Coreena Ford

Chronicle and Journal business writer

Coreena Ford is a North East correspondent for BusinessLive and business reporter for the Chronicle and Journal in Newcastle, covering all sectors and with a specialism in property. She has been a regional journalist for 25 years, having previously covered everything from news to the arts, before moving to the business team six years ago.

Street food leader Mowgli and Global Maritime become first new tenants at former Cafe Royal

The listed building was acquired by MCM Group which has spent £1.5m to turn it into contemporary space

Hays Travel snaps up the Holiday With Us Group to add more shops to growing network

The deal was completed as Hays Travel marked its busiest day on record for bookings at the weekend

Turnover jumps at Adderstone Group as strategic move into affordable housing pays off

Last year the property investment firm also sold the Rivergreen Centre office in an £11m deal

North East deals of the week: key acquisitions, contracts and investments

Companies featuring in the first round up of the year include Aspire Technology Solutions, Tekmar, Stack, Merit, Anglo Scottish Asset Finance Ltd, RS Industrials (North East) Ltd and Zenith People

WowzaBox recipe startup to launch fundraising round to heat up expansion plans

Joshy Jin founded WowzaBox during the pandemic for customers wanting to make restaurant-standard food at home

Eldon Square owners warn on future valuations despite revenue rise

Retail & High Street

The accounts for Intu Eldon Square Ltd show the centre's value dropped by £16m in 2022

North East confectioner Sweetdreams snapped up by SugaRich in undisclosed deal

The Cramlington company is known for its nostalgic treats including Choc Nibbles

Ward Hadaway to invest in staff and clients’ future following year of growth

Company Results

Ward Hadaway has now published it accounts showing turnover growth of 5%

People on the move: key North East appointments and promotions of the week

This week's round-up features Burnetts Solicitors LLP, Ad Gefrin, Thirteen, Northumberland Community Bank, and Avison Young

Gateshead's Aspire Technology Solutions seals deal for Scottish firm

The former North East Company of the Year is looking to expand its geographical footprint and move into new areas of technology

North East leisure operator Stack seals investment from Kings Park Capital

The investment will help the firm ramp up plans to take its popular drinking and dining destinations across the UK

County Durham's Anglo Scottish Asset Finance completes management buyout

The deal comes after a strong year for the business in which it added three new divisions

Construction pioneer Merit to deliver Norwich Hospital unit in five months

The Cramlington company will use advanced 4D BIM modelling technology to deliver the new health centre in record time

North East business ones to watch in 2024: a baker, builders and scientists

Companies making the list of the firms to watch out for in the year ahead include BDN, FAB Bakery, Pneuma Group, DEScycle and 3D Bio Tissues

Pacifica Group bounces back to profit of £17m after strong year of acquisitions

Company Results

The white good specialist acquired three companies in the financial year - and also sold off 90% of a main subsidiary

Tivoli to create new jobs after launching new North East hub

The grounds maintenance business has expanded into Boldon Business Park

Historic Pendower Hall set to be sold to new owners following appointment of receivers

Receivers at FRP Advisory were appointed to the building in the week before Christmas

People on the move: key North East appointments and promotions

Companies welcoming new arrivals and making promotions this week include Square One Law, Omnicom Media Group, McBryde & Co, Advanced Renewable Power and The Alnwick Garden

Fashion firm Barbour tots up 20% rise in turnover but supply chain issues continue

The firm's profits dropped as it absorbed rising costs without passing them on to customers

Durham based MGL Group to make investments after profits rise 68%

Turnover rose to £104m at the County Durham civil engineering and demolition business

Brims Construction hails robust results in year of change and challenges

The Sunderland business acquired the Teesside division of collapsed contractor Tolent during the financial year

The year in business 2023: the 10 most significant deals of the year

The business team selects the 10 most significant transactions involving North East companies in 2023

Lanchester Group returns record results despite "perfect storm" of outside challenges

The County Durham firm said that revenues had grown for a 10th consecutive year

Northern law firm Ward Hadaway increases headcount as revenues grow

Full accounts for the Newcastle-based firm are expected to be published in January

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