Manchester's Economy (updates)

[jrb]

Stop the brain drain.

MEN.

The University of Manchester is launching a new recruitment service to link graduates with local employers.

It says the scheme is in response to a growing demand from Greater Manchester firms which are seeking graduate talent without the hassle and cost of advertising, interviews or engaging with recruitment agencies.

The Recruitment Service for Business initiative is a free service that launches this month, aimed primarily at SMEs that offers firms access to graduates who are looking to stay on in the city after finishing their exams.

The University acts as a full-service recruitment consultancy, helping draft a job description in consultation with the employer, advertising it to more than 1,000 final year students, helping draw up a shortlist of applicants and hosting interviews on campus if required.

It will also advise businesses on pay.

Most contracts will initially be short-term, between four and twelve months, though the University says it is confident many will develop into longer term contracts.

Anne Milligan, head of regional development at the University, said: “Unlike many large employers with clearly defined graduate entry programmes, smaller businesses can struggle to tap into the wealth of high-calibre talent that The University of Manchester helps produce.

“However our new Recruitment Service for Business will offer SMEs across Greater Manchester direct and easy access to a large pool of employable applicants. The service is friendly, flexible and free, and will offer all types of firms the chance to get a keen and hard-working graduate from one of the UK’s most prestigious universities without the hassle, disruption or costs associated with trying to fill a vacancy.”

[neil]

North West leads the way for UK inward investment
5th June 2013


THE North West topped London and the South East to secure the highest number of jobs from foreign investors of a UK region in 2012, according to new research.

Ernst & Young’s (EY) annual attractiveness survey, reveals that despite the abolition of the North West regional development agency, the region was able to lure 5,572 jobs - a 50% increase on the 2011 figure of 3,715.

Reflecting its status as the commercial heartbeat of the region, Greater Manchester secured the largest number of investments in 2012 (20) in the North West, compared to 11 in Merseyside, eight in Cheshire, four in Lancashire and one in Cumbria.

Liverpool city region though was home to one of the biggest single investments as Indian owner Tata ramped-up production at its Land Rover manufacturing plant in Halewood, creating 1,500 jobs.

Overall the North West ranked number one for number of jobs created out of 12 UK regions, ahead of London (4,018) and Scotland (4,867).

Simon Allport, Ernst & Young’s North West senior partner said: “The figures demonstrate that the North West is a regional powerhouse when securing inward investment. Our infrastructure and skilled workforce are an attractive proposition to foreign investors.”

The 5,572 jobs were created by 44 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects locating in the North West in 2012 – an increase of 13% on 2011 (39).

The North West, Yorkshire, the North East, and the West Midlands were the only English regions to show an improved performance in the number of FDI projects secured compared to 2011.

The other five including, London, South East, East of England, East Midlands and the South West all suffered a slump.

In marked contrast, the devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland saw dramatic rises in FDI - 49%, 244% and 71% as they were able to offer more attractive incentives to investors.

The North West region attracted investment largely from the traditional locations of the US (9 projects), France (5), Ireland (4), and Germany (4) compared to Brazil (1), Russia (1), India (2) and none from China. By sector, foreign investors in machinery and equipment, and business services were most attracted to the region.

The E&Y attractiveness survey, which analyses inward investment and the attitudes of global investors, reveals that the UK retained top spot in Europe for FDI.

The survey of 314 global investors showed satisfaction with the UK tax regime jumping from 53% to 61% - helping the UK to secure a market leading 29 of the 168 headquarter relocations in Europe, compared to 12 in the previous year. Labour costs were the other factor cited as having improved dramatically, with the satisfaction rating up to 63% from 48%.

[VDB]

MEN

Manchester workers more loyal says survey

5 Jun 2013 05:30




Workers in Manchester are more loyal and less money motivated than those in London, according to a new survey by recruitment firm Robert Walters.

The firm's Career Lifestyle Survey reveals that just 35 per cent of Manchester-based employees consider remuneration and benefits ‘very important’ to their job satisfaction, compared to 46 per cent of London workers.

Instead Manchester workers are more motivated by an interesting job, with 57 per cent rating this ‘very important’ to their job satisfaction, compared to 50 per cent of Londoners.

Work-life balance is considered crucial in both locations, with 59 per cent of professionals in Manchester and 61 per cent in London saying it’s ‘very important’, but the survey reveals that people working in Manchester have more spare time outside of their jobs, working an average of 43.1 hours per week compared to 44.8 in London.

The survey also reveals that Manchester staff are more loyal to their employers, with 60 per cent believing they should stay with each company they are employed by for at least three years, compared to 55 per cent of London workers.

Chris Poole, director of Robert Walters’ Manchester office, said: “It’s clear from our survey professionals working in Manchester are less motivated by compensation than those in London.

“While the overall benefits package is obviously important to a certain extent, most are more concerned by an interesting and rewarding job.

“This is further endorsed by the fact they prefer to stay with employers longer, primarily because they like to build a career with a business and make a valuable long-term contribution over a sustained period of time.”

[Irish Blood English Heart]

The Co Op bank will be bailed out (or rather bailed in) tomorrow to the tune of 1.5bn. I'd say the dream of a Manchester based & ethical bank is dead.

[LNGCats]

Not state aid from what I can tell.

Peston about to provide a blog explaining.

Still, at least the business and the local employment seems safe.

[LNGCats]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22925580 and http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22929463