Home Business Company Guide 08

Top companies in the West Midlands

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. Read

Brighter prospects on horizon as economic gloom gathers

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. Read

Remaining resilient in challenging times...

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. Read

Ahead in the clouds

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. Read

Economic changes throw spotlight on post-deal integration

Despite the changes in the global financial markets impacting upon the number of transactions being completed, there are still deals being done. Read

Transactions remain strong in difficult

The financial and economic climate has led to a drop in the number of transactions being completed in the UK. Read

Managing tax to become resilient

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. Read

Why we must get to grips with emerging markets

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 Read

Emerging with success relies on local research

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. Read

Two-way chance to win

Not all the opportunities arising from emerging markets are happening thousands of miles away in India and China. Read

In these competitive times

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. Read

Converting public sector: why the work starts here

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 Read

On your guard

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 Read

Building economic resilience

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. Read

Getting to grips with the climate change agenda

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 Read

Building resilience must be a long-term strategy

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 Read

Fresh focus on people power for employers

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 Read

Go for green

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. Read

Pledge is start point for skills investment

Employers are increasingly conscious that the skills of their employees are the life blood of their business. Read