News in Brief: Start-up event, Punch Taverns, Mr Machinery

Advice event for Black Country start-ups

NEW and start-up businesses in the Walsall area can pick up advice and support at a showcase event next month. Walsall Council’s ‘Think Walsall’ business support team has joined forces with Hadens Solicitors to offer free workshops, seminars and one-to-one sessions.

Among the topics on the agenda are the importance of good business planning, procurement opportunities, benefits of day-to-day business management and websites and IT. There will also be a range of exhibitors on hand to share their knowledge and experience.

The Start-Up and Business Growth Showcase 2011 is being held on March 15 from 10am to 6pm in The Bonser Suite, at Walsall FC. For further information and to book tickets email Carol Remy at Hadens Solicitors on cremy@hadens.co.uk or call 01922 707595.

Director steps down from Punch Taverns’ board

STAFFORDSHIRE-based pubco Punch Taverns has announced that Ian Wilson will be stepping down as non-executive director from its board with immediate effect. The move is due to Mr Wilson relocating to Switzerland with his company, packaging manufacturer Amcor. In a company statement, Punch Taverns said Mr Wilson had made “a considerable contribution to the business” since joining its board in 2007. In a separate announcement, group financial controller Steve Dando has been appointed to the role of acting finance director, with effect from this week. As a result, Phil Dutton, whose resignation was announced in November, has now left the business. Mr Dando joined Punch Taverns, which is headquartered in Burton, in 2003 as chief accountant and was promoted to group financial controller in 2009.

Auction website looks to expand Euro operations

A SHROPSHIRE-based used plant and heavy equipment auction website is expanding by recruiting new staff to develop its European client base. Mrmachinery.com recently took on a new sales manager and an auction co-ordinator at its Shrewsbury head office. It is now looking to expand its team further by hiring territory managers to work at their base in Belgium and new offices in Germany and France, scheduled to open later this year. The new recruits will be responsible for generating new clients and sourcing used plant and machinery for auction Chief executive Mark Bacon said: “This is a very exciting time for Mr Machinery and the company is looking to build on the success of a strong performance in 2010.”