This week we bring you news of a takeover at the MEN, the new NWDA Climate Change plan and an award for a leading Manchester technology company. A young solicitor wins our 'Woman of the Week" accolade, Argent are 'Business of the Week' and Russell Holt reveals more than he should in our 'Who Are Yer?' feature. Enjoy TFI, have a great weekend and don't do anything Frank wouldn't do...

The Guardian Media Group this week announced the sale of the Manchester Evening News and its sister titles to Trinity Mirror for £44.8 million. The sale does not include TV station Channel M. Trinity, which also owns the Liverpool Daily Post and Echo, said the acquisition would complement its existing portfolio in regional media.

Downtown Chairman Frank McKenna looks at the mess that is football finance.

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Manchester based leading technology infrastructure specialists ANS Group has been awarded a three star rating for the second year running by Best Companies, the highest attainable accreditation.

Despite a record number of applications, ANS Group is just one of 50 companies who have achieved the rating this year and one of only six in the North West.

The star rating system awards the best companies who demonstrate high levels of employee engagement each year. Best Companies offers one star to businesses considered first class, two stars for outstanding companies and three stars for the most extraordinary achievements.

The Chairman of the Northwest Development Agency, Robert Hough today opened the third annual Climate Change Conference in Manchester, which included the launch of the revised Northwest Climate Change Action Plan for 2010-2012. CLICK HERE for details.

The Institute of Directors (North West) has confirmed that distinguished Conservative MP, the Hon. Ken Clarke, will be the keynote speaker at this year’s Institute of Directors North West Annual Conference. Clarke will join a host of guest speakers including leading businesswoman Karren Brady, IoD Director General Miles Templeman, and Manchester United Chief Operating Officer Michael Bolingbroke at the event on Wednesday 23rd March, at Old Trafford.

To book your place at the Old Trafford event, contact the IoD North West office on 0161 209 3152. Tickets are available to IoD members at a price of £79 +VAT, and at £99 +VAT for non-members. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

Given the go ahead this week for a £50million redevelopment of Elisabeth House in the city's St Peters Square, Argent are working in partnership with Manchester's public agencies to create a modern, 270,000 square ft office building that will stand at 14 storeys.

Katie, a trainee lawyer at city legal firm Pannone has beaten off competition from her peers across the UK to secure a coveted secondment with the Law Society in Brussels. Katie will gain experience of the European Union’s legislative and political process in Brussels during her six month stint in Europe.

Not exactly sure what the point of this site is, but it certainly looks the business.

http://www.screenvader.com/root.html

26th February, 12:00 noon, EastzEast
Riverside Branch, off Deansgate, Manchester.

In association with Downtown Manchester in Business.

With Rugby Legend Dean Richards and Comedian Jamie Sutherland.

Just £45 per person + VAT

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The spectacular Cloud 23 at the Hilton Hotel will host the launch of Downtown Manchester in Business. The event will take place on Thursday 11th March, kick off at 6pm, with Sir Howard Bernstein and DMIB Chairman Frank McKenna addressing guests at the premier venue in the city. To register your interest in attending this very special occassion please CLICK HERE

Name: Russell Holt

Company: UHY Hacker Young

Position: Business Development Partner

Red or Blue: Manchester United

Brown or Cameron: Neither, both totally uninspiring

Favourite Bar/Restaurant: Grill on the Alley

What’s your Tipple: Asahi

Favourite Band: Deacon Blue

Top Tune: Dignity

Favourite Book: The Bear and the Dragon

Favourite Movie: A Few Good Men

Who would play you in a film: Chris Noth

Favourite TV Programme: Spooks

Most visited website: ManUtd.com

Celebrity Crush: Jennifer Aniston

Interesting Fact about you: Would include Phillumeny as one of my hobbies.