Partner, Alison Brennan, who is acting for the new venture said “it is always a pleasure to help new business ventures, particularly when, as here, the service offered is a valuable addition to the services available to businesses.”

The new practice will provide corporate valuation services to support accountancy, legal and private equity firms as well as business owners and is intended to complement rather than compete with other advisory firms.

Fuller said: “We are unaware of a similar firm in the North West and there is only a handful in the UK capable of providing the service offered by Bridge Houghton. We are already finding significant interest in a range of our services, including the resolution of disputes and conflict arising from share acquisitions and probate matters. We are also involved with the valuation issues which have arisen from transactions, involving management change and tax compliance. We have also recently completed a significant impairment review on behalf of a regional accounting firm.”

Houghton added: “We believe that Bridge Houghton is unique in the North West in providing other professional and financial services firms and business owners with independent and specialist valuation services. We have a team of experienced chartered accountants, but the service we provide goes much further than a formula driven accountancy process. We are able to tap into the industry knowledge of our unique advisory panel to fully research and understand the market in which a particular business operates.”

A fast growing commercial law firm is celebrating a successful six months since opening a dedicated office in St Helens. DTM provide practical legal advice to businesses, working closely with retail, manufacturing, healthcare and the service sectors.

DTM Legal opened its office at Century House in Hardshaw Street last summer and has already made an immediate impact in the town and its surrounding areas by establishing working relationships with many of the well-known local businesses. To mark its first six months, the firm is sponsoring St Helens’ first ever match at Langtree Park when Saints take on Widnes on January 20th.

 Three-year-old DTM Legal, which also has an office in Chester, has captured 400 new clients in the past 12 months, many of which are based in St Helens.

 Julie Mogan, one of DTM Legal’s founding partners, said:

“We took the decision to open a dedicated office in St Helens after winning business in the town. The feedback we have had is that business owners like being able to work with a local, experienced and modern commercial law firm rather than having to look outside to the likes of Liverpool and Manchester.”

 “In addition to winning significant new business in St Helens, we are finding a lot of interest in our services from places such as Warrington, Wigan and Knowsley.”

 “We have also quickly established strong relationships with a number of other professional firms in the area who appreciate the commitment we have shown in opening a dedicated office to complement our existing office in Chester.”

“Rugby league is hugely important to the people of St Helens and it’s economy and we are delighted to be able to sponsor the first ever match at the new Langtree Park stadium.”

The DTM Legal team in St Helens is led by Tom Sutcliffe, who has recently started mentoring a local business through the firm’s relationship with the St Helens Chamber and colleague Julie Mogan.

For more information about DTM Legal, visit www.dtmlegal.com

Cygnis and Cygnet Engineering Developments have been merged to form Cygnet Integrated Solutions. It will trade in automation and bespoke machinery.

The combined businesses, which each turned over £3m in 2011, are expected to fulfill projects worth almost £20m in 2012.

Matthew Kimpton-Smith, managing director and owner of Cygnet Group, said: “The merger is designed to simplify our group structure and strengthen our brand.”

He added: “Combining the expertise and track-record of these two closely-associated businesses will give us a stronger, clearer proposition and help us to secure larger projects, working capital funding and attract the best engineering talent.”

DTM Partner, Ed Barnes, acted on the restructure.

Cygnet Integrated Solutions will employ 35 members of staff from the two merged businesses and will trade from an 18,000 sq ft site in Middlewich.

For more information on corporate restructuring, mergers or acquisitions please contact any member of DTM’s Corporate Team.

 Richard Brown comments “This deal will have a significant benefit to new and existing customers for both Tasties and Pasta King and will enable us to provide a wider range of innovative products and increase the flexibility with which such products can be delivered to customers.”

 PK Food Concepts was subject to a management buyout backed by NGBI Private Equity in November 2009 and the Tasties acquisition has more than doubled its existing production capacity and has more than quadrupled the size of its delivery fleet.

