Welcome to PWA Unlimited

THE owner of some of Britain’s best-known pubs revealed a sharp slowdown in sales as persistent rainfall dampened punters’ desire to head out.

THREE businessmen who have built companies at the peak of the engineering, IT and motor retail sectors have been honoured by fellow entrepreneurs.

SOFTWARE specialist Datawright has signed a six-figure deal with a marine sector supplier in China as it explores new opportunities in the country.

UP to 150 North East companies in need of skilled workers to help them grow can tap into the expertise of a university graduate scheme.

BUILDING materials supplier SIG has reported weaker sales in the UK as the wettest April since records began hit the group’s roofing business.

THE number of new homes started by builders has fallen again in the first quarter, according to official figures.

THE largest health club group in the world, Fitness First, is close to securing its future after it unveiled a debt deal with its lenders.

THE Journal and Evening Gazette is to spearhead a £30m bid to drive business growth across the North East, potentially creating more than 2,500 jobs.

A NEW £1m centre for digital businesses is being developed in the heart of Stockton town centre, creating 33 hi-tech jobs.

A LIGHTING company is hoping it can drum up £10m in annual sales after landing more than £500,000 in venture capital funding.

A TRAINEE teacher who kicked off his football coaching business for young children with the last £200 in his current account was last night crowned the winner of a challenge to find the region's next big entrepreneur.

ENTREPRENEURS have been inspired to take on the world at a major conference staged in the North East.

PROPERTY giant Grainger said its policy of concentrating on the most economically active areas is paying off. The Newcastle-based company, which is Britain’s biggest residential landlord and also owns property in Germany, is now outperforming the housing market, according to its interim figures.

ENTREPRENEUR Helen James is using the latest in mobile phone technology to allow shops, restaurants and other businesses to secure last-minute deals at the click of a button.

PART of steel firm Parson & Crosland has been bought by Barrett Steel, saving 25 jobs at the Middlesbrough firm.

THE performance which prompted Aviva shareholders to oust chief executive Andrew Moss has been laid bare in figures from the company.

THE owner of Eddie Stobart hailed Southend airport as “the jewel in its crown” after a year in which profits fell at its haulage arm.

THE trading woes at French Connection have deepened after the fashion chain warned it was unlikely to meet profit hopes for this year.

MANUFACTURING firm JCB has won one of the biggest contracts in its history with an order for more than 1,000 machines worth over £60m.

THE number of people out of work on Teesside fell by more than 300 last month.