consultancy expansion plans mean new jobs Devon accountancy firm Ocean Consultancy has secured a five-figure loan from Lloyds TSB Commercial for its expansion plans.  The company plans to increase its team from six to eight this year as part of its plans to increase its number of customers by 15 per cent over the next three years.

Collins Seafoods gains Industry Award: New jobs expected Frozen seafood business Collins Seafoods has doubled the size of its North East headquarters after growing its presence in Yorkshire and landing a prestigious industry award.

New Paignton pharmaceutical centre will create 70 jobs Healthcare premises. WORK has started on a new 20million state-of-the-art pharmaceutical centre near Paignton, creating 70 jobs.

Santander launches apprentice programme creating 275 full time Santander has launched a UK wide programme, which will see the recruitment of 275 apprentices in the bank's main offices and branch network. The 2013 programme will be rolled out across the UK and take on apprentices for full time roles in Santander's manufacturing, retail and telephone distribution divisions.  Successful applicants will join as permanent employees and will study for vocational qualifications in either Providing Financial Services or Customer Service - the equivalent of achieving five GCSEs

Coventry hotel expansion means potential new jobs De Vere has invested £140,000 to refurbish the De Vere Village Urban Resort in Coventry, West Midlands, creating 20 additional rooms.  The company is upgrading hotels across its estate.  The investment could create employment opportunities.

Coventry office, hotel and residential development means potential new jobs Architect Gross Max, been appointed to deliver the public realm of the Friargate development in Coventry, West Midlands.  Proposals for the 37 acre site include office buildings, two hotels and new residential. Gross Max will design all public spaces, streets, squares and parks within the development, which could create employment opportunities.

Management Move: Eurocopter SAS appoints new CEO France-based Eurocopter SAS has appointed Guillaume Faury to replace Lutz Bertling as Chief Executive.  Mr Bertling will step down on 30 April 2013. Eurocopter is owned by EADS.  Eurocopter UK, based in Oxford, has a turnover of £101.8m and 190 employees.

Private Equity / Bank Funding: New Premises for Warwickshire supplier of silicone and adhesives Techsil, a Warwickshire supplier of silicone and adhesives, is ready for expansion following a six-figure finance deal from the Co-operative Bank and a move to new larger premises.

Private Equity / Bank Funding: Surrey-based ReNeuron secures funding for stem cell research programme Surrey-based ReNeuron has won two separate grants totalling £1.2mln that will be used to fund its stem cell research programme. Both grants are from a Biomedical Catalyst, a source of public funding jointly managed by the Technology Strategy Board and the Medical Research Council.

Penny Winter – The UK Knack Group www.theukknackgroup.co.uk