TAYLOR WIMPEY and private equity firm 3i asked investors for £1.2bn yesterday in an attempt to bolster their strained balance sheets.

As well as reducing debt, the pair said the fundraising put them in a better position to seize on investment opportunities.

Taylor Wimpey hopes to raise £510m through a placing and open offer of shares. 3i wants £700m in a heavily discounted rights issue. Capital raisings so far this year have included HSBC and bookmaker William Hill.

JOBS CREATED: Three store openings in the Dalton Park retail outlet, County Durham, have meant the creation of ten jobs. Giftware chain Collectables has created four jobs, and menswear shop and homeware company Broomhill and Co have both created three. The openings at the outlet, in Murton, follow the opening of a string of stores last year, including Gap, Subway, Past Times and Sleepmasters.

SURVIVAL SEMINAR: An event is being held for North- East businesses to hear more about how to survive and thrive during the economic downturn. The Riding The Economic Waves seminar is being held at St James’ Park, Newcastle, on Wednesday.

Organised by financial firm Harlands, it will look raising finance, pension planning and protecting investments.

To book a place, call 01207- 581717 or email info@ harland.co.uk EBAY MASTERCLASS: A free workshop is being held for people who trade on eBay and want to increase sales.

The aim of the seminar is to take trading to the next level. It will look at minimising fees, increasing visibility and advanced photography tips. The workshop is being held on Wednesday, at Innovation House, South Church Enterprise Park, Bishop Auckland, from 4pm to 7pm.

To book, call 01388-776688.

CONFERENCE DATE: The North-East Contact Centre Conference on Wednesday will look at issues and challenges facing the future development and prosperity of the call centre industry, including skills development. The event, Meeting The Challenge, has been organised by the Tyne and Wear Development Company. To register for the event, call 0191-370-9559.

FIRM RESULT: Engineering company Express Engineering has been given a recognised industry accreditation. The company, based on Team Valley, was approved following a threeday audit of its procedures by the British Standards Institute.