http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/ The Birmingham Post and KPMG's guide to the top companies in the West Midlands en-gb Birmingham Post no The Birmingham Post and KPMG's guide to the top companies in the West Midlands birmingham post, business guide, company guide, west midlands, kpmg http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/top-companies-in-the-west-midlands-65233-21142713/ Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:22:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/top-companies-in-the-west-midlands-65233-21142713/ A mix of engineering, pub and software groups have survived the credit crunch to retain their positions as the largest companies in the West Midlands. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/brighter-prospects-on-horizon-as-economic-gloom-gathers-65233-21142248/ Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/brighter-prospects-on-horizon-as-economic-gloom-gathers-65233-21142248/ The local economy is showing some resilience despite the national outlook. John Bartlett, Bank of England regional agent for the West Midlands looks at the current climate. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/remaining-resilient-in-challenging-times-65233-21142278/ Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/remaining-resilient-in-challenging-times-65233-21142278/ The West Midlands has been faced with significant challenges over the past decade - yet we remain a major global centre for business. Mel Egglenton, senior partner of KPMG in Birmingham, looks at the resilience shown by the region and suggests difficult times ahead could test this further. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/ahead-in-the-clouds-65233-21142288/ Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/ahead-in-the-clouds-65233-21142288/ No business can be said to be recession-proof but Warwickshire-based Umeco has more cause than most to be optimistic. Duncan Tift talks with chief executive Clive Snowdon to find out why. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/economic-changes-throw-spotlight-on-post-deal-integration-65233-21142292/ Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/economic-changes-throw-spotlight-on-post-deal-integration-65233-21142292/ Despite the changes in the global financial markets impacting upon the number of transactions being completed, there are still deals being done. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/transactions-remain-strong-in-difficult-65233-21142481/ Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/transactions-remain-strong-in-difficult-65233-21142481/ The financial and economic climate has led to a drop in the number of transactions being completed in the UK. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/managing-tax-to-become-resilient-65233-21142582/ Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/managing-tax-to-become-resilient-65233-21142582/ Sound management of a company’s tax affairs is good practice, whatever the economic climate. However, it is when the economic climate becomes less settled that companies really see the benefits of careful management of their tax affairs. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/why-we-must-get-to-grips-with-emerging-markets-65233-21142585/ Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/why-we-must-get-to-grips-with-emerging-markets-65233-21142585/ Resilient businesses must seek growth opportunities in new and emerging markets when growth in the domestic market is slowing. Jeremy Butler, of KPMG’s New and Emerging Markets team and based in Birmingham, explains http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/emerging-with-success-relies-on-local-research-65233-21142703/ Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/emerging-with-success-relies-on-local-research-65233-21142703/ Gathering, recording and analysing data on customers, competitors and the market is imperative for any business seeking to sell a product, idea or service, existing or innovative. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/two-way-chance-to-win-65233-21142704/ Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/two-way-chance-to-win-65233-21142704/ Not all the opportunities arising from emerging markets are happening thousands of miles away in India and China. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/in-these-competitive-times-65233-21142718/ Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/in-these-competitive-times-65233-21142718/ As major international, national and regional assets, the four NEC Group venues put the West Midlands in the spotlight by hosting some of the world’s most important trade exhibitions and a host of exciting consumer events — bringing together millions of local, national and international visitors to learn, do business, be entertained and discover the future. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/converting-public-sector-why-the-work-starts-here-65233-21142823/ Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/converting-public-sector-why-the-work-starts-here-65233-21142823/ In two years’ time, much of the public sector will convert to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). But, as Mike McDonagh, Midlands audit sector lead – public sector at KPMG in Birmingham explains, managers must start work now or face consequences http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/on-your-guard-65233-21142827/ Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/on-your-guard-65233-21142827/ Doing business in new markets can leave a company feeling uneasy about the risk of employees and contractors falling foul of bribery and corruption laws. Jonathan Lovell, head of KPMG Forensic in Birmingham looks at how local companies can minimise that risk http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/building-economic-resilience-65233-21142863/ Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/building-economic-resilience-65233-21142863/ The West Midlands economy has a record of resilience and embracing change and these will be vital strengths as we tackle the challenges we will face in the coming decades. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/getting-to-grips-with-the-climate-change-agenda-65233-21142921/ Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/getting-to-grips-with-the-climate-change-agenda-65233-21142921/ This year sees sustainability and climate change legislation become more challenging. Richard Sharman, partner at KPMG, looks at why local companies need to be aware of these changes http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/building-resilience-must-be-a-long-term-strategy-65233-21143534/ Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/building-resilience-must-be-a-long-term-strategy-65233-21143534/ Ensuring a business remains in top form is not just about seeking out growth opportunities. Ian Greaves, partner at KPMG in Birmingham looks at other areas that count http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/fresh-focus-on-people-power-for-employers-65233-21143536/ Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/fresh-focus-on-people-power-for-employers-65233-21143536/ Renu Birla, director of people services, reward, KPMG in Birmingham, stresses the need for positive personnel policies if West Midlands firms are to remain competitive http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/go-for-green-65233-21143564/ Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/go-for-green-65233-21143564/ These are interesting times to be working in the building development business. With the green agenda at the heart of society, sustainability is driving all new projects. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/pledge-is-start-point-for-skills-investment-65233-21143572/ Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/companyguide/2008/06/24/pledge-is-start-point-for-skills-investment-65233-21143572/ Employers are increasingly conscious that the skills of their employees are the life blood of their business.