 DTM Partner, Ed Barnes, who together with consultant, Matt Robinson, acted for the seller on the deal, adds “This transaction should bring significant benefits to both parties.  Everyone worked very hard to complete the deal demonstrating once again that there are still great strategic opportunities in the market despite current economic conditions.”

 BBT Group provides organisations of all sizes with enhanced productivity through top quality digital office products and managed printing services.  Set up nearly 20 years ago, the BBT Group has grown to achieve a multi million pound turnover serving more than 1000 client businesses from the education, legal and professional services sectors as well as public sector organisations. 

The acquisition of SOS Office Supplies (SOS) in North Wales helps fulfil BBT’s ambition to expand into new markets and consolidate its position as a leading provider of business equipment and managed print services. 

Three months ago, DTM Legal also acted for BBT Group in its acquisition of Preston based Oakham Business Systems Ltd, a supplier of photocopiers, printers, fax machines and document scanning and management services. 

Chris Hutchings, Director of BBT Group, comments: “This is an exciting time for the business as we grow our nationwide offering and extend our presence in the North West.  DTM has been instrumental in helping us along the right path and we look forward to working with them on future projects.”

Tom Sutcliffe, Partner at DTM Legal, adds: “We are pleased to have been able to advise The BBT Group on these two acquisitions and we look forward to supporting the business with its continued growth and expansion plans into new and existing sectors through strategic acquisition.”

 DTM Legal is a specialist commercial law firm that offers clients a full spectrum of advice on legal issues including employment, property, corporate, intellectual property, business recovery and disputes of all kinds.

Thomas Farquar (who was also runner-up in the category of Best Young Entrepreneur 2011) said:

“We are absolutely delighted at being lucky enough to win Best New Business 2011. This fantastic achievement recognises all the hard work of the Easy MCS Ltd team who work tirelessly each day to support new Installers in entering the Renewable sector, whether this be through a renewable training course or support and mentoring through MCS Certification. To be shortlisted for such prestigious awards was a shock but to win is something that was never expected.”

Thursday 24^th November 2011 from 09:30 – 11:00 am at Archway House, Station Road, Chester, CH1 3DR

Presented by Paul Edwards – Specialist in Employment Law

The seminar will provide you with guidance on recent changes in Employment Law focusing on managing stress and depression in the work place, which could help you and your business avoid costly employment tribunal claims. The seminar will also provide an update on the Bribery Act 2010 concentrating on compliance.

Can you afford to miss it?

To reserve your place please contact Heather Artell on 01244 354800 or email  heather.artell@dtmlegal.com by 14/11/2011

The seminar will provide Directors, Employers and HR professionals with easy to follow guidance on recent changes in Employment Legislation.

for further details please click here and to book a space online please click here

The seminar will focus on the duties that each and every Director is bound by and should know, but often doesn’t.

For further details click here

Edwina Hart AM, the Welsh Government’s Business Minister revealed the chosen places on Tuesday, identifying plans to establish two in North Wales with the other three in the South. The Minister stated Deeside in Flintshire would focus on advanced manufacturing, whilst Anglesey would concentrate on the energy sector.

In her statement, Mrs Hart said: “We have an opportunity to take a targeted approach in Wales and design a bespoke Welsh solution that doesn’t just automatically replicate the approach taken in England.

“In taking forward this policy on Enterprise Zones, I am not losing sight of the very real economic challenges faced by other areas of Wales. Therefore, whilst these are the preferred locations, in the first stage, we remain open to opportunities as they arise in other areas of Wales where we are already in discussion with local partners.”

 Richard Thomas, Chamber Vice Chair for North Wales said: “Obviously this is very positive news which the Chamber in North Wales is encouraged by, as both Enterprise Zones will hopefully stimulate job creation and improve the local economy. However, whilst the Minister recognises other geographical areas need help, there are also many other industries apart from advanced manufacturing and energy that are also desperately in need of support like this. Today’s further announcement of the additional “sectors” for Food and Farming, Construction and Tourism is therefore also welcomed. However, the jury is still out as to how effective these sector panels will be and what recommendations ultimately made by the panels the Welsh Government will be able and/or willing to action.”