AN awards scheme has been launched to reward enterprise, innovation, environmental performance and skills development among the 4,000 manufacturing businesses in the North-East.

The EEF Future Manufacturing Awards, launched by manufacturers’ organisation EEF, gives recognition to companies successfully seizing the business opportunities in the fastgrowing low carbon market.

The region’s winners will be announced in November and they will go forward to the national finals. For more information, or to enter, log onto eef.org.uk/awards before the end of July.

RECESSION ADVICE: Business rescue and recovery firm Leonard Curtis is holding a free breakfast seminar at the Gateshead Hilton, on Wednesday, May 13, to give advice on the practical steps businesses can take to manage their way through the recession. It will cover topics including how to deal with creditor pressure and funding packages. For more details, and to register, contact Bonnie Mansell on 0161-831-9999 or email bonnie.mansell@leonard curtis.co.uk PROFITS DIVE: Homebase and Argos owner Home Retail Group has said its annual profits slumped by a quarter last year as consumers cut spending. It said the group cannot be immune from the economic downturn, posting pre-tax profits of £328m in the year to February 28, compared with £433m a year earlier.

The group, which also warned of tough times ahead, said it expected prices to rise in the future as retailers pass on the cost impact of a weak pound.

FIVE NOMINATIONS: ContiTech Beattie, which provides hose technology for the oil and gas industry, will compete in five categories in this year’s Manufacturing Excellence Awards, run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. The company, in Ashington, Northumberland, is a world leader in its sector, and is the only North-East firm to be shortlisted for the awards.

ContiTech Beattie employs 82 people in Ashington and has seen turnover rise from £16m in 2004 to £28m last year, increasing operating profitability by 338 per cent from 2004 to 2008.